APRIL PHEW-L!

Fun in the sun for Punchestown goers as new mum wins Best Dressed

- SANDRA MALLON

IT WAS second time lucky for new mum Oniesa Owens, who was named Best Dressed at the Punchestown Racing Festival.Punters flocking to the Co Kildare racecourse enjoyed “the hottest day in decades”, according to racing bosses.

At the Bollinger tent, mother-of-one Oniesa, from Co Longford and who works as an area manager for a tyre company, said she recently completed a course in fashion buying.

She was spotted by judges, including Jess Colivet, Kate Nally McCormack, David O'Connor and guest stylist Ali Gleeson, who adored her preloved fashion.

Speaking afterwards, Oniesa said she was a finalist on the Wednesday at last year's races, but didn't win.

But luck was on her side yesterday as she was crowned a finalist for tomorrow when she is in with a chance of winning a luxurious trip for two to the Champagne region in France.

She said: “The outfit is pre-loved by Roisin Linnane... We're here with the Longford GAA and the jacket is from a boutique called Fabiani by Rotate.

"Punchestown is always cold so that's why I said I'd wear sleeves.

"Winning this is amazing and adds a string to my bow. I was a finalist on the Wednesday last year but I didn't win.

OUTFIT

"I'll possibly wear this [on Friday]. I did see a green skirt in the Enable Ireland shop but with the weather like this I might change my outfit."

Oniesa was at the racing with her husband Johnathan and revealed that the couple welcomed a baby girl, Esme, a year ago.

She said: “I love fashion. I love dressing up, love the style. It goes back generations. It's the hardest job you'll ever do [being a mother]. I'd love Esme to love the style like I do.”