Are horses really the main attraction at the Queen’s Plate? We’re not so sure. In its 156th year, the equine event held last Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack was equal parts gambling, Eliza Doolittle–worthy outfits and a dash of royal pomp, which came in the form of a visit from Ontario’s lieutenant governor. And then there are, of course, the ponies. While Magna magnate Frank Stronach’s horse, Shaman Ghost, may have brought home the million bucks, we were more interested in the audience. Over the course of the day, we spotted slick suits, swish dresses, fabulous hats and whimsical fascinators—some boat-sized, and some actually just boats.
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Caroline Aksich, a National Magazine Award recipient, is an ex-Montrealer who writes about Toronto’s ever-evolving food scene, real estate and culture for Toronto Life, Fodor’s, Designlines, Canadian Business, Glory Media and Post City. Her work ranges from features on octopus-hunting in the Adriatic to celebrity profiles.