Racing Carnival on Sunday, February 19.

Kingscote fashionista Claire Mincham, pictured, is throwing her hat (or fascinator) into the ring to have a shot at the amazing prizes.

This year’s Kangaroo

Island winner will go straight to the final of the Fashions on the Field at Adelaide Derby Day on May 5 for a chance to win a Volkswagen Polo.

They’ll also win two nights’ accommodation at the Oaks Plaza Pier Hotel and hospitality for two at the Derby Day.

Closer to home, there’s a luxury accommodation package at Southern Ocean Lodge with all the trimmings plus a Sealink return ferry fare

for two.

The runner-up will win two nights’ accommodation at KI Wilderness Retreat for two, including dinners and breakfasts, plus a night at the Aurora Ozone Hotel with breakfast and a Sealink

return ferry fare.

Best Hat will be rewarded with a $100 voucher from Adelaide Hatters.

Ms Mincham won the KI Cup Fashions of the Field in the Fillies section last year and also best hat at the Clare races in 2011.

Millinery is in the family, with Ms Mincham’s mother Lexie, of Adelaide a major contributor to her fashion success.

“Mum loves to make hats. I’m more the ideas one. She’s keeping me in the dark a bit this year with what she’s making but the outfit is coming together nicely,” Ms Mincham said.

She is expecting fierce competition this year and know of a couple of young women making a big effort this year.

“From what I’ve seen of other race meets, Kangaroo Island is already well ahead in the fashion stakes and I expect these fabulous prizes are going to lift the standard even higher.

“It’s not all about winning though. It’s about getting out and having fun”.

Shauna Black