It was handbags at high noon in Queenstown yesterday as 11 of the resort's businessmen put their pride to one side and their best faces - and outfits - forward, competing for glory in the 2013 Drag Race, part of the Queenstown Winter Festival.
Before the annual festival, the favourite and defending champion Mark Wilson said he felt like the holder of the yellow jersey in cycling - ''everyone's trying to get you'', he explained.
Third-time competitor JD Marrable had one specific goal: ''Take out the cheats.
''There's a rule all ... I think it's at least 4-inch [heels] - these guys have only got one inch.''
However, it was Mr Marrable - who broke his ankle and a cameraman's eye socket in the 2011 race - who was caught cheating and subsequently disqualified following his heat, after hurdling obstacles instead of sliding under them.
A clear crowd favourite, he was awarded the wildcard entry for the final, but sticking to the rules meant he failed to take the title, which once again went to Mr Wilson, following a bruising two laps of the Earnslaw Park course.
The sartorial elegance title of Miss Best Dressed went to Richie Heap, who was wearing a specially adapted outfit, created by Sue Fussell for Art2Wear. Miss Photogenic went to Mark Pullar, and Andrew Gray was named Miss Friendly.
Today, the Winter Festival action moves to Coronet Peak for the annual dog derby, beginning at noon, with the dog barking competition being held on Earnslaw Park from 3pm.
