Cambridge marks Cup day in style

MARK TAYLOR/ Waikato Times

HIGH STAKES: Model Elizabeth Charleston with Cambridge Stud stallion Keeper.

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High fashion will meet high stakes in Cambridge next month in the first Cambridge Melbourne Cup Day.

International model and Waikato resident Elizabeth Charleston is known for her passion for fashion, horses and charity work, and as the race day ambassador for the Cambridge Melbourne Cup Day on November 3, she will be able to combine all three.

Having represented New Zealand both as a model and as an equestrian rider, Miss Charleston was chosen for the role by the charitable First Tuesday New Zealand Trust which is organising the function.

The day will also support two causes close to Miss Charleston's heart. She has been a supporter of the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust after a life-changing fall from a horse in 2005.

A severe concussion had lasting effects but instead of giving up, Miss Charleston is now one of New Zealand's top plus-size models and is committed to doing more for her community and the equestrian industry.

"You have a big wake up ... you have got to put back in," Miss Charleston said.

She is also enthusiastic about helping Cambridge Kids at Risk; a charitable organisation targeting children who do not have "a good run in life".

The charities will benefit from a fundraising auction in the Cambridge Raceway VIP Lounge on the day.

Top lots include a ticket for two to attend Ellerslie races on New Year's Day with businessman Owen Glenn – complete with a lunch with Mr Glenn and supermodel Kylie Bax.

Another is a share in a service fee to top stallion Keeper, worth $12,000, donated by Sir Patrick Hogan and Cambridge Stud.

Miss Charleston also encouraged people to dress up for the "Fashion in the Field" competition.

The winner will fly to next year's 150th anniversary Melbourne Cup at Flemington to take part in the 2010 Melbourne Cup Fashion in the Field. There will be other entertaining events throughout the day and an after-party at the Onyx Restaurant. "I hope we have great weather and people join us at the Cambridge Raceway with their picnic baskets or upstairs in the VIP Lounge," Miss Charleston said.