Best dressed gentlemen Luke Mitchell, Geurie, Cec Boland and Larry Parker of Wellington with Thoroughbred Events’ Sharon Lenton during the 2025 Wellington Boot Fashions on the Field.
Sharon Lenton sashes Best Dressed Lady, Caitlin Eather of Guntawang at 2025 Wellington Boot Fashions.
Billy and Violet Mitchell of Geurie, winners of the Under 12 section.
Fashions winners celebrate with friends.
Be part of Fashions on the Field on Wellington Boot Sunday - April 12
BY COLIN HODGES
THE WELLINGTON Boot Carnival is conducted as a very professional event and for that reason Wellington Race Club engages a consummate professional in Sharon Lenton to co-ordinate and judge the Fashions on the Field.
Sharon has filled this role for 10 years and her impartiality as a judge and bubbly personality make this a much-anticipated part of race day.
“Naturally, I have met and made friends with a lot of people at race meetings however I have a self-imposed and strict rule - “I have no friends when a judge,”, Sharon revealed.
Associates and friends of Sydney based Sharon Lenton often wonder how she manages to fit so much in to a day with this dynamic lady, while working full time, becoming the Founder and owner of three organisations - Thoroughbred Events Australia -The Thoroughbred Club and Thoroughbred Girls.
“From a very early age I have loved horses and then later, horse racing and all the associated events, in both the city and country areas “, Sharon explained.
About 17 years ago Thoroughbred Events Australia was launched by Sharon with a goal to educate more people, particularly women, about horse racing and to offer advice about appropriate dress and millinery for a day at the races (colours, styles etc) whether it be a high profile, casual or fun day event.
Numerous events and fundraisers were staged and meetings held to discuss issues relating to racing and the next step was the establishment of The Thoroughbred Club where the funds raised at events were principally for the welfare of retired racehorses.
“I am passionate about the care and retraining of horses after they finish racing and the first cheque from a fund raiser event was sent to Racing NSW to assist with horse welfare”, Sharon said.
Now well established, The Thoroughbred Club sponsors and promotes events around Australia such as small equestrian days, to polo, showjumping and eventing with the focus on giving off the track horses a good and useful life.
Community Awards are also sponsored by The Thoroughbred Club to recognise those contributing their time and expertise for horse welfare.
Third cab off the rank for Sharon Lenton was the establishment of Thoroughbred Girls which gives like-minded women the chance to enjoy eachother’s company at race meetings and to experience the thrills of having a share in racehorses.
Starting off with 20 members the number has rapidly expanded and members are encouraged to attend race meetings as a group and share tables, with their motto being “One Team-One Dream”.
Friendships are soon formed and when groups of members travel to race meetings in other towns they are often hosted in the homes of other members.
Sharon stressed that Thorougbred Girls is not a syndicator but members can take small shares in racehorses and last year there was on average a winning horse every two weeks.
An avowed lover of country racing, Sharon Lenton regards the Wellington Boot Carnival as very special and the Wellington Race Club is thrilled to have had her unique services over the past 10 years.
Head to Wellington Boot Sunday, April 12 for racing and Fashions on the Field.