By Luke Voogt
Brianna Murphy has won Geelong Cup’s Fashions on the Field in her first attempt modelling her own outfit, after several years entering through her sister.
The Geelong West designer had a clean sweep in the fashion stakes, winning best headwear, Local Lady of Day and the main competition.
“I can’t believe it! I feel selfish taking home all of the prizes,” she said.
Brianna had always designed outfits on the side but after giving birth to her first son 11 months ago she put more time into fashion, she said.
“I’ve wanted to be a designer since before I can remember.“
She sewed the outfit and attended CrossFit to get into shape during maternity leave.
Brianna described stepping out from “behind the scenes” this year as a huge confidence boost, after several attempts with sister Rochelle Barnett modelling her outfits.
“I was a bit nervous to go out, wear my outfit and promote myself,” she said.
Brianna won in her outfit combining modern asymmetry and scuba knit with a traditional long skirt and waistline.
She was surprised to win, especially with Rochelle wearing another of her outfits, she said.
“I was like, ‘my sister has won this for sure’.“
Runaway won the big race in yet another local success story.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained the horse, from Rosemont Stud just west of Geelong.
“That’s just a great racing story,” Geelong Racing Club president Peter Murrihy said.
“I knew a lot of people involved in the horse and how much it meant to them to win their local cup.“
About 13,000 people attended, with police arresting one person for intoxication and evicting two others from Geelong Racecourse.
“Overall we are very pleased with the behaviour of all patrons who attended,” Geelong Acting Inspector Shane Madigan said.
