IT’S that time of year again when the focus of fashionistas switches from the ladies to the men at Down Royal.

Next Friday’s second Barclay Communications’ Gentleman’s Race Evening is inviting all men with a flair for fashion – and women too – to enjoy an evening at the races while keeping a close eye on what’s in and what’s out sartorially speaking.

Men should dress to impress to catch the eyes of the judges for the Best Dressed Gentleman and be in with a chance to win a bespoke tailoring experience and suit with The Boardroom. Celebrity guest, Mr Austin Powers, will also be judging the ‘Most Groovily Dressed Gentleman’ on the evening.

Barclay Communications will be collecting at the turnstiles for the Jonjo Bright Trust, a cause for which the local business mobile, landline, IT, web and app design company has already raised nearly £10,000. All racegoers are encouraged to get into the spirit of fun and embrace the theme of the International Man of Mystery for this Gentleman’s Race Evening which marks the start of the track’s Friday night summer fixtures.

For once, the family of the firm’s managing director, Britt Megahey, will be able to enjoy the evening as the meeting isn’t clashing this year with the Tattersalls international three-day event, nor the international jumping show in Mullingar. Today, the Megaheys are hosting a Northern Region one-day event at their home and yard in Glenpatrick.

Among those competing are Harold Megahey, the in-form Johnny Steele and his wife Clare, who were involved in pre-training three high profile point-to-point winners this season, and Andrew Coonan, executive secretary of the Irish Jockeys Association. Also listed are Olympic squad riders Clare Abbott, Joseph Murphy and Cathal Daniels.