OWEN Byrne is a busy man ahead of his four-day August Racing Festival. At the time of our chat he was at a photoshoot for their style stakes which is back with a bang this year. Make a note of the date, Saturday, August 13th at the seaside track. The last in-person staging of their Ladies Day at the festival saw a massive increase in attendance figures, so its popularity goes without saying.

The August Racing Festival at Tramore Racecourse is a highlighted date for many sports, social and fashion calendars. The festival this year takes place from Thursday, August 11th to Sunday 14th. There is something for everyone at the races this August.

On the Saturday, four ladies and four gentlemen will be selected by celebrity judges Marietta Doran and Mike Taylor, and from this group they will choose their overall best dressed duo. All runners-up will receive a bottle from Blackwater Distillery.

The most stylish lady will enjoy a two-night stay in a deluxe room at the stunning Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. This includes breakfast each morning, a sumptuous dinner on an evening of their choice, and a 30-minute spa treatment. She will also take home €500 in cash.

Debbie Mangan, group revenue and strategy manager at Lyrath Estate, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Tramore Racecourse and to sponsor the most stylish lady competition. We are particularly pleased that one of Ireland’s most stylish and celebrated fashionistas, Marietta Doran, will represent us in the style stakes. Marietta is synonymous with all things stylish, and will be a great ambassador for our luxury brand.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing all of the style on the day and wish the team at Tramore Racecourse the very best of luck in their preparations for this exciting race meeting.”

Stylish men

Fitzgerald’s Menswear will present the most stylish gentleman with a €1,000 voucher and €500 in cash.

Now an iconic brand, Fitzgerald’s Menswear is a fourth generation local business that was born out of humble beginnings in 1956. The business was built on formal attire, namely suits, shirts and ties. Quality tailored garments and casual wear were then introduced to the collection, to complement the needs of the modern man.

Mike Taylor, their digital marketing manager, told us: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the most stylish man event this year. The races hold a special place in Waterford’s history as we do. It is a great brand alignment.”

Delighted

Owen Byrne added: “We are delighted to have such premium event sponsors, Lyrath Estate Hotel, Fitzgerald’s Menswear and Blackwater Distillery, involved in our style event. Fashion plays a major role in our festival, and our style evening is always a brilliant social and fun fixture during our popular four-day meeting. We are encouraging patrons to come early and enjoy the venue, food, fashion and live entertainment before racing.

“Our judges and scouts will be circulating in the enclosures from 4pm, seeking out the most stylish ladies and gentlemen in attendance. So gather the gang and make a plan; tickets are on sale online now and we can’t wait to welcome you to Tramore.”

For further information on the event visit tramoreraces.ie and check out the social media channels. AIR wishes all the team at Tramore the very best of luck with their preparations over the coming weeks.