Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle and Best Dressed Day
Thick fog descended on Naas Racecourse today (Sunday 7th January) and the high-class Grade One Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle was postponed due to poor visibility. Just one race went to post and after much consultation with trainers, jockeys, stewards, and the management team a decision was made to halt proceeding due to poor visibility. The card, which was due to feature the high-class, premium race is now set to run on Friday, 12th of January.
Despite the halt to the action on the track a contest of a different type continued in the fashion marquee as a huge crowd of fashionistas gathered to enter the Best Dressed Competition. Mary Woulfe from Cratloe West in Athea in Co. Limerick was declared the winner and was chosen by stylist, influencer and model agency boss, Mandy Maher, together with model and fashion influencer, Sarah McDermott.
Mary won a €2,000 gift card for Frasers, the fabulous department store located at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, 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 was also €100 Frasers gift cards and afternoon tea at Lawlor’s Hotel up for grabs for the runners up Áine Malone from Edenderry and Breda Butler from Thurles.
The three finalists were interviewed on the stage by Aileen O’Brien who was the MC on the day and a great story was told during the course of the interview. It transpired that Mary had in fact bought her preowned Zara boucle wine and gold looped yarn trouser suit from one of the finalists Breda Butler via Racewear and Wedding Guest Wear for Sale, a Facebook page where ladies can buy and sell pre loved garments. “I can’t believe it,” Mary exclaimed, I bought this outfit from Breda and only decided at the last minute to come!” The laughs continued when she explained that she only decided at the last minute to go racing and jumped in the van with her nephew Brian. Mary’s hat was by Siobhan Boyce Millinery from Newcastle West, Co. Limerick her faux fur stole was reimagined from an old coat and was finished with a gold toned jewelled brooch. She finished her look with wine drop earrings from Imari Edit Boutique in Listowel. The finishing touches were, a gold clutch from her friend Tasha O’Connor, purple leather gloves and Lodi gold shoes.
Mandy Maher said, “What a brilliant day, it was so much fun. We are thrilled for Mary she was so elegant, and her bubbly personality matched her sparkling outfit! “Fellow judge and Newbridge native, Sarah McDermott said, “It wasn’t easy to pick a winner, the style was really incredible and although it was disappointing the racing couldn’t go ahead, we were delighted to still be able to go ahead with the fashion. So many people made such a big effort, and it was great to see the crowds.”
Niamh Byrne, Marketing Manager of Naas Racecourse said, “It was disappointing not to be able to proceed with the racing due to the fog, but we are looking forward to it going ahead now this Friday and are delighted to say that there will be free entry for all patrons on the day”. She went on to thank the fashion sponsors Frasers of Whitewater Shopping Centre and Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel and said, “despite the racing not going ahead we were delighted to still have been able to run the fashion competition as there was a huge crowd of people dressed up for the occasion.”
