Whatever your sartorial style. . . . there is something for everyone at the forthcoming Listowel Harvest Racing Festival which runs from Sunday 18th to Saturday 24th of September. So whether you live ‘forever in blue jeans’; consider yourself a ‘sharp dressed man’; love a retro vintage look or want to dress up to the nines . . . you could be a winner alright at the Listowel Harvest Races!
Sunday 18th of September
The fashion and fun starts on the opening day - Sunday 18th of September, when top radio and TV personality Elaine Kinsella will judge the Lyrath Estate Hotel Best Dressed Couple Competition, with a prize fund valued at €2,000! First Prize isTwo nights accommodation for two guests in a Deluxe Room with breakfast each morning; dinner on one evening of your choice at The Grill and an Afternoon Tea for two the two Runner Up couples will receive an overnight stay for two in a Deluxe Room with Breakfast! So co-ordinate with your significant other … and bring along any smallies as it’s also family day at the races with lots of free entertainment and a pet farm !
Top radio and TV star Elaine Kinsella will judge the Lyrath Estate Hotel Best Dressed Couple on Sunday 18th of September.
Monday 19th of September
Monday is the premier of a brand new competition celebrating one of fashion’s most iconic wardrobe essentials - Denim Blue Jeans ! Open to everyone, ‘Forever in Blue Jeans’ sponsored by O'Connor's Hardware & Farm Supplies, is a great excuse to wear your favourite jeans and style them up or down as you wish! The winner in the male and female categories will each receive €200 cash prize !
Tuesday 20th of September : Frankie Tuesday
Keeping with Listowel’s commitment to serious FUN, Tuesday features a new Fancy Dress competition ! Let your imagination go wild. . . . and dress up as your favourite Super Hero, TV or Movie Star, Historical or Cartoon Character. The possibilities are endless! Or course, you can always just dress to impress too ! The judges will have cash prizes. Don’t forget Tuesday is also Frankie Day - when the world famous racing legends rides at Listowel.
Fashion is taking a break on Wednesday - as the week’s racing highlight takes centre stage with The Guinness Kerry National Steeplechase €200,000 (Grade A).
Thursday 22nd of September
Back by popular demand, the Best Dressed Man’s Competition is on Thursday and sponsored by Ryles Menswear Tralee. Judged by the very stylish Nathan McDonnell, there is an overall €2,000 value prize fund with first prize of a much coveted, tailor made, bespoke suit.
Are you a sharp dressed man ? Back by popular demand, the Best Dressed Man competition is on Thursday 21st of September sponsored by Ryles Menswear Tralee and judged by Nathan McDonnell.
Friday 23rd of September
The Ladies take over on Friday! This is the 8th year of McElligotts sponsorship of this prestigious fashion event and they are delighted to welcome on board Kia Ireland as official event co-sponsors. Judged by Bairbre Power, fashion writer; Aoife McNamara, sustainable Irish fashion designer, the fantastic first prize is a trip for two to New York, staying in the iconic Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan with spending money. There are also generous cash prizes of €1,000 for the Most Creative Headpiece and €500 for the Most Contemporary Outfit. This is the biggest ladies day in Munster and one of the fashion highlights of the year, so organisers advise you get to the course early if you want to catch the judges eye!
The McElligotts Kia Ladies Day judges Bairbre Power and Aoife McNamara at the launch in the National Stud.
Saturday 24th of September
Listowel Races were the first course to host a sustainable fashion competition and thanks to organisers Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce, this competition which promotes and celebrates up-styling, recycling and vintage / pre loved style has continued to grow in popularity as we all seek to reduce waste to protect the future of our planet. Top international model, Sydney Sargent will judge this year and there are prizes for both male and female entrants.
Imelda Murphy, Liz Horgan, Mary Hanlon (Listowel Tidy Towns) with this year’s judge top international supermodel Sydney Sargent and Secretary Manager of Listowel Races Brenda Daly.
NEW: Listowel Races Kiosk
With the Listowel Harvest Festival now just weeks away, a designated Listowel Races ticket shop is set to open on William Street this Thursday 1st of September. Located next to McGuires pharmacy at the site of the old “Coco Kids” store, the shop be open from Thursday to Saturday between 12 to 3pm up to the start of race week. Daily, flexi and seven day tickets will be available for purchase in store. Student and OAP tickets must be bought at the turnstiles on race day.
Directors of Listowel Races John Maguire and David Fitzmaurice with Secretary Manager Brenda Daly
Be Part of IT . . .
There will also be live music each day and a wide selection of catering facilities on course including excellent corporate entertainment packages. Tickets can be purchased online or at turnstiles on the day for €20 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & €25 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, with a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more. Visit www.listowelraces.ie for more information and follow the hashtag #listowelraces on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and to join the conversation!
All photos are by Don McMonagle