May Racing Carnival fashion bar raised by Ladies Luncheon attendees

Australian Jumping Racing Association general manager Marlee Horobin and Melbourne's leading jockey Jamie Kah were the guest speakers for the event.

Miss Kah was part of a question and answer session and was thrilled to see so many people attending the event.

"I was asked about my rides coming up over the carnival and (my partner Clayton Douglas') chances for a win," she said.

"I talked about how I'm taking more of a relaxed approached to this year's carnival, I'm getting out to enjoy the atmosphere and getting amongst it all.

"It's amazing to see so many people back and to see all the ladies at the luncheon. It's a different atmosphere this week because everyone is so excited to be here."

Warrnambool racing fashion veteran Leah Habel bought her striking red suit for $20 online with the intention to wear it to the 2020 May Racing Carnival.

Miss Habel had the suit tailored for this year's carnival and paired it with an exclusive Designs by SHR hat.

"People have really raised the fashion bar this year," she said.

"I can see a lot of contemporary fashions with vintage inspiration.

"I'm extremely excited to be back, I couldn't be happier."

Leading the men's fashion, Warrnambool's Josh Birmingham was thrilled to be back at the racing carnival.

"I'm wearing Studio Italia," he said. "I got this suit two years ago to wear at Derby Day but I didn't get to because it's too heavy.

"It's tweed so it's perfect for a winter racing meet.

"I'm so bloody excited to be at The Bool."

Friends Georgia Blake, Tess McDougall, Anthea Healy and Camille Munro attended the Ladies Luncheon together.

"This is a bridesmaids dress I wore last year it's B by Bariano," Blake said. "And my headband is from Boolistic."

McDougall was wearing a shirt and a one piece from Veronica Maine.

"My hat is from Forever New," Healy said. "My dress was just in my cupboard. I wanted something fun and feminine."

Munro opted for a one-piece from Forever New for something "comfortable and stylish".

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John Price Racing track rider and stable foreman Rachel Armes found her black and white outfit in a quirk location.

"I just went to an op shop," she said. "I got the fascinator from my cousin and the dress from the Salvos near where I live in Cranbourne.

"This is the second time I've been here, it's nice to be on the other side of the fence."

Echuca's Edwina Dalco made a last-minute dash to Liebig Street this morning to complete her outfit for the Ladies Luncheon.

"I ran down street of Warrnambool today to get my shoes from Target. I bought my hat from Style 105 and Annie's Gifts has my scarf," she said.

"My dress is from American label ELOQUII."

Monique Appi and Michelle Butters both went for feminine chic outfits for the first day of the May Racing Carnival.

Appi was dressed by Sonlia Fashions for the Ladies Luncheon.

"I looked for a winter outfit; felt, darker textures and something that was age- appropriate with not too much skin," she said.

Butters was dressed by British Retro.

"I went vintage and for the Ladies Luncheon I wanted white, fur and pearls," she said.

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