Best Dressed at the races swaps Portugal for the Curragh

The 2026 Best Dressed winner at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby has told how she ditched a holiday in Portugal with her husband for the Curragh racecourse.

Jeanette Kelly from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, was declared the Best Dressed at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh Racecourse by judges Alpana Cidambi of Dubai Duty Free, Vogue Williams and lifestyle journalist, Bairbre Power on Sunday.

The race goer stood out to the judges as she wore a blush pink dress from her own wardrobe. Her headpiece was designed by Laura Hanlon and rented from Hats Amore. She accessorised her look with a bag and her shoes from Next.

Keeping the wind off her shoulders at the races, Jeanette wore a showpiece cape by Ukrainian designer Malva Flores.

Speaking about her win, the stay-at-home mum told EVOKE: ‘The boys are in Portugal. They are all fishing. We thought we weren’t going to get away because the boys were away but then we just said ‘let’s go have a girly day in the sunshine’. What more could we ask for.’

Soon after her win, Jeanette said her phone began to hop in her bag, saying she cannot wait to tell everyone the good news about her win.

‘My little boy Charlie is at home and he is my biggest fan…. I can’t wait to ring him and tell him.’

Jeanette said she has attended several Ladies Days events at the races over the past number of years, but has never been to the Curragh racecourse.

‘I’ve been to a few Ladies Day but I’ve never been to the Curragh. I’m delighted to be here and what a cherry on top. It’s amazing. I’m delighted.’

‘I just really love style. I collect items and I collect quite a lot of fashion items, I suppose – that is what I tell my husband anyway,’ she said jokingly.

Jeanette won a spectacular prize package from Dubai Duty Free, including return flights for two to Dubai, five nights at the luxurious Creekside Hotel Dubai, an Accor Hotel and €1,000 spending money to enjoy at the award-winning airport retailer. 

‘There will be a row about who to bring, won’t there? I think I will have a lot of best friends for a couple of days..,’ she said laughing.

Vogue said they chose Jeanette because she stood out from the crowd thanks to a look that perfectly captured the elegance, confidence and individuality of Derby Day style.

Runners-up on the day included Kildare teacher Ann Marie Dunning, who previously won a fashion competition in the Curragh in 2023, and Meath fashion designer Kimberly Tino.

Tino, the founder and designer of Maya Grisham, has made headlines in recent times thanks to her crystal-covered creations.

As well as the Kerrygold handbag, famously worn by CMAT, her Brennan’s Bread and Guinness clutches have made waves on social media.

For her own look, Kimberley created her very own Irish harp clutch, which can be seen in the photo above.

Check out all the style below: