WATCH: Belfast woman Ciara crowned Best Dressed on Ladies Day at Punchestown

Following days of build-up, the ultimate winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady of the Punchestown Festival was announced on Friday evening amid an all-time record attendance of 42,138 at the festival.

Despite an incredibly competitive year, it was Ciara Denver from Belfast who managed to wow the judges with her stunning outfit and take home the coveted title of the Best Dressed Lady. 

Along with this fabulous title, Ciara takes home a fantastic trip to Paris which includes staying at a five-star hotel, a Michelin Star dining experience, private chauffeur, an exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience and so much more. 

The competition was judged by the Bollinger Style Council which was made up of no less than 8 professionals from the fashion industry and led by Head Judge Jess Colivet.

The Style Council also included Designer Aoife McNamara, Sustainability Stylist Roxanne Parker, Digital Creator David O’Connor, Stylist Lawson Mpame, AYU’s Suzi O’Neill, Stylist Isabel Gleeson, as well as former Bollinger Best Dressed winner Kate Nally McCormack.

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Ciara Denvir, who was attending her first-ever Punchestown Festival, revealed everything she wore was ‘shopped from her own wardrobe’ and carefully curated into a chic monochrome look.

Head of the Bollinger Style Council, Jess Colivet commented: “We were looking for a curated look from head to toe and I just felt this woman was elegance personified. Her outfit was a beautiful monochrome classic look with a twist, and then the bravery of wearing that green shoe. She wore her look with confidence, elegance and style, a great winner for Bollinger.”

Ciara’s elegant cream and black hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery London, really set the tone for this incredible look. She teamed a cream and black polka dot blouse by Coosy Studio (Spain) with a black skirt by Romanian brand ATU Body Couture and a belt she’s had for over 20 years. Her stunning Dior earrings are several years old, green Prada shoes were bought last year in the sales, her bag is by Irish designer August Night and ring from Boodles.

In fact, the ring was a gift from her husband Peter Boyle to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. That Boodles purchase led to the invitation to join Boodles for some of Punchestown’s renowned hospitality on Friday, giving Ciara this unforgettable racing debut and title of the  2025 Bollinger Best Dressed Winner!

Reacting to her win, Ciara said: “I feel absolutely overwhelmed and completely excited I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never been to the races before and never entered a best dressed. I am looking forward to a wonderful and beautiful prize.”

Ciara and her husband Peter will now enjoy a 'money can't buy' trip of a lifetime to the home of Bollinger. This is not a cliche, you literally cannot buy this prize as it is invitation only. Flights to Paris, 5* Hotel, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur, Exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims and a year’s supply of Bollinger.

Meanwhile, on the track, The Boodles Champion Hurdle (Grade1) was won by State Man for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the final day of the 2025 Punchestown Festival, when the next generation of racegoers will descend in their droves for Ballymore Family Day. The first of an eight-race card goes to post at 2.30pm.