PONY PATRONS Sydney’s annual excuse to wear a tiny hat has returned

Sydney’s racing season is officially back, which means so are the tiny fascinators, architectural headpieces and other accessories with absolutely no future beyond this month.

The Everest returned to Royal Randwick over the weekend, bringing with it the usual mix of racing, champagne and people who looked considerably prepared for a photograph.

Familiar faces trackside included Krissy Marsh and her daughter Milana, Anna Robards, Montana Cox, Kate Waterhouse and Jack Steele.

Of course, they came alongside the usual mix of models, media personalities and people who know exactly what a “members enclosure” means without having to Google it.

The fashion was also predictably polished, with sharp tailoring and no shortage of headwear that will now spend approximately the rest of eternity in a cupboard.

And just like that, Sydney has entered the stretch of the year where every second weekend involves a racecourse, a glass of something sparkling and an entire charade of seeing who turns up and what they’re wearing.

Based on this year’s guest list, racing season has very much clocked in.