Longford woman Oniesa Owens was crowned the best-dressed winner in yesterday’s final at the Punchestown Festival – and will be bringing her twin sister to France to celebrate.
Sporting a sophisticated and stylish look, her navy Ter et Bantine fur-effect coat and top were bought from Fabiani in Longford last year for a wedding. She paired them with navy barrel leg trousers by Roisin Linnane.
Her hat by Wendy Louise was borrowed for the occasion, while her eye-catching red heels by Alaia and timeless Chanel bag were her own and saw her win the competition on Ladies Day.
An emotional Oniesa said “It just feels amazing. I love fashion, I love style, it goes back generations to my own grandmother in County Leitrim, I’m just so delighted!”
Oniesa secured the priceless trip for two to the Bollinger Estate, a prize she plans to share with her identical twin sister Aishling, who shares her passion for fashion.
Their prize package includes flights to Paris, accommodation at a five star luxury hotel, Michelin Star dining, a private chauffeur, an exclusive invitation-only experience at Champagne Bollinger featuring a private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens and house, plus an overnight stay in Reims, the stunning capital of the champagne region, along with a year’s supply of Bollinger.
Lead judge Jess Colivet described Oniesa’s winning ensemble, saying “It was just an outstanding look from top to toe, completely polished, very curated, effortlessly elegant and very chic.
“She cleverly brought in that pop of red shoe into the look complemented by a gorgeous red lip, she borrowed the hat and she was very appropriate for racing.
“We just loved her energy, you could tell she was so comfortable and it was a unanimous decision.”
Meanwhile, local man Daire Cullen was crowned the Louis Copeland Best Dressed Man.
He claimed the prize wearing a stunning Tuscany green Suitsupply suit, paired with a Kennedy McSharry hat, Mr. Jenks pocket square, a Ferragamo tie and Churches shoes.
Daire said “I’m absolutely over the moon, delighted, humbled and proud. My wife was actually a finalist here on Wednesday, so I’m thrilled to be keeping up with the family! We live locally and have been coming to Punchestown religiously for the last 10 years, we wouldn’t miss it!”
On the track, Willie Mullins, who will be crowned champion trainer for the 20th consecutive time today, dominated proceedings once again.
However, the Closutton maestro was not in attendance on day four of the meeting to see four of his horses win, reports the Irish Mirror.
Mark Walsh celebrated his 900th winner after steering Dinoblue (2/5 favourite) to victory in the Grade 2 Mares Chase for Mullins and owner JP McManus.
Paul Townend then landed a treble after riding Funiculi Funicula (7/2), King Rasko Grey (8/13 f) and Lossiemouth (2/7 f) in the Novice Handicap Chase, Champion Novice Hurdle and Champion Hurdle respectively.
Lossiemouth’s win saw Mullins and Townend complete victories in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup at both Cheltenham and Punchestown this year after earlier successes this week for Il Etait Temps and Gaelic Warrior.
Speaking after Lossiemouth’s victory, the Cork jockey said: “You’ll go a long way to find one like her again, won’t we?”
He added: “It’s been a brilliant season. What can I say, I’m in the right camp to be on these very good horses and I’m very fortunate.”
Dinoblue’s win came after McManus splashed €820,000 on two horses at the Goffs Punchestown Sale on Thursday evening.
The Limerick businessman forked out €500,000 as he outbid Gordon Elliott to secure Walkonseas for the record-equalling sum.
A son of Walk In The Park offered by his trainer Denis Murphy’s Ballyboy Stables, Walkonseas’ purchase came after McManus had already spent €320,000 on recent Ballysteen winner Night League, sold by Jonathan Fogarty Racing. The four-year-old is a gelding by Order Of St George.
Meanwhile, Walkonseas was a hugely impressive winner on his debut at Lisronagh last Sunday.
Speaking after the sale, McManus said: “I knew nothing about him until 15 minutes before the sale.”
He added: “Ask me in 12 months if he was value.”
The Festival concludes today with gates opening from 12 noon and the first race of a seven-race card getting underway at 2.30pm.
It’s Family Day, with first-rate racing, an action-packed off-track entertainment schedule, the coronation of this season’s National Hunt Champions and the annual Punchestown Kidney Research Fund Charity Race.
All youngsters under 14 enter free when accompanied by an adult.
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