Kate Waterhouse Debuts New Look at Oaks Day; Melissa Leong Faces Fashion Fail

As a racing heiress, Kate Waterhouse is a firm fixture in The Birdcage over the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

But the mum-of-two and daughter of celebrated racing icon Gai Waterhouse was barely recognisable as she debuted a shock new look at Crown Oaks Day on Thursday.

Kate, 41, rocked a blunt fringe as she posed in the Lexus marquee wearing a silver high-neck dress.

She accessorised with matching silver shoes and a bag, both adorned with red ribbons. 

She did not wear a traditional hat for the race day, which is typically called ‘Ladies Day’, but instead highlighted her new hairstyle with a headband. 

Kate adorned herself with jewels, including statement earrings and several rings.  

Kate Waterhouse debuted a shock new look on Crown Oaks Day on Thursday

Kate, 41, rocked a blunt fringe as she posed in the Lexus marquee in a silver high-neck dress

Meanwhile, MasterChef Australia star Melissa Leong suffered a fashion fail in an emerald silk pyjama-style suit and a bizarre pink hat 

Meanwhile, MasterChef Australia star Melissa Leong suffered a fashion fail in an emerald silk pyjama-style suit and a bizarre pink hat.

Considered one of Sydney’s style icons, Kate is typically the picture of ‘old money’ aesthetic.

‘My style, like most women, has evolved as I’ve gotten older,’ she wrote in a style blog published on her own website in 2021.

‘[Things that are] not practical when chasing after two little girls and because my tastes have matured. 

‘There are simply pieces I just don’t think are right for me anymore. There are things that I wore when I was younger that I probably wouldn’t even consider now because of changes in lifestyle.’

Items she wears to death include flat shoes, structured pieces (shirts and blazers) and high-quality staples.

Kate’s trend-setting fashion sense has cemented her status as a style icon on the track.

Kate is married to former NRL player Luke Ricketson and the pair share two daughters – Sophia Edie, nine, and Grace Gabrie, six.

Fashion influencer Rozalia Russian opted for a mint green lace number with a matching scarf wraps around her head 

Kate, who is the daughter of Gai and bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse, is known for her lavish lifestyle.

The couple made headlines in 2020 when they splashed a whopping $17.8 million on a mansion on Sydney’s north shore.

Located at sought-after Balmoral Beach, the luxurious spread boasts five bedrooms and amazing water views.

Tom Waterhouse, Kate’s brother, meanwhile, also owns a $13 million beachfront house in the same suburb.

The racing heiress and the former sports star tied the knot in Sicily, Italy, on June 28, 2012.