Racegoers pulled out all the stops at Down Royal Racecourse on Saturday 31st October, with hats, sharp tailoring, and standout winter styling on show throughout Ladies Day as part of the 2026 BetVictor Festival of Racing.
The day’s style competitions drew fierce competition and entries across three highly anticipated categories: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Male, and Best Dressed Couple. Judges spent the afternoon scouting the racecourse before announcing their finalists and ultimate winners inside the bustling Madrí Excepcional Marquee.
The prestigious title of the Madrí Excepcional Best Dressed Lady went to Shileen McConville from Lurgan, whose 4th & Reckless outfit suit paired with Steve Madden heels, a cape coat from Weavers Of Ireland, a bag from Vinted and hat from Max & Ellie immediately caught the panel’s eye. Madrí kindly provided the luxurious prize of a £3000 travel voucher for anywhere in the world.
Selecting the winners was an expert judging panel including beauty entrepreneur, broadcaster, and content creator Grainne McCoy, fashion creator and guest judge Suzanne Robinson, alongside Q Radio DJ Ibe Sesay, who joined the panel to judge the Best Dressed Male.
Commenting on her win, Shileen McConville said:“I honestly can’t believe it! I came to enjoy a day at the races with friends and never expected to be standing here. Thank you so much to the judges, Madrí, and everyone at Down Royal for making the day so special and congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. I’d really like to book a ski trip with my family this year so this prize makes that dream possible.”
Head Judge Grainne McCoy added: “I was delighted to be welcomed back again to be part of the panel for Ladies Day at Down Royal. The autumn-winter style was just something else this season, and there was such a real effort and creativity across the board, which made choosing so difficult for myself and the other judges. Shileen particularly stood out for her suit and paired accessories. She wore the look beautifully and is a very deserving winner. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!”
In the category of Best Dressed Male, Alan Greer from Lisburn stole the show in a thrifted suit, earning him a bespoke, made-to-order suit from prize sponsor Freddie Hatchett, featuring a three-piece suit, shirt, tie, accessories and what really caught the judges’ eye were his bespoke shoes from Undandy.
Meanwhile, Raymond and Gillian Gilbourne from Cork were named Best Dressed Couple, sponsored by The Bedford Hotel, impressing the judges with their coordinated looks. They walked away with a luxury two-night stay at The Bedford Hotel, which opened in Belfast city centre in the spring.
Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse, said: “Ladies Day at Down Royal is always a standout event in our raceday calendar, and seeing so many people dressed up and enjoying the atmosphere is what makes it so special. We are hugely grateful to our fantastic sponsors – Madrí Excepcional, The Bedford Hotel, and Freddie Hatchett, for providing such wonderful prizes. We would also like to thank Bellamianta, Elastik Skincare, Poco Vino, for their generous goody bag contributions, which made the competition bigger and better than ever.”
“A huge thank you as well to our judges, finalists, and winners for making this year truly memorable. It was an incredible day from start to finish, and we already can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year!”
