"I didn't pick it at all. I thought the judges were talking about someone else. I just thought, 'Oh well, it was fun'. So it was just a day of surprises, really."
Ms Roosenbrand, an online development specialist for Air New Zealand from Albany, picked up plenty of spoils with her wins.
For the Canvas women's racewear award, she won a night in the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour's prestige suite.
As the Viva Supreme Award winner, she won another night at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, including a massage for two, with meals. She will also claim a year's supply of designer prescription glasses or sunglasses, a $1500 Caci voucher and Murad products of $1500 retail value, two bespoke hats, a styling session with Natalie Chan and a 3D television.
The 30-year-old was at Ellerslie with two tables of family and friends as part of her birthday, which meant she had "pretty good support", she said.
Chief judge Janetta Mackay said the calibre of entrants this year had been impressive.
"Overall we thought there were some really nice, fresh looks this year and we liked that people were allowing their personalities to show," she said. "I think it's getting better all the time."
The Herald Christmas summer of racing continues on Saturday at Ellerslie. Gates open at 11am before the first race at 12.23pm.
