Limerick woman Suzanne O'Brien shares her memories and enthusiasm for Limerick Racecourse's Ladies Day.
By Suzanne O’Brien
As a keen horsewoman, it isn’t surprising that Christmas Racing at Limerick Racecourse is an event that I always try to squeeze into my schedule during the festive season each year.
This year, I’m looking forward to dressing up for the Sunway Holidays Festive Most Stylish Lady competition on December 27th and making my own hat for the occasion. I love all things fashion and millinery, so mix these with my greatest passion of all, horses, and you have my ultimate day out!
Horses really are my passion and have been all my life. I grew up surrounded by them and have been riding and competing since I can remember and to this day, I really am happiest when I am surrounded by my four legged friends!
I compete Crystal and Luna, my pride and joy, on the horse showing circuit all over the country. Horse Showing is a very different discipline to Horse Racing though, and it often surprises people that I can rarely pick a winner on the track given my equestrian background! But nonetheless, I love a day out at the Races, win or lose, soaking up all the atmosphere, racing, and the fashion of course.
Limerick Racecourse
Even when I don’t get a chance to dress up myself for Ladies Day, I really enjoy taking in all the style on show by the ladies taking part. The bar has really risen in recent years. We have become more cost efficient and as a result, more creative, when putting together an outfit for Ladies Day.
I personally love a mix of high street with a high end accessory thrown in and, for me, a handmade hat to top it all off. It really is about how you wear the clothes and some women just have a natural gift in putting together an elegant and appropriate outfit.
Last summer I won the title of Most Stylish Lady at the Twilight Racing in Limerick Racecourse. It was a beautiful summer’s evening and winning the top prize on the night finished it off perfectly.
Suzanne at Limerick Racecourse's Twilight Racing earlier this year
A few weeks later, I took the title of Most Creative Hat at Dublin Horseshow Ladies Day with my handmade hat inspired by the iconic RDS clock tower which told the time, complete with ticking hands. The judges were wowed by the mechanics of the hat and the story behind it, having competed at Dublin Horseshow since I was four years old.
The clock tower has always been the backdrop to photos on my ponies and horses that I have competed at the RDS through the years, so for me, when I think of the RDS, I think of the clock tower.
Suzanne with her winning creation
It was pure fluke that I won two titles on the Ladies Day circuit in quick succession as I really don’t think you can set out to win. At the end of the day, it’s down to the judges’ opinion and their personal taste. All you can do is bring your own sense of style and be comfortable in what you’re wearing. It’s all about taking part and, for me, there are few better ways to spend an afternoon than surrounded by horses and immersed in fashion at Limerick Racecourse!
The 2014 Shannon Airport Christmas Racing Festival runs from 26th - 29th December.
Phone: +353 61 320000
Email: info@limerickraces.ie
Web: www.limerickraces.ie
Published on Monday 15th December 2014