By Alana Mitchelson
THE smartly dressed Smits claimed the Best Dressed Family prize at the Pakenham Cup last Saturday.
The racegoer Pakenham couple Catherine and Daniel Smit discovered a passion for horse racing about eight years ago and have since attended every year.
The Pakenham Cup’s Fashions on the Field contest has more recently become an all-family affair for the Smits.
This year was the second time eight-year-old Jacob, five-year-old Harrison and three-year-old Siena joined in the fun, dressing up in their best pastel pink and blue attire.
“It’s a really nice day out. You definitely do see some familiar faces each year,” Catherine said.
“The kids love it. They love getting dressed up and watching the horses as well. The entertainment for the kids is also getting better every year.
“I got my dress first – I’m pregnant so it was difficult to find something – and then we matched Daniel’s and the children’s outfits around mine.
“We were surprised to win. That was a nice bonus.”
Being rugby fans, the Smits were excited that professional rugby footballer Billy Slater was one of this year’s judges.
The family hopes to enter in the Fashions event in 2017 and there might even be a fourth little Smit dressed up next year.
