NEWLY crowned Myer Face of Racing Kate Goodwin, of Yarralumla, this week beat 25 other hopefuls to take over from former “face” Brittney McGlone as Canberra’s racing ambassador.

The 19-year-old is already a seasoned fashions-on-the-field entrant, winning her first competition at Thoroughbred Park three years ago at just 16.

Since then, she has appeared in more than 10 competitions in Canberra and her hometown Braidwood, with any winnings going towards purchasing new racing outfits.

“It’s not often these days that we get the chance to dress up so ladylike,” Kate says.

“I just love the races, they have such a thriving and fun atmosphere.”

Kate first started attending the races in Braidwood, where she drew inspiration from fashions-on-the-field contestants.

She says she is influenced by classic, timeless looks.

“I take from the past but live in the future, so I always stay with the classic, knee-length look, covered shoulders, also trying to incorporate trends of the season – which would be colour materials, hairstyles,” she says.

Her advice to other fashions-on-the-field hopefuls is to be confident.

“If you don’t have confidence, and you don’t think that you look good, then you probably won’t, and people will see that,” she says.

And Kate shows you don’t have to go all out on designer frocks to win: the cream lace dress she wore when she was crowned the “face” of racing was from Target and she says she always looks for affordable accessories.

Currently working in the hospitality industry, Kate hopes her new duties as racing ambassador will help pursue a career in fashion.
“I would love to do something with modelling or fashion, or as a stylist,” she says.

“Being an ambassador will be amazing for me, it’s such a good opportunity and great exposure. I just want to start and do as much as I can, and try and be an inspiration for men and women for what to look for in contemporary racewear.”

Photo: The new Myer Face of Canberra Racing, Kate Goodwin, photographed at the “CityNews” studio. Styling by Sofia Polak. Kate is wearing a Karen Millen dress, $375, from Myer and hatinator created by Rebecca of Biretta and Busby. Stylist’s own gloves and clutch, model’s own shoes. Photo by Silas Brown