Punchestown enjoys largest turnout ever as Best Dressed lady crowned

An all-time record-breaking attendance of 42,138 at Punchestown today On day four of the hottest Punchestown Festival recorded in decades, the weather, racing and fashion all combined to send the atmosphere and attendance figures soaring on Ladies Day!

An all-time record-breaking crowd of 42,138 descended on the County Kildare venue a whopping increase of over 5,500 on Ladies Day last year.

On her first time ever attending the races, Ciara Denvir from Belfast was crowned the 2025 Bollinger Best Dressed at Punchestown. Everything she wore was ‘shopped from her own wardrobe’ and carefully curated into a chic monochrome look.

Head of the Bollinger Style Council, Jess Colivet commented: “We were looking for a curated look from head to toe and I just felt this woman was elegance personified. Her outfit was a beautiful monochrome classic look with a twist, and then the bravery of wearing that green shoe. She wore her look with confidence, elegance and style, a great winner for Bollinger.” Ciara’s elegant cream and black hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery London, really set the tone for this incredible look. She teamed a cream and black polka dot blouse by Coosy Studio (Spain) with a black skirt by Romanian brand ATU Body Couture and a belt she’s had for over 20 years.

Her stunning Dior earrings are several years old, green Prada shoes were bought last year in the sales, her bag is by Irish designer August Night and ring from Boodles.

In fact, the ring was a gift from her husband Peter Boyle to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. That Boodles purchase, led to the invitation to join Boodles for some of Punchestown’s renowned hospitality here today, giving Ciara this unforgettable racing debut and title of the 2025 Bollinger Best Dressed Winner!

Ciara said: “I feel absolutely overwhelmed and completely excited I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never been to the races before and never entered a best dressed. I am looking forward to a wonderful and beautiful prize.” Ciara and her husband Peter will now enjoy a 'money can't buy' trip of a lifetime to the home of Bollinger. This is not a cliche, you literally cannot buy this prize as it is invitation only. Flights to Paris, 5* Hotel, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur, Exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims and a year’s supply of Bollinger.

The Bollinger Style Council judging the event, consisted of eight professionals from the Irish fashion industry. Led by head judge Jess Colivet, Aoife McNamara, Roxanne Parker, David O’Connor, Lawson Mpame, Suzi O’Neill, Isabel Gleeson and Kate Nally McCormack, joined forced to deem Ciara Denvir the Bollinger Best Dressed at Punchestown in 2025.

The Boodles Champion Hurdle (Grade1) was won by State Man for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the final day of the 2025 Punchestown Festival, when the next generation of racegoers will descent in their droves for Ballymore Family Day. An amazing day out for all the gang with tons of free children’s activities, shows and rides to choose from, Family Day at the Punchestown Festival is also exceptional value with a pay on the gate ticket available at €50 per family. Gates will be open from 11.30am, the first of an eight-race card goes to post at 2.30pm and the feature race the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1) is scheduled for 4.50pm.

For more information and updates on the Punchestown Festival visit www.punchestown.com.