THERE was something different afoot from the moment you entered Leopardstown last Friday. Pink horseshoes on the ground, music in the air, guided you towards the entertainment.

On the equivalent of George Hamilton’s warm balmy evening in Palermo, in south Dublin, the pink branding, large floral decorations, left you in no doubt this was a different type of evening meeting as the track hosted a Celebration of Women in the inaugural ladies evening to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland. The Lawn featured a Moët & Chandon Champagne Pop-Up and tasty bites from Dublin’s newest coastal-chic hotspot, Urchin.

A lot of work had gone into the preparation, under the guidance of Tamso Doyle and Emer Lynch, with an impressive list of contributors and many well-known names showing their wares.

Spirit Motor Group showcased their latest Jaguar and Land Rover ranges while racegoers enjoyed the rhythms of The Hot Club of Dublin and The Bugle Babes, who played outdoors.

The Lawn, the Champions Bar and the 1888 Restaurant were the focal point of the entertainment.

Though it was a “ladies” event, the evening wasn’t created around the traditional best dressed competitions, but we ladies like to dress up, and a smart/casual attire saw everyone looking their best, but in comfort and without feeling any pressure to match up or compete with designer-clad professionals.

Grainne Seoige, Kate Harrington and international businesswoman Linda Thomas, of Pure Results Bootcamp, were part of the inform and inspire mentoring session, which was well attended in the Champions Bar, with the afternoon tea a pleasant appetiser to the racing.

Upstairs, guests enjoyed champagne at the Moët & Chandon Rosé champagne reception on the terrace overlooking the parade ring.

Before the racing began, having already enjoyed the champagne and received gifts of Butlers Chocolates, the luxury afternoon teas went down well, in the Race Forward fundraiser in the 1888 Restaurant, including good-mood food from chef Indy Power of The Little Green Spoon.

More tasty delights arrived through the evening. The theme was to focus on celebrating and inspiring women and the evening was supported by household names from the worlds of sport, business and broadcasting.

Irish actress and comedian Aisling Bea (with her mum Helen O’Sullivan in attendance) proved an entertaining host.

Not forgetting the purpose of the evening, amid the fun and funding, one of the few likely lads in the gathering was called upon to see what he could find in handling a giant cuddly boob, worn by Aisling. Eamon, representing Moet, found nothing untoward, just a bottle of his product, which he kindly passed on before he scarpered to something more appropriate - Gun N Roses in Slane!

Jessica Harrington was one of the key speakers, and no one better to show the ladies how to do it for themselves.

Trainer and inspirational speaker Jessica Harrington with event guest Minister Mary Mitchell-O'Connor at the ladies evening at Leopardstown

She told of her early life and summers in the south of Ireland, all humans and dogs in the car, unrestricted by such things as seatbelts and health and safety.

YOU CAN DO IT

Showing that public speaking could be another of her many talents, she encouraged the guests. “Never feel sorry for yourself, if someone is doing better, ask why. If people say you can’t do it, you can always do it.”

Jessie traced her own shift into the spotlight, and stressed the importance of delegating, with Emma and Kate now part of the expanding team at Commonstown.

Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, reminded us of the purpose of the evening. With 2,800 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year, how fundraising is helping in moving the dreaded disease from being a fatal disease into a treatable long term illness.

Johnny Murtagh joined Aisling No 1 and was called upon for his tips. Aisling pressed him to share his knowledge. What did he look for in a horse?” “Has to be athletic.” And in a woman? “Same as horses, has to have the whole package.” And of course, he stressed he had found the whole package!

Johnny’s role as tipster was also successful as he had the difficult task of placing a €500 charity bet donated by Paddy Power, on behalf of Breast Cancer Ireland. Thankfully the Noel Meade trained Wingingit romped home to victory, earning over €1,200 for BCI.

Caroline Keeling, CEO of Keelings Fruit, gave advice for combining recent motherhood with boardroom matters, with baby Joe on hand to show he could fit in on any occasion without causing any distractions.

PUSH FORWARD

TV personality and founder of Grace Diamonds, Gráinne Seoige is well used to being in the public eye, and as a woman, knows the plus and minuses that it entails. She encouraged women to stick together. “When we push each other forward, we can do anything.”

Guest speakers Grainne Seoige and Linda Thomas

Raffle prizes from top fashion outlets, and a €1,000 diamond from Grace Diamonds, brought many difficult choices with Sneezy Foster and Francis Crowley among the winners.

The mix of dressing up, tasty food, entertainment, with the backdrop of racing on a sunny evening had all the elements of something that can be repeated and become a regular event.

With over €20,000 raised for Breast Cancer, it was a resounding success for those who participated.

And oh yes, Order Of St George looked quite good too.