Winner alright - but not for me
The Irish National Hunt Festival at Punchestown Racecourse came to a conclusion last week with Ladies Day which was sponsored by Newbridge Silverware. I travelled down with TV presenter Caroline Morahan, her lovely cousin Gel and fashion editor Bairbre Power. We joined the assembled guests in the Chairman's Box for a champagne reception and lunch, which was hosted by William and Oonagh Doyle of Newbridge Silverware. A good start to the day.
Among the party were pop star Samantha Mumba, looking great in a white lace dress, top model and face of Newbridge Andrea Roche and TV presenter Alan Hughes, who were all among the judges for the Best Dressed competition. Also there were Eurovision song writer Karl Broderick, PR Tara O'Connor with TV3 producer Debbie O'Donnell who all celebrated with wins. I, on the other hand, continued to add to my growing collection of losing receipts. The my table looked like the floor of the NY Stock Exchange after a day's trading.
We made our way to the parade ring for the judging of the Best Dressed, of which the winner received a specially commissioned piece of Newbridge Silverware. Looking fabulous as always was style maven Celia Holman - Lee, who was also on the judging panel. In the end though Claire Heffernan walked away with the top prize, a vision in turquoise.
Over in the pavilion I spotted Derry O'Donovan and his wife Mary and Tamso Doyle of HRI. Also there were 'celebrity lawyers' Gerald and Clodagh Kean, or Dr. Gerald as he is now known. Are they together? Are they seperated? Does anybody care?
As we were driven back to Dublin that evening I counted my losses. But I'd had a wonderful day, so I counted my lucky stars instead.
