A nasty run-in with an iron hasn't stopped a Kiwi from flying high in the prestigious Melbourne Cup Fashion on the Field event.
Gisborne financial analyst and farmer Laura Williams is riding high after coming second in the Best Suited category, despite accidentally burning her Brat-green trousers while ironing them before the contest.
"The iron had a surge and burned a big mark, jet-black and the size of a fist, right on the front of one of the legs," Williams said.
Her husband Jack ran to a nearby art supplies store and the couple painted as best they could over the stain. Then, when on the catwalk in front of VIP judges including model-actress Elizabeth Hurley and her model son Damien, Williams did her best to distract them from the hasty repair job.
"I was winking and trying to pop my collar and doing everything I could to keep their eyes above the stain. I guess they liked my confidence."
Laura Williams, centre, took second place in the Best Suited category as part of the Melbourne Cup's Fashion on the Field events. Sydney accountant Kalombo Ntumba, won first place. Photo: Jack Williams
Williams, who was pre-selected as an international digital finalist for the contest, was already battling a foot injury before heading to Melbourne.
"It was such a hectic day, I'd already started with a bit of a disaster because of my foot."
While her distinctive circular hat, shoes and handbag will get another outing some day, Williams said her suit, which was custom-made by "very talented" Gisborne dressmaker Helen May, had probably run its last race.
"I'll be able to wear the blazer again, but I think the suit will have to be retired from outside wear. I might just have to hang on to the memory."
Fellow Kiwi competitor, Waikato florist Claudia Campbell, won third place in the Best Dressed section, which her younger sister Eleanor won in 2023.