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Whether you’re backing the three-year-old filly She Will Reign at tomorrow’s Everest (read: the world’s richest turf race) or your quinella is now covering new favourite Vega Magic and Clearly Innocent, it’s as important that the GRAZIA woman’s fascinator is as well-placed as her bets. Racing royalty and Everest ambassador Kate Waterhouse gets you clued up on pre-race-day beauty routines, the heels that actually vibrate to tell you your race is on and the hat/fascinator/crown debate. (That is, in between trying to switch our betting minds by backing her mum’s horse, English.)
EVEREST HAS A HUGE PRIZE-POOL SO ITS VERY IMPORTANT WE PLACE OUR BETS WELL. WHO SHOULD WE BE TIPPING?
“I’ve only been following my mum [Gai Waterhouse]’s horse English. She’s very confident with her, she’s a wonderful sprinter and is being ridden by Blake Shinn so fingers crossed. It’s such an exciting time for the racing paternity and I guess Sydney in general to have this race. It brings in such a huge prize-pool of money and such a great day.”
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE NIGHT BEFORE A BIG RACE DAY – IT’S A LONG DAY AT THE RACES, WHAT DOES YOUR NIGHT-BEFORE RITUAL LOOK LIKE?
“I think the night before is all about getting everything in order so it’s not such a mad rush to get out the door the next day. Normally I have my outfit all ready so in the morning I’m not trying to work out exactly what to wear. I have the shoes and hat out, I know what look I want to do with my hair and makeup, I have my handbag packed. I normally get a spray tan, I get my nails done, all the small things!”
TALKING BEAUTY, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DO THE NIGHT BEFORE TO ENSURE YOUR SKIN IS IN IT’S BEST FORM TO HOLD MAKEUP ALL DAY?
“I moisturise the night before because for me, I don’t like to wear too much moisturiser on the day because I find that my makeup does wear-off a little bit if I have too much on. The night before though, I really try and lather up on the rosehip oil, a body cream and an eye cream to hydrate and make sure my skin is as soft as possible.”
WHEN DO YOU GET THE SPRAY TAN?
“I like it the day before. Normally it looks great the fresher it is. I exfoliate, put on an Express tan for four hours and wash it off and lather up with moisturiser. I also wash my hair the day before. No matter whether it’s an up-do or my hair is out, it always falls into place better than if it’s washed the morning of race day.”
THE UNPREDICTAHEEL IS VERY CYBORG LOOKING AND ACTUALLY DOES SOME INCREDIBLY FUTURISTIC THINGS – DO YOU ACTUALLY TAP YOUR HEEL THREE TIMES TO ORDER YOUR CAR RIDE HOME? DO YOU KICK AND PAY? AND DOES THE VIBRATING FEEL STRANGE IN THE TOE?
“It has a member’s chip already inside the shoe, it’s got a betting guide. The Unpredictaheel actually vibrates to alert you that your race is about to start. I’ve never heard anything like it!”
AS A WATERHOUSE, YOU’RE AT THE RACES ALL DAY, HOW DO YOU SPEND IT? WHO ARE YOU WITH? HOW MANY RACES DO YOU ACTUALLY BET ON?
“I guess the races are always a little bit different. I’ve been going to the track ever since I was a little kid. A normal race day would be going with my mum and other members of my family. We’d get a table at the Members Bar and get lunch there and have a quieter day. But for big race days like this, there’s a lot going on, I’ve got media from the moment I arrive, I’m interviewing Jason Derulo, there’s amazing hospitality and bars. If anyone is thinking of heading to the races over the carnival, this is one of the days to do it.”
Credit: Supplied
STYLING WISE, THIS SEASON WE’VE SEEN A PUSH TOWARDS PANT SUITS… WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? ARE YOU INTO THEM?
“Yes! I’ve done it a couple of times and people have been like, ‘You can’t wear that!’ and I’m like, ‘Of course you can!’. I’m really into the masculine-feminine look for racing, it’s very striking. This Saturday the theme is white with a touch of baby blue so I’m going for a dress this Saturday. But it’s a long day out so the pants are stylish but comfortable.”
THERE’S ALWAYS A QUESTION OVER THE HAT, THE FASCINATOR OR THE LAST FEW SEASONS THE CROWN, WHICH ARE THIS SEASON LEANING TOWARDS?
“It honestly comes down to what you’re wearing. In the old days, the option was just a hat but now there’s many form bejewelled headbands to little boaters. I love big, beautiful bows at the moment. I think it’s used to be daunting for women to come out to the races and wear a hat when they maybe weren’t used to it. Nowadays, you can wear a really pretty crown that you can re-use and wear to wedding or on a night out.”
A FEW HOURS INTO THE DAY, WHAT DO YOU DO TO TOUCH-UP YOUR MAKEUP?
“I always take some sort of lipstick or lip gloss and concealer. I don’t really take a lot. Sometimes I might take a blush or a bronzer but the main thing is the lips and maybe under the eyes.”
WHAT’S IN YOUR HANDBAG?
“My handbag is usually so small! But I’ll have my keys, phone, wallet, my member’s tickets, my form guide for a little but of a punt and a pen so if anyone has any tips, you can write them on.”
WHEN DO YOU PLACE YOUR BETS – IS IN MONTHS IN ADVANCE OR ON THE DAY?
“To me, it’s just a bit of fun so I’ll do it at the races. I never really bet too far in advanced!”