Lossiemouth is crowned the Queen of Hurdling on Ladies Day at Punchestown!
Top Class Racing – Record Crowds – Sensational Style
The Boodles Champion Hurdle was won today by Lossiemouth, making it a career tally of 11 Grade 1’s for the popular grey mare, as she justified her short-priced favouritism in the hands of jockey Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins and proud owners Susannah and Rich Ricci.
The win completed an incredible Irish and English trio for jockey Paul Townend who won the Champion Chase, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle in Ireland (Punchestown) and England (Cheltenham) this year with the English Grand National (Aintree) serving almost as the cheery on top in a tremendous season of all seasons for the Cork man.
Longford lass Oniesa Owen was crowned the 2026 Bolling Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival. Wearing Italian label Ter et Bantine top and coat, teamed with Roisin Linnane trousers, Alaia shoes, a hat by Wendy Louise and a classic Chanel bag she wowed the judging panel led by head judge Jess Colivet and Bollinger representative Arthur Robert.
Another milestone today was jockey Mark Walsh recording his 900th career win at Punchestown. The Kildare native commented that he could not have wished for a better place to record his 900th winner as a jockey than Punchestown and at the Punchestown Festival.
43,572 attended the Punchestown Festival today compared with 42,138 on the corresponding day last year.
The Punchestown Festival continues tomorrow with the first race of an eight races commencing at 2.30pm. Typically, a very busy yet more casual race day experience, the festival finale is Family Day at the County Kildare venue. Offering top class racing, a jam-packed off track entertainment programme, the crowning of this seasons National Hunt Champions and the annual Punchestown Kidney Research Fund Charity Race, there is plenty to look forward to. All children under 14 go free when accompanied by an adult, for all details and tickets visit punchestown.com.
Ireland’s most prestigious style competition, The Bollinger Best Dressed grand finale took place at Punchestown this afternoon.
Longford woman Oniesa Owens was crowned the 2026 Bollinger Best Dressed Lady at the Punchestown Festival today. Her prize, an exclusive money can’t buy trip for 2 to the Bollinger Estate. Her travel companion already confirmed! Oniesa will be bringing her twin sister Aishling on this trip of a lifetime.
Wearing a very chic and elegant look, her navy Ter et Bantine fur effect coat and top were purchased from Fabiani in Longford last year for a wedding. She teamed them with navy barrel leg trousers by Roisin Linnane. Her hat by Wendy Louise was borrowed for the day and her striking red heels are by Alaia and classic Chanel bag were her own.
An emotional winner, Oniesa Owens commented “It just feels amazing. I love fashion, I love style, it goes back generations to my own grandmother in Country Leitrim, I’m just so delighted!”
Oniesa has won the ‘money can’t buy’ trip for 2 to the Bollinger Estate, a prize she is set to share with her identical twin sister Aishling, who also loves fashion. Their prize includes flights to Paris, a luxury stay at five star hotel, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur, an exclusive by invitation experience at Champagne Bollinger including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region eims, plus a year’s supply of Bollinger.
Head judge Jess Colivet, described Oniesa’s winning look, she said “It was just an outstanding look from top to toe, completely polished, very curated, effortlessly elegant and very chic. She cleverly brought in that pop of red shoe into the look complemented by a gorgeous red lip, she borrowed the hat and she was very appropriate for racing. We just loved her energy, you could tell she was so comfortable and it was a unanimous decision.”
Not be forgotten the men, thanks to Louis Copeland who sponsored a prize for the Best Dressed Man today also. Local man, Daire Cullen won wearing a beautiful Tuscany green suit by Suits Supply, a Kennedy McSharry hat, Mr. Jenks pocket square, a tie by Ferragamo and shoes from Churches. Daire said “I’m absolutely over the moon, delighted, humbled and proud. My wife was actually a finalist here on Wednesday, so I’m thrilled to be keeping up with the family! We live locally and have been coming to Punchestown religiously for the last 10 years, we wouldn’t miss it!”
The Punchestown Festival continues tomorrow with gates open from 12 noon and the first race of a seven race card starts at 2.30pm. Typically, a very busy yet more casual raceday experience, it’s Family Day at the County Kildare venue. Offering top class racing, a jam-packed off track entertainment programme, the crowning of this seasons National Hunt Champions and the annual Punchestown Kidney Research Fund Charity Race, there is plenty to look forward to. All children under 14 go free when accompanied by an adult, for all details and tickets visit punchestown.com.
An exciting eight race card was enjoyed by 19,548 patrons at the Punchestown Festival today.
The feature contest, the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle saw Bob Olinger come out on top for owner Brian Acheson, trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Darragh O’Keeffe.
The win completed a treble on the card for in-form jockey Darragh O’Keeffe. O’Keeffe has narrowed the gap to three (102-99) behind Jack Kennedy in the jump jockeys’ championship which will make the next two days very exciting indeed.
County Wexford Fashion Designer, Julie Caulfield won the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition today wearing her own 40’s and 50’s inspired design. She teamed it with a boater style hat by Galway Milliner Catriona King Designs and customised her bag with dead stock fabric from last season’s collection. She is fast-tracked to the grand finale tomorrow when the competition off the track will peak in the Bollinger Garden as the competition kicks off at 4.30pm.
There were 19,548 in attendance today compared with 20,228 on the corresponding day last year however, accumulatively the festival is ahead in the numbers game going into Ladies Day and Family Day. Traditionally, Friday and Saturday are the busiest days of the festival in recent years.
Tomorrow, (Friday) the first of an eight racecard goes to post at the later time of 3.40pm, featuring the Boodles Champion Hurdle at 6.40pm for which 7 runners are declared. Patrons are encouraged to come racing early and stay late on Ladies Day, the social highlight of the season. For more information and updates on the Punchestown Festival visit www.punchestown.com.
Press Release: Thursday, April 30 2026
For Immediate Release
Irish Designer wows the Bollinger Best Dressed judges at Punchestown today!
Wexford Fashion Designer, Julie Caulfield has won the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition today. A regular at the Punchestown Festival, Julie always opts to wear her own designs to enjoy the fashion, racing and social scene at the County Kildare venue.
Donning a power blue beautifully textured two-piece from her own collection, a boater style custom made hat by Catriona King Designs and a bag which she cleverly covered in dead stock material, Julie was quickly identified as a firm favourite in the Bollinger best dressed competition today.
Guest Judge, Niamh Devereux, Acting Editor of Irish Country Magazine said “She really stood out to me from early doors. Irish designed from head to toe. It was just the most exquisite, dainty, beautiful look and it was a total show-stopper.”
In keeping with the theme “something old, something new…” Julie completed her look with shoes she borrowed from a friend, Dylan Oaks earrings she won in a goodie bag previously and her sister’s bracelet, which she was terrified she would lose!
Describing the inspiration for the look, Julie Caulfield said “I love the structured style of the 40’s and 50’s. I think they just knew how to dress women back then – bringing in the waist of everything but with that structure of the top so I loved designing and wearing it today because it is so structured at the top yet so floaty and romantic at the bottom, I’m delighted with the win and thrilled the judges loved it too!”
Head judge Jess Colivet said, “Julie Caulfield is an absolute vision today in powder blue and from the moment we saw her, she was the one everyone had to beat. Our decision was unanimous and we are delighted to see her fast tracked through to tomorrow’s grand finale, she absolutely deserves it.”
Remarkably, the best dressed final line up included five ladies and one man today, a wild card introduced at the judges’ request, Jess explained “The standard among the men was incredibly high, we saw some truly exceptional looks. But there was one gentleman who was simply outstanding, and we couldn’t let that moment pass. His tailoring was impeccable, his style absolutely immaculate just really, truly stunning. We weren’t willing to take a place away from any of the women on stage, so instead we made the decision to add Raymond Gilbourne in as our wild card and he looks amazing up there. It was absolutely the right decision.”
Widely regarded as Ireland’s most prestigious style competition, The Bollinger Best Dressed competition takes place across the first four days of the festival from Tuesday 28th April to the final on Friday 1st May inclusive. Today’s winner, Louisa Murphy has been fast-tracked to the grand finale on Friday when the overall Bollinger Best Dressed Winner for 2026 will receive a ‘money can’t buy’ trip for 2 to the Bollinger Estate. The overall prize includes flights to Paris, 5* Hotel, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur, an exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims plus a year’s supply of Bollinger.
ENDS.
For Further Information Contact:
Carey Ann Lordan, Red PR
M: 087 9270730 E: clordan@redpr.ie T: 052 6184343
Shona Dreaper, Punchestown
T: 045 897704 E: sdreaper@punchestown.com
Editors Notes:
Pics attached | No repo fee (Michael Chester / Shelley O’Rourke)
PIC Caption Suggestion: “Fashion Designer, Julie Caulfield wins Bollinger Best Dressed Competition at the Punchestown Festival Today”
Olivia Clayton from Worcester in the UK was deemed the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival today. Head judge Jess Colivet was joined by the ‘In the Edit’ duo Hayley Nolan and Carol StJohn and Marietta Doran. Together with a dedicated team of fashion scouts, they scoured the enclosures of the packed County Kildare venue to find the Bollinger Best Dressed on Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup Day.
An avid racegoer and regular at Cheltenham, it proved to be her lucky day on her first visit to Punchestown. Olivia embraced a green look, with her outfit inspired by a tree in her mother’s garden. Unable to find a hat she liked, she created her own headpiece, starting with a base and adding silk cream and green hydrangea flowers to reflect the garden theme.
Olivia Clayton commented on her win, “Amazing, honestly I feel so lucky not only just to be a finalist but just to be on the top ones it’s such an honour. The Irish girls really bring their absolute best so it’s a privilege. Thank you very much.”
Hayley Nolan from In the Edit shared, “It was actually a standout look. As soon as we saw her, she was sitting down, her amazing hat just caught her eye. And it turns out she actually made it herself, which I think is amazing”. Carol StJohn added “and then when she stood up, she’s wearing a gorgeous green suit and the colour just popped. The whole look was so well polished and put together. Brilliant.”
Jess Colivet commented “Olivia brought a really fresh contemporary perspective and it was very fashion forward, she wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries. There was a real sense of modern style from her look and I just love the fact that she made the headpiece herself. I love the tailoring. When I looked really closely at the tailoring of the print it just stood out and she wore her look with such great confidence and what a gracious winner.
The Bollinger Best Dressed competition will take place again tomorrow (Thursday) with the grand finale on Ladies Day, Friday 01 May. Today’s daily winner, Olivia Clayton has been officially fast-tracked straight to Friday’s final, when the overall Bollinger Best Dressed Winner for 2026 will be revealed. Rest assured the competition in the fashion stakes will be as competitive as the on track action! The winner will enjoy a ‘money can’t buy trip for 2 to the Bollinger Estate’. The overall prize includes flights to Paris, 5* Hotel, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur, an exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience including an invitation only private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims plus a year’s supply of Bollinger.
A record Gold Cup day crowd of 26,432 attended the Punchestown Festival today. The feature race of the day, the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup, went to Gaelic Warrior in the hands of Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins, backing up his Cheltenham Gold Cup glory in fine style.
Olivia Clayton from Worcester in the UK enjoyed her first visit to the Punchestown Festival when she was chosen as the daily winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition. Olivia embraced a striking green look, with her outfit inspired by a tree in her mother’s garden. She impressed judges and attendees alike with her impeccably tailored style and handmade headpiece.
Attendance figures were significantly up on 2025, with 26,432 at Punchestown today compared to 23,285 on the corresponding day last year.
The action continues tomorrow (Thursday), with the first race going to post at 2.30pm. Gates open from noon, with patrons encouraged to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere. The feature on the card is the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Grade 1 contest, going to post at 6.05pm.
Almost 18,000 attendees enjoyed a glorious start to the opening leg of the five-day festival at Punchestown Racecourse today. The great and the good of National Hunt Racing from both sides of the Irish sea went head-to-head on the track, while social racegoers enjoyed the glorious sunshine and soaked up the electric atmosphere.
An exciting seven race card featuring no less than 3 grade ones and the first day of the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition, ensured the festival opener gave punters a great taste of what’s in store for the rest of the week at the County Kildare Venue.
Eachtotheirown did the business for Connell, O’Driscoll and Flanagan in the PRL Champion Novice Hurdle. The impressive winner benefited from a brilliant front-running ride by Seán Flanagan for Nurney based owner and trainer Barry Connell and co-owner Tim O’Driscoll.
Louisa Murphy from Tramore enjoyed a winning visit to the Punchestown Festival when she was chosen as the daily winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition. Having really embraced the theme of the competition she rented her bag, got her dress on vinted and wore her favourite ‘go with everything gold heels’. Louisa awed the judges and attendees with her impeccable style and the story of the lengths she went to curate this look which included hunting down a headpiece all the way from Melbourne and her recent engagement too!
Attendance figure were slightly up on 2025 with 17,923 at Punchestown today in comparison with 17,842 on the corresponding day last year. The first race tomorrow (Wednesday) goes to post at 2.30pm the feature being the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup at 6.05pm. For more information and updates on the Punchestown Festival visit www.punchestown.com.
FESTIVAL FRIDAY TEEN SCENE INFO
Festival Friday has grown to become an extremely popular social event for teenagers and young adults. Below is some useful information in advance your visit:
Tickets | Transport & Traffic | Access & Search Procedure
To ensure safe entrance, Punchestown Racecourse (t/a Blackhall Racing) in collaboration with An Garda Siochana have introduced the following measures:
TICKETS
Teen Scene (14 – 17 years inclusive). Tickets can be purchased on arrival, on the day only.
Tickets are €30. This includes a discount. Most concerts, matches events do not offer a reduction to premium event but we are happy to do so.
Contactless payment is available throughout the venue and is preferred, however, it is always useful to safely carry cash as a back-up. We highly recommend collecting cash in advance of arrival to avoid long queues.
Gates open from 12 noon.
⚠️Friday-Only Traffic Restrictions ⚠️
⚠️ Friday-Only Traffic Restrictions
Buses and large vehicles cannot turn right at Mylerstown Cross
Must instead → Continue to Naas → use South Ring Road (R447)
🚖🚌 Pick-Ups (Friday)
All buses, taxis and pick-up vehicles must be on-site before the second last race 6pm (7pm Friday)
🚪 Friday Entry Routes for Pick-Ups (after 6pm)
Ballymore Eustace Road Entrance & Walshestown Quarry Road / Balltreacy Entrance
🚫 Parking Restrictions
No parking allowed on approach roads / Illegally parked vehicles will be towed
🚌 Coaches / Buses
Enter via R410 (Blessington Road)
Exit via R411 (Ballymore Eustace Road)
One-way system may apply
🚧 Local Access Restrictions
No access from Mullacash Cross → Watch House Cross during peak exit times
Diversions via Killashee → Naas
Some temporary disruption to local residents expected
TEEN SCENE ACCESS PROCEDURE
The designated Teen Scene (14 – 17 years) entrance will be operated by Frontline Security supported by An Garda Siochana and The Civil Defence.
Bag checks and searches will take place at the point of entry. This is standard procedure at events of this nature and refusal may result in denial of entry.
Drinks and beverage containers will not be permitted and will be confiscated at point of entry.
Medications such as Epipen are permitted and will not be confiscated.
An independent welfare officer will oversee the system to ensure all teenagers entering via this turnstile are treated fairly and appropriately.
The Teen Scene entrance operation will be recorded by CCTV.
The Osprey Avenue Shopping Pavilion
Sophie Hunter Millinery is where playful femininity meets artful sophistication. Think vibrant, luxurious, bespoke, textured pieces that aren’t just accessories – they’re statement millinery tailored just for you. Perfect for adding a splash of personality to a special day or turning heads at the races.
Grá Cashmere
Grá Cashmere is founded by a Mongolian native born and raised in the western province of the country. It was here, that her love for the craft of clothing began. With Grá Cashmere, she wanted to create garments that embody her personal philosophy of clothing designed to be cherished and passed down through generations. This is what we call your “forever” wardrobe.
WHAT?
The famous Bollinger Best Dressed Competition returns. Widely regarded as Ireland’s most prestigious style competition, The Bollinger Best Dressed takes place across the first four days of the festival from Tuesday 28th April to the final on Friday 1st May.
WHEN?
The Bollinger Best Dressed judging starts on Tuesday 28th April and runs through to the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 1st May.
Each day judges will scout the crowds and enclosures seeking out looks from 1.30pm ahead of racing getting underway at 2.30pm (3.30pm on Friday).
Finalists will be asked to gather in the Bollinger Garden in the South Enclosure from 3.30pm.
A winner will be selected from the daily finalists by 4.30pm each day so please arrive early.
That winner progresses to the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 1st May!
WHERE?
While judges will cover as many locations around the enclosures, pavilions and venues as possible, The Bollinger Champagne Lounge and Garden located in the South enclosure will be the Style Quarter for the festival. This is where daily and grand finalists will take to the stage for judging each day straight after the second race.
EYES ON THE PRIZE
- The overall winner and guest win a ‘money can’t buy’ trip of a lifetime to the home of Bollinger. This is not a cliche, you literally cannot buy this prize as it is invitation only.
- Flights to Paris, 5* Hotel, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur, Exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims.
- One year supply of Bollinger (case = 12 bottles)
- The official winners portrait photo will appear in Irish Country Magazine as part of the ever popular My Style My Story feature.
- Daily winners and finalists will enjoy a deluxe goody bag.
- On Friday May 1st, sharply dressed gents will enjoy the opportunity to win a case of Bollinger along with a www.louiscopeland.com prize
WHO?
The Bollinger Best Dressed competition is open to everyone. There will be a separate prize for gents on Friday 1 May thanks for Louis Copeland
THE JUDGES
- Jess Colivet @jesscolivet
Based only a stones throw from Punchestown, in county Kildare, Ireland, Lead Judge Jess Colivet is a renowned personal stylist and content creator known for her inspiring fashion insights on Instagram. With a postgraduate degree from Trinity College Dublin and a Personal Styling qualification from the London College of Style, her impressive career includes serving as Head Dresser for Paul Costelloe at London Fashion Week, working with esteemed designers such as Richard Quinn and Rixo. Jess has collaborated with Tory Burch, LK Bennett, Bollinger, Trinny London, Boodles, Punchestown, Paul Sheeran and more . Jess’s impeccable style has been highlighted by SheerLuxe, The Gloss, and Image Magazine in their “A Week in My Wardrobe” features.Sustainability is at the heart of Jess’s fashion philosophy. She advocates for quality over quantity, encouraging mindful fashion choices and inspiring her followers to embrace slow fashion.
- Jennifer Wrynne @jenniferwrynne
Entrepreneur, designer, and digital creator, Jennifer Wrynne has cultivated a distinctive presence within Ireland’s fashion and lifestyle landscape, underpinned by an innate sense of elegance and attention to detail. Alongside her work in fashion, she is also a milliner and designer not to mention Mum to four young children!
Beyond style, Jennifer has recently shared a deeply personal chapter of her life, navigating and overcoming breast cancer with honesty, resilience, and grace. Through this experience, she has connected with her audience on a more profound level, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire strength in others. Her content reflects a life that balances family, creativity, and modern luxury grounded in authenticity and a strong sense of self.
- Hayley StJohn & Carol Nolan @InTheEdit
This Wicklow based pair started an Instagram page to share outfits and style finds that mix forever pieces with high street buys. They now have a community of 92,000 followers! Both will bring a gorgeous fresh outlook as neither have ever been racing before never mind been part of a best dressed racing event. We love their approach to putting outfits together without spending a fortune.
- Irish Country Magazine @irishcountrymag
Deputy Editor Niamh Devereux will represent the Irish Country Magazine team for co-judge duties on Festival Thursday. As a champion for Irish design and channeling the Something Old/Something New sustainable fashion theme, Niamh says “I’ll be looking for the best stories behind the outfits with a particular eye for Irish design”. The overall winner will star in the My Style My Story feature along with official portrait in The Irish Country Magazine.
The Bollinger Best Dressed Judges Punchestown 2026
- Team Bollinger @champagne_Bollinger
Arthur Robert – Friday Final
In his roll as Bollinger Business Manager for France and Europe, Arthur Robert, will have a keen eye for who represents this timeless, luxury brand. Arthur is originally from Lyon, France. Raised on the wines of Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley, he naturally found his way into the wine industry in 2013. While studying hospitality and wine business, he completed an MBA and gained hands-on experience through an internship with a small-scale group of biodynamic winemakers, working across a wide range of French terroirs, including Champagne. Having long considered Bollinger his favourite house, it was only natural for him to join the company, where he now oversees the French and EU markets.
Michelle O’Sullivan – Friday Final
A director of Bollinger representatives in Ireland, Findlater & Co, Michelle has over two decades of experience working in the wine industry and has been instrumental in the development of the Bollinger Best Dressed at Punchestown since 2016.
- Verona Farrell @secondhandhuns
Kildare-born Verona Farrell, also known as @secondhandhuns, is a content-creator, writer and street-style videographer. During an Erasmus semester in Sweden, spotting fashionable Scandinavians on the street inspired her popular video series – ‘What People Are Wearing’, leading to one million followers across Tiktok and Instagram and a column with Vogue Scandinavia. Today she is based in London, where she continues to grow her online presence while studying book writing at a publishing house, Faber.
Verona joins us as guest judge alongside Team Bollinger and Jess Colivet.
- David O’Connor @styledoc
Gentlemen’s Prize Awarded Friday 1 May thanks to @louiscopeland_and_sons
Managing Director of Pembroke Street and Galway Louis Copeland.
Aptly named known as ‘The Style Doctor’ David has been working with the Louis Copeland group for over twenty years where he has styled some of the sharpest dressed, well known gentlemen including actors Patrick Dempsey and John C Reilly, celebrity chef Donal Skeahan, Tv Presenter and Olympian Greg O’Shea and globally renowned Mentalist Keith Barry.
Keen to champion gentlemen’s style and optimize the opportunity for the title to go the way of the men for the first time, David will be looking for perfect fit through great tailoring as well as attention to detail on presentation.
THE THEME REMAINS SUSTAINABLE
Something Old/ Something New for 2026
We are excited to introduce the Something Old/Something New theme focused on sustainable fashion. This simply means to take a considered approach to your race day look.
Start by shopping your own wardrobe. Is there a key piece that you can reinvent?
Exchange, borrow, swap and rent key pieces with your circle of friends and the many fashion rental businesses that have launched.
Invest in quality. Buy something that you love. That is really well made using quality materials and design. Think of timeless style.
Visit one of the many pre-loved stores online or in person and bag a quality piece for a fraction of the price.