PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday 12th September 2006
Best-dressed Lady Competition at theBAILEYS® Irish Champion Stakes
Veronica Walsh, winner of the best-dressed lady competition at the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes Day at Leopardstown is congratulated by the judges (left to right): Jean Ann Taylor, General Manager, House of Fraser, Dundrum, Caroline Morahan, HRI Fashion Ambassador and Marty Whelan.
This year’s winner of the “best dressed lady” competition sponsored by House of Fraser, Dundrum Town Centre, was Veronica Walsh from Kentstown, Co Meath. Her beautiful cream coat dress with green floral detail exuded her own personal style and was complimented by a matching green bag and simple fresh white lillies in her hair. Veronica received a €3,000 voucher for House of Fraser, Dundrum and a Linea outfit. The runners-up Monica Ryan and Maura Walsh, displayed impeccable racing style on the day and left the judges with an extremely difficult choice.
Horse Racing Ireland’s Fashion Ambassador Caroline Morahan, was joined by Jean Ann Taylor and Marty Whelan to cast a professional eye on entrants of this year’s best-dressed competition. Having scouted for several hours, the judges selected 15 finalists. From this stylish group of ladies the overall winner and two runners up were chosen and presented with their prizes in the parade ring following the sixth race. All finalists enjoyed a complimentary Baileys, received goodie bags from House of Fraser and a champagne pack from Horse Racing Ireland.
Sunshine appeared just in time to cast a warm welcome on the thousands of racegoers who enjoyed a tremendous afternoon’s racing. The A.P. O’Brien trained, Dylan Thomas, fought a gallant battle with the filly Ouija Board in the €1m Baileys Irish Champion Stakes, winning by a neck. The Laurent Perrier Champagne Marquee proved to be a very glamorous and popular affair. Socialites and well know faces from TV were hosted by Horse Racing Ireland where they enjoyed blended Baileys, pink champagne and afternoon treats. Guests included, Sinead Desmond, Debbie O’Donnell and Colette Fitzpatrick from TV3, Tara O’Leary, Marty Whelan, Caroline and Olivia Morahan, Jean Ann Taylor and Tara O’Connor. There was also an extra treat for the ladies on race day with Lancôme’s pamper booth on site to ensure that all ladies were picture perfect throughout the afternoon.
Meanwhile in the Pavilion guests of Diageo and title sponsor Baileys at the VIP hospitality luncheon included Ministers Mary Coughlan & Brendan Smith, Albert Reynolds, Pat Cox with his daughter Cathy, Paul O'Toole, CEO of Tourism Ireland; TV3's Collette Fitzpatrick; Teena Gates; Tom Keaveney; Consultant Chef John Howard; and the sculptor Tom Glendon, whose work was presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Baileys with a hint of Caramel and Baileys with a hint of Mint Chocolate created quite a buzz with the invited guests who were treated to a sneak taste of these two new Baileys flavours, before they go on public sale in Ireland next month. Will Williams of the Irish Examiner was the winner of a fabulous, exclusive prize draw for the Baileys Eurotoques Young Chef of the Year to cook a 5 course gourmet dinner for him and 5 friends at his home, served on a full set of Belleek Living Casual Dining, his to keep after the evening along with a luxury hamper of fine wines courtesy of Diageo.
For further information or images from the day, please contact
Tamarisk Doyle, PR Manager, Mob: 0872936357 or Dir: 045 842841