Young dress up for a day at the track

Among those celebrating 200 years of racing in Australia was the Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir, who presented The Sun-Herald Governor Macquarie Cup to the winning horse, Celts, ridden by Tommy Berry.

With yesterday marking Sydney as the birthplace of racing in Australia, AJC head of marketing and sponsorship Bettina Brown said transforming the trackside lawns into a kiddy wonderland was about bringing the next generation to the track.

''We want to bring back the generation that have young kids and used to come, it's a great excuse to get together with several families. Dad can have a bet, Mum can have a champagne and the kids can enjoy Dora The Explorer.''

And while pot plants fell over and chairs flew, hundreds of children dressed in their spring best enjoyed The Sun Herald's Fashions on the Field, a highlight of the raceday.

There were plenty of goosebumps and brave smiles on display as well as feathered headbands and lace gloves as racegoers of all ages braved the winds. Among the judges was Peter Phelps's four-year-old daughter, Polly, winner of Best Dressed Girl at the last Autumn Carnival's Kids' Fashions on the Field.

''I was writing the numbers but Polly was definitely picking out the trends she liked - 'I like this one in polka dots, dad, or that bag looks great,'' Phelps said.

''I always choose what I wear,'' said Polly before hopping on the teacup ride with big sister Aja Blue, aged seven.

Polly and her sister wore Fiona Scanlan.

Winner of the Best Dressed Girl was Ana Guglielmi, 4, of Kirribilli and Best Dressed Boy went to Adam Buckley, 7, of Richmond, who both won a Roar & Snore package to Taronga Zoo.

For the adults, a highlight of the weekend was the Memorabilia Room which displayed Australia's most significant racing memorabilia, including a hat display from racing queen, Gai Waterhouse.