Lisa Walsh from Dunboyne, Co Meath was named the winner of the Best Dressed award on Ladies’ Day at the Galway Races.
There were 20 women shortlisted by judges as they wandered Ballybrit throughout the day, tapping those on the shoulder who were standout contenders for the Best Dressed title.
That list was whittled down further and 10 finalists took to the stage later in the afternoon.
Ms Walsh was eventually chosen as the winner with a dress by Australian clothing brand ‘only one ashley’ while her hat and bag were hired.
Lisa Walsh from Dunboyne was crowned Best Dressed Lady at the festival
“Oh this is unreal! After years spent leading horses around the parade ring, I’m literally coming full circle with the full fashion experience.
“I honestly don’t know how the judges pick 20 and then 10 finalists.
“These ladies are all stunning and beautifully styled.”
Ms Walsh also outlined details of her accessories.
“My orange shoes are from Fusion Fashion in Moycullen and my bag is hired and my earrings are George Bryan jewellers.”
The Best Hat title was won by Maksuda Akhter from Malahide in Dublin.
“I’m an actress and model and I recently promoted Irish fashion and charities at the Cannes Film Festival.
“I wore this beautiful headpiece by Irish designer Fiona Rafter and I’m proud that I wore it again at the Galway Races.
“To win the Best Hat title was just amazing. I’m just so happy to be showcasing her work.”
Maksuda Akhter from Malahide won the Best Hat prize
Ladies’ Day is undoubtedly the glamourous centrepiece of the weeklong racing festival.
Hundreds of women from home and abroad descended on the Ballybrit racecourse from early in the day, hoping to make the shortlist of finalists for the Best Dressed title with prize money of €10,000.
To top it off, you can win €3,000 for best hat.
Mandy Maher runs the Catwalk model agency in Galway and is the senior judge.
She said she knows very quickly the outfits that will make the shortlist.
“There are ladies who are professional fashionistas on the racing circuit so they’ve travelled the length and breadth of the country.
“We are looking for style and elegance but keeping an open mind as we move amongst the crowd looking for the outfits that catch our eye. Sometimes you just know immediately who is going through.”
Judge Mandy Maher wearing Paul Costelloe’s last piece before he died
Ms Maher also pointed to her own outfit which she said was the last piece designed by Paul Costelloe before he died.
More than 125,000 racegoers are expected to attend the festival.
Michael Maloney is the manager of the Galway Racecourse and says the weeklong event is worth over €60m to the local economy.
“This festival generates a lot of income for hotels and guest houses, taxi drivers, hairdressers, boutiques and so forth.
“Here in Ballybrit there are up to 1,600 staff employed across a wide range of areas with a huge number of young people working in hospitality this week.”
There are 800 horses in 54 races taking place over the festival with prize money in excess of €2m.
“We have the top trainers, jockeys and owners here competing for lucrative prize money. Our big race today is the Galway Guinness Handicap Hurdle, worth €270,000.”
Eva Morissey said she fell off her horse earlier this week
Eva Morrissey from Limerick said she has been coming to the Galway Races since she was 17 and almost didn’t make it this year when she fell off her horse and broke her heel earlier this week.
She threw back her head and laughed uproariously as she pointed to her shoes.
“Sure look, it didn’t stop me wearing my stilettos.
“I managed to squire them on and take tons of painkillers.
“Tonight my feet will be puffy again. It’s just the fashion and the craic and the betting.
“We didn’t win a single race yesterday and went to bed at 5am. And we’ll do it all again today.”
Pauline O’Connell and her daughter Leah are here from Cork.
Pauline O’Connell and her daughter Leah have enjoyed the style and glamour of the festival
“I’ve wanted to come for years and my daughter Leah treated me.
“It’s so much fun watching all the style and glamour.
“Leah says she bought her hat in a charity shop in Cork and ‘prettied it up’.”
This year there’s a noticeable trend in outfits which have been recycled in a move towards sustainable fashion.
Jack O’Dea proudly pointed to his ensemble and quipped: “Vinted, Vinted, Vinted!”
He said he pulled the whole outfit off for €10 and added that he would love to win the Best Dressed Man title.
Lolley and Betty Sinyan attended the Galway Races for the first time
Lolley and Betty Sinyan are mother and daughter but Betty beamed as she said everyone thinks they are sisters.
The women are from Kilkenny and are at the Galway Races for the first time.
Lolley designed her own outfit.
“I made my dress and hat and scarf. I would describe it as reflecting my African heritage with a sprinkling of European couture.”
Noeline Kelly and Bríd Fallon
Noeline Kelly and Bríd Fallon are from Sligo.
They are here for the feel-good factor but Ms Kelly pokes fun at herself in her resplendent silver outfit.
“Every year I come here and I fail to get noticed by the judges. I don’t seem to stand out,” she chuckled.
The women said their main aim is to have the best day out at the races.