Racing season is almost upon us, and it’s time to dust off your fascinator, get those gorgeous red heels out of the cupboard, and pack your band-aids and Panadol! Let’s face it – no one wants to turn into a viral Facebook meme of THAT sloppy girl being carried out of Flemington racecourse. To make sure you make the most out of this year’s racing season (and to make it out alive, with your dignity intact) here are our golden rules for race day etiquette.

The Perfect Dress

Spring racing carnival is ALL about finding the perfect outfit. However, there are definitely strict instructions when it comes to the dress code! Men and women are required to wear ‘smart, suitable clothing’ at all times. Women are encouraged to wear heels, but as you may be standing around for long periods of time – it might not be the best idea to whip out your tallest 7 inch pair… Also, after that crop top and open midriff debacle circa 2014, you definitely do NOT want to be asked to leave because of ‘inappropriate attire’.  For those of you in the Birdcage and Member’s lounge, we advise that you read the dress code very carefully to avoid having to take that walk of shame from the marquee!

I Scream, You Scream!

Without question, the race that stops the nation is one of the most exciting moments of the day. If you’ve backed a winner, you’ll more than likely want to shout it from the rooftops! However, keep loud shouting and excitable screaming to a minimum – you don’t want to give security the impression you’re not able to keep at least some level of decorum!

Trackside Etiquette

Whether you’re in the prestigious Birdcage, or hanging with the boisterous crowds in the General Admission, standing directly in front of someone at the racetrack or at the TV screens is a BIG no-no. We’ve all been there, where you’re standing in your extremely painful (but totally fabulous) heels, and some loudmouth chooses to stand DIRECTLY in front of you, blocking your view. Try and make it as easy as possible for those behind you to get in on the action, and if you’re asked to move over an inch or two – it’s not the be all and end all!

Patience is a Virtue

Whether it’s waiting in line for the bathrooms, the bookies, the train on the way home, that fourth glass of champagne or to get an autograph…the queues are LONG. Don’t be the pushy person trying to get ahead of others. Everyone is in the same boat as you (and probably doesn’t reeeeeaaallllyyy need that fourth glass of champagne). No one likes the inebriated, loud mouthed person complaining about how they just ‘can’t deal’ with the queues. To keep yourself entertained while waiting, scroll through our Instagram and Facebook pages!

General Admission Disposition

Trying to find that ‘perfect’ picnic spot in the general admission is like finding that perfect pair of spanx under your race day outfit – an extremely tight squeeze with a bit of overhang on all sides. Be polite to those around you – keep some space between yourselves and your next door neighbours. Everyone is there to enjoy themselves, have a bite to eat and some bubbly, no one needs to get into an unnecessary argument about encroaching on someone else’s space. Lastly, definitely do NOT take someone else’s champagne, or you might find yourself on the wrong side of the barrier!

One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor…

We have ALL been guilty of enjoying ourselves a bit too much at the races, and getting a bit ‘loose’ too quickly in the day. No one wants to be THAT girl slurring her words, later becoming the brunt of many a Facebook meme. Pace yourself. If you’re thinking of not eating just to fit into that perfect race day outfit… we say think again! You’ll only be doing yourself a disservice later in the day when all that alcohol finally hits you… Our number one rule for avoiding complete and utter intoxication? Hydrate before you dehydrate!

Last But Not Least…

Ladies, if you can’t last all day in your heels, bring a spare pair of ballet flats. But do NOT (we repeat, do NOT) take your shoes off! We all understand that beauty is pain. We want you to remain the poised, elegant and graceful ladies that you are…vulgarity suits no one.  Even if you feel like giving into your pain…remember that there are horses around… we’d hate for you to step into someone else’s ‘business’ at the end of the day.