FASHION and racing enthusiasts turned out in force on Saturday, November 1for the highly anticipated Ladies Day, a stylish highlight of the 2025 BetVictor Festival of Racing at Down Royal Racecourse.
The newly expanded Best Dressed competitions saw judges searching for winning looks across three categories: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, and Best Dressed Couple.
The atmosphere was electric in the brand-new Madrí Excepcional Marquee, which played host to the glamorous finale.
Taking the prestigious title of Madrí Excepcional Best Dressed Lady was Karen Walsh from Banbridge.
From Shein to Chanel, Karen’s elegant, show-stopping navy dress from Self-Portrait wowed the judges with her sophisticated look, with shoes from Shein, a bag and earrings from Chanel, styled with a hat from The Dress House.Karen walked away with the incredible grand prize: the Ultimate Madrid Getaway, courtesy of Madrí Excepcional beer.
This luxurious prize includes return flights, a three-night stay at a 5-star hotel in Madrid, and a 2-day Madrid Go City Pass to explore the city like a VIP.
The esteemed judging panel featured Cool FM Breakfast Show presenter and fashion stylist Rebecca McKinney, solicitor and style enthusiast Jane McDermott, Partner at Freddie Hatchet William Stewart, and Spa Manager at Lough Erne Resort Colleen Maguire.
Commenting on her win, Karen said: “It’s such an honour to be crowned this year’s winner of the Madrí Excepcional Best Dressed Lady. It was such a lovely day to be at, I never expected to win and I’m absolutely delighted.
“Huge thanks to the judges and congratulations to all the other finalists.”
Commenting on the winning style, Head Judge Rebecca McKinney said: “The standard of autumn-winter style this year was just exceptional. We saw incredible texture, tailoring, and creativity across all entries so it was extremely hard to choose.
“Karen’s elegant and classic look stood out to the judges and we are thrilled to crown her the Madrí Excepcional Best Dressed Lady and we hope she enjoys her well-deserved trip to Madrid!”
The gentlemen also delivered on style, with Raymond Gilbourne from Cork, claiming the Freddie Hatchet Best Dressed Man title. His sharp look in a dapper three-piece suit earned him a bespoke, made-to-order outfit from Freddie Hatchet, including a three-piece suit, shirt, tie, and accessories.
Meanwhile, the title for Best Dressed Couple, sponsored by Lough Erne Resort, went to Glenda and Keith Willett from Belfast.
The duo wowed the panel with their coordinated style and natural flair, securing a truly indulgent Weekend Spa Break, including a two-night stay in a Presidential Suite, spa treatments, and a five-course dinner at the award-winning Catalina Restaurant.
Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse, said: “The highly anticipated Ladies Day at our BetVictor Festival of Racing continues to be a highlight of the racing calendar, and this year we introduced a number of exciting new elements, glamorous prizes and an unbeatable day of sport and style.
“Thank you to our wonderful sponsors – the addition of Madrí Excepcional, Freddie Hatchet, and Lough Erne Resort as our style sponsors this year has significantly elevated the prizes and overall experience for those attending.
Congratulations to all of our fantastic winners and finalists who made the day such a dazzling success.”
