FASHION: Ladies day at the tracks
It was indeed a beautiful day at the races last Saturday when Courts Jamaica Limited played host to the ladies at the Caymanas Tracks at its annual Oaks Day.
Flags in red, yellow and blue fluttered playfully from flagpoles that adorned the main gate of the tracks welcoming the ladies who were fed and feted for the day.
Patrons and guests were kept entertained with dance contests featuring entrants who were on the heavy side, but seemed quite comfortable with themselves as they gyrated on the stage in tight jeans and skirts showing the flexibility of their waist lines and displaying their well endowed “bumpers” much to the delight of the males in the audience. The men were not left out as they too participated in an announcer’s contest, which saw the winner going home with a boom box.
In keeping with time-honoured tradition, special guests were asked to wear hats to enhance the flair of the day. This they all did and what a beautiful sight it was to behold. The ladies were dressed in their finest. The hats were simply gorgeous and looked as if they came straight out of Elle or Vogue magazines. The matching outfits were just as elegant. There were bold red skirt suits as was worn by Ambassador Madge Barrett, green skirt suits which were worn by Marigold Harding, wife of Senator Ossie Harding and Lady Patricia Golding, widow of Sir John Golding. Ouida Ridgard, former executive at Courts Jamaica Limited was immaculate in white cutwork embroidery.
The ladies, who were seated in the North Lounge of the track, also tried their hands at a little gambling as they placed bets on their favourite horses. Some lost while others were full of glee as their choice horse emerged as a winner or placed in the race.
In recognising the contribution and dedication to their charity work, the ladies were also honoured by Caymanas Track Limited with beautifully framed certificates that were presented to them by Rose Campbell, president of Caymanas Track Limited.
Among those honoured were Ruby Martin, Dr Grace Haynes, Kay Williams, Lady Patricia Golding, Thyra Heaven, Erma Clarke and Nurse Marie Clemetson. Special presentations were made to Ambassadors
Madge Barrett and Marjorie Taylor, apart from their work with charitable organisations, were also recognised for their outstanding work in the Government service.