Galway girls

130,000 punters due to descend on _ Ballybrit to place competition bets..

- BY SANDRA MALLON Showbiz Editor

ALMOST 130,000 fans are set to descend onto Ballybrit racecourse this week for the Galway Races.

And while there's money to be made on the track with more than €2.1million in prize money up for grabs across 53 races, the stakes are also high when it comes to fashion in the stands at Ballybrit Although there is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, smart casual attire is usually a safe option.

Thursday and Friday offer the perfect opportunity to showcase style and take part in fashion competitions, with exciting prizes to be won in the best-dressed contests.

This year, the Ladies Day fashion panel will consist of style insiders Mandy Maher, Marietta Doran, and Lisa McGowan, who won the contest in 2016.

Speaking about what she is looking for in style this Thursday, Lisa said: "To be back here as a judge feels like a full-circle moment for me.

"I'll be keeping an eye out for individuality and confidence - those little touches that make someone stand out."

COMPETITION