It’s Dawn Milk Ladies Day in Killarney

Reidín Wilkinson, Castleisland and her daughter, Shauna striking an elegant Mom & Daughter pose at the Killarney races on Monday. ©Photograph: Dominick Walsh.
Reidín Wilkinson, Castleisland and her daughter, Shauna striking an elegant Mom & Daughter pose at the Killarney races on Monday. Photograph : Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD ©www.dwalshphoto.com

Reigning Rose of Tralee Haley O’Sullivan and The Voice presenter Kathryn Thomas will join forces to judge this year’s Queen of Fashion contest at Killarney Races.

The four-day festival of racing got underway on Monday and it is combining the very best of horse racing with a fantastic atmosphere for all racing and style enthusiasts.

Thursday is Dawn Milk Ladies Day and glamour will be to the fore as the ladies vie for the prestigious fashion queen title in what is always one of the social highlights of the Summer.

A family evening got the festival off to a winning start on Monday and the attractions for the younger generation included bouncy castles, a rodeo bull, face painting, a magic show and a fun-filled activities area.

There was a wonderfully light-hearted moment at the close of the second last race on Monday evening when internationally renowned tenor, Dr Ronan Tynan, delivered a powerful rendition of Will You Go Lassie Go from the parade ring after the horse he owns romped home at 25/1.

Tuesday featured the best of national hunt and flat racing.

Wednesday saw the Killarney Racecourse play host to some of the 2014 Rose of Tralee contestants who presented the prize for the

Killarney Races - Monday 14th July Family Day . Photo Killarney Races - Monday 14th July Family Day . Photo finish --- 6.10 Race O'Keeffe's Marquee Hire Rathmore Handicap - Winner Number 2 Teocht Rider Kevin Manning , 2nd place Carenza Rider Conor Hoban , 3rd place Castle Bar Sling Rider Wayne Lordan  .  Family Day at the Races in Killarney Co Kerry  Photo By : Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD   ©www.dwalshphoto.com
A Close Call:  At the post of the 6.10 race – the O’Keeffe’s Marquee Hire Rathmore Handicap. Winner Number 2 Teocht  with Kevin Manning;  2nd place Carenza with Conor Hoban and  3rd Castle Bar Sling with Wayne Lordan aboard at Monday’s Family Day meeting at the Killarney races
Photograph : Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD
©www.dwalshphoto.com

Rose of Tralee International Festival ladies flat race.

Today, Thursday is Dawn Milk Ladies Day and it will be the highlight of the festival.

The fashion and style stakes are always high and the two celebrity judges will be keeping an eye out for ladies who are stylish, elegant and who stand out from the crowd.

The winner will receive a luxury escape for two to stylish Paris, plus a specially commissioned crystal vase.

The winner of the most stylish hat award, meanwhile, will win a trip for two to one of the world’s fashion capitals, Milan, and a specially commissioned crystal vase.

The four-day festival will feature a total of 28 races, generously sponsored by local, national and international businesses. There is an impressive total prize fund of over €260,000 on offer which is sure to attract runners from Ireland’s top stables.

Each day of racing features a mix of national hunt and flat racing.

So, ladies from ‘Castleisland – The Fashion Capital of Kerry,’  on with the hats and off to Killarney with ye to uphold our honour.