Social Pictures: The best-dressed style from Ladies’ Day at the Galway Races

On Thursday, 3 August, some of the most stylish people in Ireland descended on Ballybrit racecourse for the 2023 edition of the Galway Races, and more importantly, Ladies’ Day.

The stylish winner of the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ was announced as Maritess McCarthy from Douglas in Cork, who works as a Cardio-Thoracic Theatre Nurse at Cork University Hospital. Noted for her exquisite style, Maritess walked away with a cash bonanza of €10,000.

Ladies’ Day is a showcase for the very best of Irish and international design and Ballybrit was once again no exception. Commenting on her outfit, Maritess said, “My outfit is made by a Filipino designer named Raffaella which I bought while visiting my home country Philippines last Christmas. My headpiece is made by Elizabeth Christina Design also known as Tina Coyne from Cork. The crystal embellished clutch is Jimmy Choo and is pre-loved.

“The red shoes are Jimmy Choo and the gold bangles are from my own collection. The gold ear cuff is called ‘3 Star and a Sun’, which I bought online from Australia,” Maritess continued. “I wanted a unique and elegant outfit that will also show my heritage. I’ve always loved red and bright colours hence I picked red and gold. I couldn’t decide what to wear so I bought my outfit while visiting my home country, the Philippines. I thought of an overall look that will compliment each piece.”

Another coveted title awarded on Ladies’ Day was that of Best Hat, which went to Anne-Marie Corbett from Mitchelstown Cork, who works in childcare and hospitality. She wowed in a stunning orange, red and yellow head-piece from Galway milliner ‘Emily Jean’. Anne-Marie received a cash prize of €3,000.

Commenting on her head piece, Anne-Marie said, “I saw this hat on the internet and I thought it was a show stopper piece so I bought it and I wanted something bright and colourful.”

Judging the Best Dressed Lady competitions on the day is Head Judge and well-known stylist Mandy Maher who will be joined by fellow judge Kieran O’Malley Digital Marketing Manager for the Connacht Hospitality Group, and new guest judge, Rachel Gorry, popular social media influencer.

Take a look at all the social photos through our gallery below…

Photography by Andrew Downes