Civil servant Genevieve Ryan was inspired by ‘My Fair Lady’ – and put a creative twist on her outfit
“It’s a cracking day for it,” one punter said.
“Couldn’t get any better,” his friend added.
The pair marched in a determined fashion through the turnstiles of Punchestown, race cards in hand.
Festival fever was in the air for the start of five days of racing action at the Kildare venue. Glorious sunshine drew strong crowds as temperatures soared to 22C.
Summer frocks were dusted off for the occasion, many accompanied by colourful wedges and intricate headpieces.
With 12 Grade 1 races and over €3.5m in prize money over the course of the week, this year marks Punchestown’s 175th anniversary.
Veteran MC Brendan McArdle kicked off proceedings shortly after 2pm, helped by the Baldonnel Singers who belted out a rousing rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann.
The bars and restaurants around the track were full of sun-drenched punters, drinking €10 pints and chomping down on €12 burgers.
In the Bollinger tent, they were doing a roaring trade in Champagne, with people forking out €180 for a bottle of rosé.
And just in case race-goers wanted to add some final touches to their outfits, there was no shortage of stalls in the Osprey Avenue shopping area, selling everything from trilby hats to equine-themed oil paintings.
As usual, there was plenty of drama on the track to keep attendees engaged.
It was a bumper day for the bookies, with none of the favourites coming in.
The first race of the day set the tone, with a surprise win from 22/1 outsider Transprint, piloted by Anthony Doyle. Another upset came shortly afterwards in the second race when Buy Some Time was first past the post with astonishing odds of 50/1.
Louise Conway-Behan with daughters Anna and Eala at the Punchestown Festival. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire.
Some losses were recouped for punters in the feature race of the day, the William Hill Champion Steeplechase, which went to the 2/1 second favourite Marine Nationale.
Given the gorgeous weather allowed for all kinds of complicated ensembles, the competition was equally high in the style stakes.
Comfort was forgotten as stylish ladies wearing delicate-looking jewellery and designer handbags walked around in high heels.
Trying to pick a winner from attendees was the panel of judges, which included Jess Colivet, former Dancing with the Stars stylist Roxanne Parker and Lawson Mpame.
As for what the judges were looking for, they cited sustainability and “something that had been worn before.”
The winner in the Bollinger Best Dressed was Roscommon civil servant Genevieve Ryan.
Inspired by the film My Fair Lady, putting together her black-and-white polka dot ensemble was a bit of a family affair. It was also a case of beginner’s luck for Ms Ryan, given that it was her first time at Punchestown.
“I actually got my skirt in Spain back in February,” she said.
“It’s my second time to wear it. My shirt is old, but I changed the buttons to update it.
“And I made the hat myself. I’m not a milliner, but I gave it a go.
“The bow for my sinamay hat is actually from a teddy bear belonging to my daughter Lily-May and I got my bag from Depop. My shoes are Jimmy Choo, but I also got them from Depop – they were €180,” she added.
Winning the opening day prize means Ms Ryan will return on Friday for the grand final.
She said she was “thrilled” her daughter played a part in her win.
“We do everything together and I think I’m going to bring her now on Friday just to see me up here with the teddy bear ribbon,” she said.
Joining her in the final five line-up was her friend Lisa Walsh from Co Meath, who turned heads in her elegant cream outfit.
Her dress was from the IQ Collection, but it was her headpiece that really crowned off the outfit.
“My headpiece is actually a table mat rented from Fiona Rafter in Co Meath, she’s incredible,” Ms Walsh said.
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