Microsoft are to be the title sponsor of the second Ladies Evening at Leoapardstown which is taking place on Friday 25th May.

The evening targets all ladies with a range of attractive options to cater for everybody. This is the second year of the event, following the very successful inaugural event in 2017.

While it is a Ladies Evening, all regular racegoers are very welcome to come along and join in the fun.

Microsoft recently launched their new iconic campus which has panoramic views over the racecourse and is located in the heart of Sandyford Business District and this brings an exciting new sponsorship agreement with Leopardstown Racecourse.

During the evening, the Leopardstown Pavilion will host the Race Forward event, which is an evening of networking, racing and inspirational speakers hosted by Broadcaster and beauty expert Triona McCarthy. Microsoft CEO Cathriona Hallahan will be the key note speaker.

Guests will be welcomed with a Moët & Chandon Rosé reception followed by a full dining experience featuring live cooking stations and music from the vintage jazzy trio, The Bugle Babes. It is also an important fundraiser for Breast Cancer Ireland which raised €20,000 at last year’s event.

The feature race on the evening will be the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes which has historically been one of the best long distance races of the season.

Jessica Harrington at last year's Ladies’ Evening

The winning owner of the Microsoft Ireland Handicap will be presented a trophy by Cathriona Hallahan.

An exciting feature of the evening which is as a result of this new sponsorship is the NEW Microsoft Garden which will be an interactive and leisure space available to all racegoers to enjoy.

The stylish evening is a move away from best dressed competitions and the focus is on celebrating women.

Pat Keogh, CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse said: - “We are very excited to announce this sponsorship with our new neighbours, Microsoft. It is a great boost to have a company such as Microsoft become involved in our great sport and we welcome this great opportunity.

The ‘Ladies Evening’ race day is growing in momentum and is becoming a very important race day for us. It targets a new audience, namely women in the surrounding Sandyford Business District, Foxrock and greater Dublin areas as well as racing and professional women who are key decision makers.

"We are working hard to attract new racegoers every day and realise that they are key to our future development and growth. On top of all the excitement, it is great that the evening raises funds for a great cause, Breast Cancer Ireland.”

Cathriona Hallahan, CEO, Microsoft Ireland said: - “We are delighted to be sponsoring this exciting racing event which is taking place right on the doorstep of our new campus at One Microsoft Place".

The stylish evening is a move away from best dressed competitions and the focus is on celebrating women and capturing that ‘Friday feeling’ with course-wide entertainment both on and off the track.

There are ticket options to suit everyone and a donation will go from all of these to Breast Cancer Ireland. Admission tickets are only €20, for something a little bit extra there is the Moët & Chandon Afternoon Tea option at €65 per person, this luxurious afternoon tea will be hosted in the Leopardstown Pavilion Mezzanine with views over the racetrack and will feature sweet and savoury delights, accompanied by a glass of delicious Moët & Chandon rose champagne.

The final option is the Race-Forward Event which was sold out in 2017. Hosted in the Leopardstown Pavilion, the afternoon will commence with a Moët & Chandon Rosé Reception followed by a gourmet meal, featuring live cooking stations, before an evening featuring inspirational talks with some of Ireland’s leading ladies and exciting races.

Ireland’s leading sommelier, Julie DuPouy, will also be on hand to offer taste tips to guests as they sip Moët & Chandon Rosé. Tickets cost €150 per person and early booking is recommended.

The first race is off at 6pm with gates opening at 3pm especially for the Race Forward event in the Pavilion and the general admission from 4pm.

Further details and speakers will be announced over the coming weeks.

For more information, tickets and hospitality at the event see: www.leopardstown.com