The Tattersalls Irish Guineas weekend at The Curragh Racecourse kicked off the Irish Classics 2026 …
The Curragh Racecourse celebrated a spectacular opening to the 2026 Irish Classics this weekend, as thousands of racegoers descended on Kildare for the Tattersalls Irish Guineas on May 23-24, one of Europe’s premier racing fixtures. Amid the vibrant atmosphere and world-class racing, the much anticipated Ashford Castle Style Icon Award proved to be a highlight of the weekend.
Lisa Toomey and Marietta Doran.
With many standout looks on the day, judges Marietta Doran, stylist and TV personality, and Lisa Toomey, Hotel Director of Quality at Ashford Castle, were most impressed by the race day style of Katie Young, an equestrian from Kildare, saying; “Katie is elegance personified. Effortless sophistication defined our winner”.
Katie’s winning look featured a Self Portrait dress hired from La Belle, a headpiece hired from Hats Amore, a Kate Spade bag, shoes from River Island, and earrings from Grace & Favour. Katie won a luxurious two night stay at Ashford Castle, Ireland’s first and only Forbes Five Star Hotel & Spa.
Racegoers enjoyed top-tier action on the track, including the prestigious Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas on Saturday, followed by Sunday’s Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Tattersalls Gold Cup – rated among the top 10 races globally in 2025. Next up at The Curragh Racecourse is the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, returning from June 26-28 for another exceptional weekend of racing, style and summer celebrations in Kildare.
Click into the gallery to see some of those in attendance:
Photography by Damien Eagers
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