PREPARE FOR HIGH FASHION STAKES AT THE HENNESSY GOLD CUP 2009

The Hennessy Gold Cup is set once again to be one of the most glamorous occasions of the year in 2009. Taking place on Sunday February 8^th, the prestigious event will see super-VIP guests hosted in the Hennessy pavilion suite in Leopardstown.

High fashion will be top of mind of all attendees, as ladies will be eager to impress the high profile judges of the Hennessy Gold Cup Best Dressed Lady in association with the Design Centre.  With a fabulous prize of a €5,000 Design Centre voucher, the Best Dressed competition is set to attract elegant ladies who will don their most glamorous racing outfits.  Last year saw hundreds of stunning ensembles and beautiful accessories on show and the same is expected for 2009.

Maurice Hennessy, scion of the great cognac dynasty and one of the family firm’s greatest ambassadors to Ireland has also said he awaits with anticipation the celebrated race-day and the 2^nd annual Hennessy Best Dressed Lady Competition:

“I am looking forward to the Best Dressed Lady aspect of the day - I am always very impressed at the class and style of Irish women and I expect there will be serious competition!”

Attendees at last year’s event included supermodel Jasmine Guinness, music icon Marianne Faithful, singer Maria Tecce and Irish TV presenters, Caroline Morahan and Karen Koster, who were just some of the fashionable elite amongst the crowd.

Guests on the day will enjoy luxurious canapés alongside the extensive range of Hennessy City cocktails, reflecting the delicacies of Shanghai, Miami and New York in the private Hennessy suite. The Hennessy Hot Namon will also be enjoyed, to keep the February chill at bay.

2009 will see the 19^th running of the 3-mile Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, which is widely regarded as Ireland's premiere Steeplechase and is viewed as a good form preview for Cheltenham runners in March. Previous winners of the Hennessy Gold Cup include some of the greatest names in horseracing, including Danoli, Doran's Pride, Florida Pearl, Beef or Salmon and Alexander Banquet. 

 Tickets to the Hennessy Gold Cup can be purchased at www.leopardstown.com and cost €20 per person when booked online or €25 at the gate on race-day.