Stylist, influencer and model agency boss, Mandy Maher, together with fashion and style influencer, Sarah McDermott will head up the fashion judging panel for the Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle and Best Dressed Day at Naas Racecourse on Sunday, 7th of January 2024. The Grade 1 race day is Naas Racecourse’s flagship race meeting and the opening card of the 2024 calendar at the Kildare track. The race itself boasts a total prize fund of €100,000 which is testament to the interest in this contest and to the competitive field it attracts every year. The day also offers racegoers a fantastic mix of fashion, food and entertainment with lunch and hospitality available in its Panoramic Restaurant or in the many private suites.
The Best Dressed Competition is open to both ladies and gents and the judges are looking for ‘Best Dressed’ on the day. The Fraser Group, which has a fabulous department store located at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare will sponsor the fashion prizes on the day. The Best Dressed person on the day will win a €2,000 gift card for Frasers, a two-night stay in a luxurious suite at Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel, dinner in Vi’s Restaurant and ‘Tipsy Afternoon Tea’. There are also €100 Frasers gift cards and afternoon tea at Lawlor’s Hotel up for grabs for second and third place.
Speaking in advance of the fashion competition, Mandy Maher said, “We want people to embrace colour and accessories and to dress for the day and the weather! People need to be comfortable in their outfit and of course feel warm! A great coat and a hat or fabulous head piece are essential.”
Fellow judge, Sarah McDermott who is a well-known fashion influencer from County Kildare and regularly posts style and lifestyle tips on her Instagram page @sarahsecrets_blog concurred with Mandy and added, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to look at the new collections at Frasers, there are lots of beautiful outfits there which are just perfect for winter racing. I particularly loved the selection of stylish coats and boots. There is also a great selection of make up and skincare brands at Frasers and it’s even possible to get your make up done at the store.”
Lawlor’s of Naas, located in Poplar Square opened its luxurious new extension in the early part of 2023. The hotel now has 138 bedrooms, a glamourous ballroom, landscaped gardens and ‘Vi’s Restaurant’. The newly opened grand entrance sets the tone for old world style elegance and for the warm welcome that awaits. Stepping inside guests will be immediately drawn to the treasure trove of repurposed antiques and collectables which add a unique and elegant cocktail of glamour.
The Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle is the first major race of 2024 and is a great indicator of what horses are set to make waves on the racing scene over the remainder of the season. It is the ninth year in succession that Lawlor’s of Naas have sponsored this high-profile race which has been won by superstars such as Bob Olinger and Envoi Allen, both of whom when on to win the Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
General Manager of Naas Racecourse, Eamonn McEvoy said, “A huge thank you to our feature sponsor, Lawlor’s for their continued support of this race and to our fashion sponsor, the Fraser Group.”
2024 is a big year for Naas Racecourse which also celebrates its centenary year and there are lots of activations going on to mark this special milestone including the publication of a special book, The Centenary of Naas Racecourse.’
There are seven races on the card on the 7th of January, with the first going to post at 12.50pm approx. Admission tickets are €15 and a range of hospitality packages are also available. For further information, to purchase tickets or for hospitality packages call Naas Racecourse on (045) 897391. www.naasracecourse.com
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Interviews with Mandy Maher and Sarah McDermott are available upon request. For further information, photography or to arrange a competition for tickets please contact Aileen O’Brien at O’Brien PR aileen@obrienpr.com Aileen O’Brien mobile (086) 8403624.
