Country tracks gear up for autumn racing

Shooting on the luscious green polo fields at Sam Coulton's family property, Morella, just south of Goondiwindi, you could be forgiven for thinking we were at the likes of Doomben or Flemington racecourse.

But the relaxed interaction between Sam and friend Grace Cobb as the shutter clicked and XXXX-Gold stubbies were handed around, was a casual reminder of where we were.

So too were the animated movements coming from behind the camera as friend Paddy Glasser hollered and waved his Akubra hat to cajole the horse, Breezey, to prick her ears forward.

For Fairfax Media journalist Grace Cobb, appearing confident for a photo shoot should be second nature.

After growing up at Doonkoona, near Tara, before relocating to a property near Guyra, in northern New South Wales, the striking brunette then went on to model and later report on fashion both in Australia and overseas.

"It was always incredible to be at fashion week in Perth or Sydney and see a designer like Dion Lee send tailored wool garments down the runway with some customised RMs," Grace said of her experience in the fashion industry.

"I was sweeping that wool from the shearing shed floor at home, 15 years before I ever saw it head down the runway."

Remarkably down-to-earth, Grace said she was still shocked to have earned herself a place working in the industry.

"Days like modelling for Alex Perry, his garments were so beautiful, I was genuinely concerned I may trip and tear one," she said.

"Fashion Weeks were just a whirlwind and an incredible way to see Australia.

"There was a tangible difference in collections and aesthetics from Perth to Melbourne to Brisbane."

She was a country girl at heart, however, and returned to rural life last year when she took a job at the Goondiwindi Argus - a position she'd seen advertised while holidaying with family.

"I love fashion and style is a guilty pleasure of mine. I guess, though, I was never going to be fulfilled simply working in fashion and I wanted to write about things that mattered," Grace said.

"After writing a blog about the drought in 2014 while living in Sydney, I felt like I was writing something worthwhile."

For Grace's modelling offsider, Goondiwindi's Sam Coulton, this was a new experience, though he joked he had a "gut feeling the call would come one day".

The comment was clearly tongue-in-cheek, as when asked if he and a horse could be free on Saturday, Sam thought some mustering was in order and happily obliged.

Just as well this avid racegoer already had a pressed white shirt and dry cleaned jacket at the ready.

"It's always good to pull out the jacket and boots even if it is 40 degrees and you should be irrigating," the cotton farmer said.

"The races always seem to make people scrub up nicely and behave responsibly. I am sure a fair few relationships were started at country race meets over the years."

Describing his style as "relaxed, with a little bit of Boggabilla charm", Sam said it was a similar atmosphere he thrives on at country race meets.

"[It's] where all walks of life get to mingle and perhaps back a winner," he said.

"Country race meets are a great way for young people in the bush to catch up and see old mates that live long distances away."

Catching up with friends is the first on Sam's to-do list when at a meet.

"Putting a few [bets] on the nose, having a few Milton mangos and running my eye over the fillies in the birdcage" rate highly after for the confident bachelor.

Sam and Grace both already have a number of meets down in the diary that they hope to attend this season.

Naturally, Goondiwindi picnics on April 11 are a must-do for the locals.

Grace is also on the committee.

This is the first autumn racing season she will experience since returning to rural Queensland.

Her fashion and style skills are still being put to good use, though, as Grace has accepted an important role as one of three Fashions on the Field judges at the Roma Picnic Races on March 14.

Joining her is Toowoomba's Hayley Bonomi, the creative brilliance behind Polly and Peaches Headwear Designs.

Proving you can't always get perfection, the third judge will be me, Queensland Country Life's Town and Country editor Andrea Crothers.

I'll be balancing out the incredibly talented judging panel - hopefully with more success than in those high heels at the St George races a couple of years ago.

Even the most fashionable fillies can tumble on the all-terrain, right?

FASHIONABLE FILLIES: Breezey and Fairfax Media journalist Grace Cobb are well-groomed and ready to race.

As former model and fashion reporter Grace Cobb prepares to judge the Fashions on the Field at Roma Picnic Races on March 14, she shares some of her tips for looking stylish trackside during this autumn racing season.

1. Embrace the opportunity for elegance.

It is important to distinguish between cocktail dresses and race wear - elegant-chic daywear is the order of the day.

There are incredible outfits on trend at the moment that echo the racing days of old.

Mid-length dresses, A-line skirts, sculptured dresses in embroidered lace, bold patterns and vibrant block colours.

The outfit shouldn't be short or figure-hugging. Remember the shorter the skirt, the lower the heel.

2. Go traditional for Fashions on The Field

The autumn dress code leaves a little more to the imagination than spring racing. This means dressing with covered shoulders, closed-in shoes, gloves and stockings. Autumn in country Queensland can often mean high temperatures so you can be forgiven for skipping the stockings.

3. The country gentleman has a dress code.

Insert some of that country charm by way of polished RM Williams boots and a clean Akubra.

Traditionally, suits are the way to go. If that's not quite your thing try slim cut pants or chinos with a sports jacket or blazer. Show some flare with your tie and pocket squares for the truly brave.

Navys and greys are great colours for autumn.

No denim, no exceptions.

4. Grooming matters.

Out here the races have the potential to be both windy and warm.

Hair is best worn up or at least pulled away from your face. Make-up should be kept minimal, using earthy tones, unless you are pairing a poppy lip colour with your outfit.

Make the most of naturally pale skin with bold autumn hues (purples, reds and emeralds) should you have it. If you feel the need to fake tan, do so two days before to let the colour settle into more of a glow.

The flying of dust and thundering of hooves down country Queensland's race tracks are sure to thrill. -Picture: Sally Nicol Rigney.

FASHIONISTAS aren't the only ones excited about the autumn racing season starting.

Racing Queensland has compiled a list of its pick of upcoming country race meets to plan ahead as the season gets under way.

"Queensland operates the broadest thoroughbred racing product in the country, hosting more than 50 per cent of all non-TAB race meetings," CEO Darren Condon said.

"The Country Showcase and Queensland Country Series have been well-supported across the industry and we are pleased to be able to bring quality racing to so many parts of the state again in 2015."