Virginia Housieux was on cloud nine after winning the 2015 Melbourne cup hat competition at Grand Pacific Hotel yesterday.

Originally from North Island, New Zealand and wearing a silver fern hat Housieux, 46, was not expecting to win since this was the first time for her to take part.

“This is the first time I am taking part. Last year there was a Melbourne Cup hat competition in our office but this is something different,” she said.

“I am feeling so happy and I was surprised when I was announced the winner,” she said.

She was inspired by All Blacks team Rugby World Cup 34-17 victory last weekend and made her hat.

“I am so happy that All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup title.

“My hat is combination of both the victory of All Blacks team and Melbourne Cup,” she added.

“I made my hat from soft cushion and then cut it into a silver fern and painted it black. It took me a few hours.”

Housieux won one night’s accommodation at the Inter Continental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

Bilimoria celebrates too

Not only was the 2015 Melbourne Cup celebrated in Suva but Ba businessman Mahendra Bilimoria celebrated the 2015 Melbourne Cup with his staff in his shoe shop yesterday.

“We celebrated the 2015 Fresh Melbourne Cup with staff at our shop in Ba town.

“We see in papers people were celebrating in hotels but we decided to do the same at our shop and we took our time out to enjoy with refreshments like juice, tea,” Bilimoria said.

“Melbourne Cup day is always special every year and for us here in Ba horse racing is also getting famous,” he added.

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