IT’S the countdown to the Longines Irish Champions Weekend on Saturday and Sunday September 9-10th and one of the sartorial highlights will be at Leopardstown on day one when they will stage the champion hat competition.

In celebration of the art of millinery in Ireland, the competition, sponsored by Moët & Chandon will be judged solely on the hat or headpiece worn inviting entrants to be as creative or as understated as they wish.