Fancy hats, elaborate dresses and decadent jewellery were the must-haves at the New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Addington Raceway in Christchurch yesterday.
Kendal McSorley won the fashion art prize hands down for her dress. The model and make-up artist won the Artswear section of the fashion competition.
The fashion competitions are
a staple of Cup Day with awards being given to Best Dressed Female and Male and Best Body Art.
More than 25,000 people were expected, with everyone receiving alcohol-control wristbands when they entered. If a person became too drunk, security staff cut the wristband off so they would no longer be served alcohol.
This year Addington Raceway imposed a much stricter alcohol policy which, besides the wristbands, included more available water and more low-alcohol and food options.
Addington was almost stripped of its liquor licence last year because of past alcohol-related problems.
Sergeant Steve Burke of Christchurch police noticed a "definite" improvement in crowd behaviour this year because of the bracelets and alcohol policy.
Police made only two arrests yesterday - one for assault and the other for disorderly behaviour.
"There were a few people escorted out because you always get a few idiots at big events, but everyone was generally very well behaved."
Mr Burke said there were 16 to 18 police working at the event.
Police were expecting a big "Saturday-type night" in the CBD with people heading out clubbing after the races, but he did not foresee much trouble given the crowd's behaviour throughout the day.
Addington Raceway promotions manager Richard Bromley said the crowd of 20,000-22,000 was very well behaved and the number of wristbands snipped off was in the single digits.
APN News & Media
