A woman from Lurgan has been crowned Best Dressed Lady at Down Royal Racecourse, while another Co Armagh racegoer made the competition’s top ten at the Festival of Racing.
Shileen McConville, from Lurgan, took home the Madrí Excepcional Best Dressed Lady title at Ladies Day on Saturday, October 31, impressing the judges with a look featuring a 4th & Reckless suit, Steve Madden heels, a cape coat from Weavers Of Ireland, a Vinted bag and a hat from Max & Ellie.
Her prize is a £3,000 travel voucher, courtesy of competition sponsor Madrí Excepcional.
Jill Lee, from Richhill, was also among the top ten finalists. She wore an elegant brown dress with matching fur accessories, earning praise from the judges for her sophisticated look and attention to detail.
Racegoers brought plenty of style to the course, with entries across three categories: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Male and Best Dressed Couple. Judges scouted the racecourse before announcing the finalists and winners in the Madrí Excepcional Marquee.
The judging panel included beauty entrepreneur, broadcaster and content creator Grainne McCoy, fashion creator and guest judge Suzanne Robinson, and Q Radio DJ Ibe Sesay, who joined the panel to judge Best Dressed Male.
Head judge Grainne McCoy said: “I was delighted to be welcomed back again to be part of the panel for Ladies Day at Down Royal. The autumn-winter style was just something else this season, and there was such a real effort and creativity across the board, which made choosing so difficult for myself and the other judges. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!”
Alan Greer, from Lisburn, won Best Dressed Male in a thrifted suit. His prize, sponsored by Freddie Hatchett, is a bespoke, made-to-order three-piece suit, including a shirt, tie and accessories. His bespoke Undandy shoes also caught the judges’ attention.
Best Dressed Couple went to Raymond and Gillian Gilbourne, from Cork. Sponsored by The Bedford Hotel, their prize is a luxury two-night stay at the Belfast city-centre hotel.
Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse, said: “Ladies Day at Down Royal is always a standout event in our raceday calendar, and seeing so many people dressed up and enjoying the atmosphere is what makes it so special.
“We are hugely grateful to our fantastic sponsors – Madrí Excepcional, The Bedford Hotel, and Freddie Hatchett – for providing such wonderful prizes. We would also like to thank Bellamianta, Elastik Skincare and Poco Vino for their generous goody bag contributions, which made the competition bigger and better than ever.
“A huge thank you as well to our judges, finalists, and winners for making this year truly memorable. It was an incredible day from start to finish, and we already can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year!”
