Four-year-old gelding Past Master surprised punters by stealing the show at the J&B Met at Kenilworth Racecourse yesterday.
He clinched victory ahead of big favourites Mother Russia and Run For It, which placed second and third respectively.
But if it wasn’t the horses that got everyone talking, it was the fashion. This year’s theme was “Larger than Life” and some celebrities scored a fashion win - such as actress Natalie Becker in a purple number by Richard Huisamen from Hip Hop and a matching hairpiece, TV personality Jo-Ann Strauss in a long, stunning red dress, and comedian Marc Lottering, defining casual in a candy-striped blazer and jeans.
However, others trailed in the sartorial stakes, including Chester Williams, who was dressed in a silky lime-green and sky-blue suit coupled with white shoes. Then there were those who donned kilts, a man in an animal print suit, another in baggy sequinned pants with a feathered blazer, and a few women who went small rather than large in barely-there outfits.
In the lavish J&B tent, the who’s who camped out, indulging in fine food and champagne and rubbing shoulders with local celebrities.
Across the race track, other punters lounged on the grass in their finery, eating burgers and boerewors rolls.
“I feel like I’m in the French revolution,” joked comedian Joey Rasdien, who attended for the first time. “We’re eating cake and langoustines and on the other side they’re having braai.”
Idols winner Elvis Blue also enjoyed his first time at the event.
Most of the finalists in the most elegant couple competition sported specially designed ensembles. Brazillian couple Landerson Braga and Marianne Fonseca walked away with the crown.
The pair wore matching outfits in the J&B colours of red and yellow. She wore a printed maxi dress, he a dapper, Victorian-inspired ensemble complete with top hat.
Enthusiasts also wished a fond final farewell to champion Pocket Power, who didn’t place in the race.
The Met was the eight-year-old gelding’s last run before retiring. He was honoured with a farewell parade around the track just before the last race. - Sunday Argus
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