My trip to Anantara Angkor Resort, by Ms Melbourne Cup 2022

One of the highlights of the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day at Singapore Turf Club is the chance to enter the iconic Fashions on the Field Competition. If you’re picked as ‘best dressed’ by our panel of judges, you not only get a grand title, but you also win a fabulous travel prize. Here, we meet the winner of Ms Melbourne Cup 2022, Yvonne Rankin Constantine, who’s just been on her winning trip to 5* Anantara Ankor Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

This year we’re offering the same incredible prize to the winner of Ms Melbourne Cup 2023, so read on for what to expect! (And get dusting down your outfit!).

Congratulations on winning Ms Melbourne Cup 2022! Had you attended the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day before?

Yes – it’s always such a great time! I’d been to the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day previously when we lived in Singapore from 2008 -2013, but last year’s event was extra special because it was post-Covid. I nearly didn’t go, as my husband Gary had to pull out for work commitments, but the ANZA cycling Ladies were insistent so I joined them.

What made you enter ANZA’s Ms Melbourne Cup 2022?

I arrived on my own and a wee bit late, so I only entered Fashions on the Field because a very kind ANZA friend suggested I enter. Aussie humour I thought! I was particularly proud of my hat, which I bought in Melbourne. My kids tease me about it as they call it ‘the Quality Street sweetie’, so I thought – my hat represents Melbourne and how all of the ladies (and some of the men) make an effort to dress up each year – I’ll share my Quality Street hat! Then I realised ‘I have to walk the ‘catwalk’’ with all of these incredibly beautiful Ladies, and that’s when your Scottish humour has to kick in!

What else made up your outfit please?

A purple/black dress and matching shoes.  I walked onto the catwalk chatting with such a diversity of amazing ladies, it was so much fun. To win was just a huge surprise, and I felt really chuffed that I had created an ensemble from my Melbourne hat, and hey kids – Quality Street is a winner.  What a prize  – a weekend at the Anantara Ankor Resort – thank you ANZA Melbourne Cup 2022!

Your winning prize was a two-night stay at Anantara Angkor Resort, which you only used this weekend! Had you visited Cambodia before?

It’s been 23 years since I was last in Cambodia, so I was very excited! This time I went with my husband Gary, and it coincided with my birthday.

How was your stay?

Anantara really pushed the boat out from our arrival to our departure. We were picked up from the airport, welcomed by the General Manager, and given a Cambodian welcome ‘scarf’. Our room was amazing with a welcoming message, cake, and a very romantic bed.  The fabulous hospitality was extended throughout our stay, with discounts on our spa, beverages, and more.

How were the dining experiences at Anantara Angkor Resort?

On our first evening we went to the hotel restaurant and had a wonderful experience. We were not only entertained by the local dancers and music, but the quality of the food at Anantara, and the service, was just incredible. Everyone made such an effort; they even celebrated my birthday with the staff singing, and we felt very spoilt and special. Anantara is a resort which understands and appreciates its clientele and makes you want to return. They have it all: location, great food, and impeccable service.

What did you get up to in Siem Reap?

It was an action packed weekend: Anantara organised our first trip with a tuk tuk ride to the Apopo Visitor Center. This was a global education, as we had not appreciated how many countries are dealing with landmines post war.  We left feeling very humbled, grateful and  educated to post war challenges.

Next stop was the Angkor National Museum, which was an insightful journey through the ages of Cambodia, their kings, religions – the room with 1000 buddhas was spectacular! We then popped into the local market. If you want to experience local night life, Pub Street is a great place to start.

Our final trip organised by Anantara Angkor Resort was a sunset cruise. This was a great finale to our winning prize from ANZA. Whilst you have the luxury of a Anantara ‘nibbles & beers’ , you also become aware of one million people live on the stilt houses on the river, in a population of 17 million. When we returned, we found a beautiful framed picture of us which was taken on the boat, plus Gary’s favourite sticky rice coating a bean.

As members of ANZA Cycling, did you get on the bike at all?

We did a 4:30am pick up for a cycling temple trip. It was so worth the early rise! Gary organised a guide, Sok, who was brilliant. We started our day watching the sunrise at Ankor Wat, while Sok shared his immense knowledge. We then hired mountain bikes and cycled through the trees to Ankor Thom, which was featured in the film Tomb Raider.

How was your prize winning trip in all?

Cambodia is an amazing country and it needs tourism, so if you’re looking for a few days aways from Singapore, it’s only a two hour plane ride away. Gary and myself would like to thank Anantara Angkor Resort for sponsoring one of the most special Australian annual events in Singapore. I would like to think the panel of judges for making me Ms Melbourne Cup 2022!  I am so looking forward to the next one in November!

Get your tickets for the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day 2023 here.