LIVE: Galway Races Ladies Day best dressed photos as winner confirmed
There is a massive Galway Races cash prize on offer for the winner too
Update at 16:24: We have a winner
The biggest and arguably best day of the Galway Races is upon us as Ladies Day takes over the talk at Ballybrit.
Tens of thousands of women will be watched carefully by judges - RTE’s Laura Fox, Ladies Day Head Judge Mandy Maher and co-founder of Ladies Day sponsor Ella & Jo, Charlene Flannagan - who have the tough job of narrowing that number down to a select few before picking a standout winner.
On the track, the attention will turn to the prestigious Guinness Galway Hurdle which is set to be one of the races of the week and much like the judges for Ladies Day, it will be hard to pick a winner in that one.
The team at the Galway Races told Galway Live: “Thursday at the Galway Races is synonymous with style, glamour, and unforgettable moments as racegoers step out in their finest for the most fashionable day of the festival.
“The atmosphere is electric from the moment the gates open, with colour, creativity, and individuality on full display throughout Ballybrit.
“At the heart of the day is the renowned Galway Races Ladies Day competition, offering an incredible €10,000 prize that draws stunning fashion, exceptional talent, and nationwide attention. Music and entertainment run throughout the course, adding to the vibrant, celebratory feel and making the day as enjoyable socially as it is visually spectacular.”
Ladies have been told by judges to take a cue from supremo style queen Megan Cunniss, who took the title on Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, seven months after winning the Galway extravaganza last August.
For her first Cheltenham, she got her husband to draw a three-piece brown trouser suit – she's not able to draw herself – and had her dress maker send it to a tailor in the Middle East to get made.
The 29-year-old had Marc Millinery in Cork to create a fedora style hat in the matching colour. The outfit only arrived six hours before her flight was due to leave and before she could board she had to have it altered. Now that's dedication to the craft.
She told local on track reporters: “I don't know exactly how much I spent on it, but a lot.”
The medical secretary from Galway scooped a Boodles necklace and a £500 Holland Cooper voucher as part of her prize haul as well as an Atelier experience and a pair of tickets for the Randox Grand National Festival 2026, Betfred Derby Festival 2026, and next year's Cheltenham Festival.
Ballybrit is much more lucrative as she walked away with prizes worth €10,000.
Last year she also got her white dress with a black trim made especially for the Galway Races. She got the racing style bug after winning her very first Ladies Day in Dundalk in July 2025 for a lime green ensemble.
Follow our live blog below for the latest photos and craic from Ladies Day at the Galway Races: