WE’VE heard all about the sensational racing at the Irish Champions Weekend, but off-track the style stakes were equally as exciting with the Longines Prize for Elegance and the Moët & Chandon Champion Hat competitions.

Celebrity judges Rachel Wyse and Bairbre Power chose Dublin Garda, Ciara Murphy as the winner of the €15,000 Longines Prize For Elegance in a Chanel-inspired cream and black suit at Leopardstown. The male Longines Prize for Elegence was Lawson Mpame.

Local Foxrock lady Geraldine Shalvey was announced as the Moet & Chandon Champion Hat winner with her art deco inspired hat.

Battling through the wind at the Curragh, where even the judges including Jennifer Stevens, editor of Irish Country Magazine, were buffeted about, the winning lady was Anna Maguire from Rush and the winning gent was Chris Bonini from Athlone. Dressmaker Anna created her own winning cream outfit, while Chris sported a Ted Baker blazer and Topman trousers.

Anna has her BHSAI and taught for some years at Thornton Park Equestrian Centre.