Cork Racecourse played host to a sun-soaked and unforgettable Ladies Day on Friday night, as the opening fixture of the 2026 Friday Night Summer Racing Series delivered on-track action, top fashion, live music and a heart-warming community moment that had the whole crowd cheering.
BEST DRESSED HONOURS FOR LIMERICK CARER’S VINTED FIND
The style stakes proved just as competitive as the racing, with judges crowning Mary Woulfe from Limerick as this year’s Best Dressed Lady. The Limerick lady styled her suit, which had open shoulders and puffed sleeves, with a coordinating hat and pretty gold accessories. The standout two-piece had been sourced second-hand, with Mary revealing the suit is a two-piece, a top and pants, and she just tucked the top into the high-waisted pants, having been looking at it on Vinted for ages.
Speaking after her win, an elated Mary said her trip to Cork had been a spur-of-the-moment decision. “It was a last-minute decision to go to the races, and I didn’t realise it was Ladies Day until Tuesday when my sister rang me, but we said we’d go; we knew the sun was going to be shining and it’s always great craic to get out and meet up with our fellow racegoers for a nice chat.”
Mary, who juggles caring responsibilities with a love of racing style, added a personal touch to her win, explaining: “I’m a full-time carer in the week; I’m only in tracksuits and T-shirts, so the races are a great excuse to get all dolled up, put on a hat and heels.”
Mary won €1000 cash, a voucher for Fitzpatrick’s Jewellers Mallow, a bottle of champagne, stunning bouquet and fabulous goodie bag filled with cosmetics and beauty treats.
A CHEQUE PRESENTATION TO REMEMBER
Amid the glitz and glamour, Friday night also delivered a moment of real heart, as Cork Racecourse presented a cheque for €27,068 to Down Syndrome Centre Cork. The funds were raised from a dedicated raceday held as part of the Easter Festival, spearheaded by four-year-old Danny Duane, whose father Dan works at the racecourse. The presentation was met with huge applause from the crowd, a fitting reminder of the racecourse’s role at the heart of the local community.
A FITTING TRIBUTE TO A FAN FAVOURITE
The evening also carried a touch of sporting nostalgia, as popular racehorse Hewick, trained by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, was officially retired in front of the Cork Racecourse crowd. The Grand National and Galway Plate hero has been a huge fan favourite throughout his career, and racegoers were treated to a fitting send-off for the fan-favourite gelding, whose exploits on the track have earned him a special place in Irish racing folklore. The tribute added yet another memorable moment to what was already a night to remember at Cork Racecourse, blending sport, style and community spirit in truly great fashion.
ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE AND LIVE MUSIC FROM DECLAN NERNEY
The night’s atmosphere was electric from the first race to the last note, with racegoers enjoying a fantastic evening of top-class racing before the party continued with a live performance from Declan Nerney, sending the crowd home buzzing and cementing the fixture’s reputation as a genuine social highlight of the summer calendar.
Cork Racecourse manager, Eoghan O’Grady, was delighted with how the night unfolded, saying: “What a way to kick off our Friday Night Summer Racing Series. The atmosphere here tonight was absolutely brilliant — from the top class racing action to the incredible standard of fashion on show and presenting that cheque to Down Syndrome Centre Cork, right through to dancing the night away to Declan Nerney. I want to thank everyone who came along and made it such a special evening. It’s exactly the tone we want to set for the rest of the series, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the next two nights.”
TWO MORE FRIDAYS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
With the opening night setting the bar high, racegoers won’t have long to wait for more of the same, as the Friday Night Summer Racing Series continues with two further fixtures on Friday, 24th July and Friday, 14th August.
Tickets, hospitality bundles, and Race & Dine packages for both remaining fixtures are available to book now online at corkracecourse.ie. Please note for hospitality packages in the panoramic restaurant early booking is advised.
