Great day for fun, fashion

IT is described as the race that stops the nation.
And at 3.10pm in Ballarat yesterday, it was easy to understand why.
From primary schools and sporting clubs to hotels and nursing homes, all eyes were on television sets as the Melbourne Cup got underway.
At Zagame's in Main Rd, hundreds of people filled the bar, bistro and TAB areas to watch the famous race.
The fashions were a little less stylish than those flaunted at Flemington, and there were plenty of punters offering words of advice.
Nursing student Pieta Shakes put her money on Distinctly Secret.
Pieta, 21, said a "big night out" had influenced her decision to back the five-year-old.
Peter Egglestone, who was enjoying a beer with mates Peter Edmondson and Neven Skrokov, said Bart Cummings' gelding was a sure thing.
"I think Frightening will win. We've got to stop those import horses," he said.
His friends agreed.
"It's a certainty," they said.
Earlier in the day, St Francis Xavier College pupils celebrated the Melbourne Cup with their very own hobby horse race and fashion parade.
Some children dressed up as horses and jockeys in a bid to win the fashion stakes, while others put their millinery skills to the test.
The school's own Melbourne Cup - a 50-metre hobby horse race involving the preps - was won by Nicholas Strachan and Ben Simpson.
At Ballarat Health Services WB Messer Hostel, residents left the racing to the experts.
Instead, they concentrated on frocking up, decorating their hats and having fun.
BHS chief executive officer Andrew Rowe visited the hostel to judge the fashions, which were won by Julia Egan (Best Dressed Lady), Stan Lafranchi (Best Dressed Gent) and Gert Ryan (Best Hat).
Fashion was also a highlight of a Ladies Luncheon at the Midlands Golf Club yesterday.
About 100 women enjoyed the luncheon, which included a two-course meal, live music by Entertainment Anonymous and plenty of champagne.
Function coordinator Karen Beggs said a fashion parade by Woolshed Clothing was a highlight of the event.
The racing of the Melbourne Cup came a close second, she said.
"This is the second year we've held the Ladies Luncheon and everybody had a wonderful time," Ms Beggs said.
As for winners, former school principal Kath Hayes was the envy of many at Zagame's, backing all three placegetters in the Cup.
Unfortunately for Ms Hayes, her bets were placed individually and not as a trifecta, which was worth a cool $13,203.
"I didn't even think to back them as a trifecta," she said.
"I'm happy enough as it is. I've had a good day."