Widely known as 'Ladies Day', Thursday of the Galway Races has become as famous for its fashion as its racing.
One of the biggest days in the Irish Racing calendar (the much sought after Galway Hurdle Handicap race took place with an impressive prize fund of €270,000 on offer), this event always delivers some beautiful looks as attendees dress to the nines in an effort to land the coveted title and cash prize.
Best Dressed Lady
This year's stylish winner of the 'Best Dressed Lady' on Ladies Day of the Galway Races was announced as Davinia Knight from Portarlington County Laois.
Noted for her exquisite black ensemble Davinia has walked away with a cash bonanza of €10,000.
The winning ensemble comprised of an Amour ruffle midi dress by the designer AJE, which she rented from Gúna Rentals Ireland, which she paired with a beautiful headpiece from Jennifer's Hat Emporium in Co Kildare.
Although she appeared shocked by her win, it seems that the mum of two is well known for her style having recently being named as K Club's Most Stylish Racegoer, and winning the 'Best Dressed' title at Kilbeggan in 2023.
Best Hat
Eva Hayes Morrissey from Co. Limerick, who works as a secondary school teacher, was crowned ‘Best Hat’ as she wowed in a stunning red side-disc hat with a gold embellished trim from Irish milliner Cathriona King.
The mother of two is a familiar face on the 'Best Dressed' circuit, having previously won the coveted style contest at the Dubai Duty Free Derby at The Curragh in 2016, the Most Stylish Lady competition at Limerick racecourse in 2013.
Judges & Prizes
This year's batch of contendors were judged by famed stylist Mandy Maher and Kieran O'Malley, Digital Marketing Manager for the Connacht Hospitality Group, as well as celebrity guest judge and award-winning make-up artist Michelle Regazzoli-Stone.
Dressing her best for the occasion, Regazzoli-Stone wore a custom dress from Phoenix_V while her headpiece was custom made by Carol Kennelly.
Elsewhere, Kieran O'Malley looked dapper in a tux from Eddie Murphy Menswear, while Mandy Maher dazzled in a beautiful look designed by Geraldine O'Meara.
The Connacht Hospitality Group sponsored both the 'Best Dressed Lady' competition with a €10,000 cash prize, and €3,000 to the winner of the 'Best Hat'.
Based in Galway City, the Connacht Hospitality Group is a family run Galway business that comprises of three hotels (The Connacht Hotel, Hyde Hotel and The Residence Hotel), three bars (Hyde Bar, An Púcán and M. Fitzgeralds Pub), Galway Bay Golf Resort and Active 24 Fitness.
Click through the gallery at the top of the page to see this year's judges and contenders. All photos courtesy of Andrew Downes.
