Michelle Manning crowned Best Dressed Lady at The Lodge at Ashford Castle Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse. PHOTO: TRISH FORDE

Mayo's Michelle Manning takes top honours on Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Races

Published: Tue 23 Jun 2026, 11:15 AM

Michelle Manning, originally from Belmullet and now living in Galway, has been crowned Best Dressed Lady at The Lodge at Ashford Castle Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse.

Michelle impressed judge Marietta Doran with a beautifully curated outfit that perfectly combined elegance, creativity and attention to detail, earning herself a luxurious getaway to The Lodge at Ashford Castle and a €1,000 cash prize.

Four stylish finalists also received dinner for two at Wilde's Restaurant at The Lodge.

Showcasing both style and sustainability, Michelle's winning look featured an elegant two-piece with gingham top purchased on Vinted just last week, paired with a cream midi skirt from Poca & Poca.

Her striking hat was from Not Just Hats by Caron Hogan in Galway, while her bag and shoes were from Zara. Adding a personal touch to the ensemble, Michelle handcrafted her own earrings using spare buttons from her top and completed the look with a treasured gold brooch borrowed from her mother.

Winner Michelle Manning commented: "I’m absolutely delighted and still a little bit shocked to have won.

"I only finished putting the final touches to my outfit last night when I completed the earrings using the spare buttons from my top. The standard today was incredible and there were so many stylish ladies, so I really wasn't expecting my name to be called.

"I’ve had a fantastic day at Ballinrobe Racecourse and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. Winning is the perfect end to a wonderful day and I can’t wait to visit The Lodge at Ashford Castle and enjoy such an amazing prize."

Judge Marietta Doran commented: "I was absolutely delighted to be back judging Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse once again.

"What a fantastic evening it has been — the sun was shining, the atmosphere was electric, and the style on show was truly exceptional.

"There was a wonderful sea of colour throughout the racecourse, with so many creative and beautifully curated looks on display. The standard was incredibly high, which made my job as judge extremely difficult.

"Our winner, Michelle, was a standout from the moment I saw her. Her look was effortlessly elegant and timeless, with impeccable attention to detail. Every element of her outfit worked in perfect harmony, from her hat and shoes to her brooch, earrings and sunglasses. She was a truly deserving winner.

"Congratulations to Michelle, our four outstanding finalists, and indeed to everyone who made such a tremendous effort this evening. The style, glamour and enthusiasm on display were a credit to all involved and helped make it a very special occasion."

Peter Fergus, general manager of The Lodge at Ashford Castle, said: "We are delighted to sponsor Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse for the fifth consecutive year and to celebrate the style, creativity and elegance that have become synonymous with this wonderful event.

"Congratulations to Michelle on her well-deserved victory. We were incredibly impressed by the standard of style throughout the racecourse and would like to congratulate all of the finalists and participants who helped make the event such a memorable occasion.

"We look forward to welcoming Michelle to The Lodge at Ashford Castle to enjoy her prize and experience the warm hospitality for which The Lodge is renowned."

John Flannelly, racecourse manager at Ballinrobe Racecourse, added: "We were blessed with fantastic weather and a wonderful atmosphere throughout the racecourse, and it was great to see such strong crowds enjoying what was a brilliant evening of racing and fashion.

"I would like to sincerely thank The Lodge at Ashford Castle for their continued support of Ladies Day. Their sponsorship has helped elevate the event year after year and has grown into a valuable community partnership that brings so much to Ballinrobe Racecourse and the wider region.

"A special word of thanks also to our judge, Marietta Doran, for once again bringing her expertise, enthusiasm and eye for style to the competition. Congratulations to Michelle on her deserved win, to our finalists, and to everyone who made such a tremendous effort for the occasion.

"We are now halfway through our 2026 racing season, and our attention turns to our popular two-day July meeting. If we can match the atmosphere, attendance and enjoyment that we experienced here today, we will be absolutely delighted."