Former winner Louisa Murphy returns to judge Tramore’s Most Stylish competition

Last year’s Most Stylish winner Louisa Murphy will return to Tramore Racecourse this month as the judge of the festival’s popular Style Evening competition.

The local hairstylist has been appointed to oversee this year’s Most Stylish contest after claiming the title herself in 2025, with the competition once again forming one of the highlights of the four-day Tramore August Racing Festival.

The meeting runs from August 13-16 and is expected to attract more than 26,000 visitors, with 28 races worth a combined €340,000 taking place across the four days.

More than 1,000 owners are expected to attend alongside many of Ireland’s leading trainers and jockeys, while organisers estimate the festival will generate around €3.5 million for the local economy.

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Incredible

Murphy, owner of Saints Colour Specialist in Tramore, said returning as a judge was a special moment after spending years entering style competitions before winning last summer.

“Winning Style Evening at Tramore last year was genuinely a dream come true,” she said.

“I’ve been coming to Tramore Races for around ten years, and I live only a couple of miles from the course, so to come back as a judge is incredibly special.

“I’ve spent years entering these competitions, so it’ll be fascinating to experience the other side of it.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and seeing the incredible effort people put into their outfits.”

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Unique atmosphere

Murphy said she would be looking beyond current fashion trends when selecting this year’s winner.

“Tramore has such a unique atmosphere because of its seaside location and summer setting,” she said.

“I’d love to see complete looks that have been thoughtfully put together from head to toe.

“Colour always works beautifully in August, but more importantly, I want to see people wearing something that reflects their own personality.

“I never think you should dress simply because something is fashionable. Confidence is what stands out. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, that’s what people notice.”

Style Evening regularly attracts crowds of more than 8,000 and this year’s Most Stylish competition, sponsored by Waterford Castle Resort, offers a top prize of €500 in cash, plus bed and breakfast for two with one dinner at the luxury resort.

Runner-up prizes include afternoon tea for two and a fourball voucher at Waterford Castle Golf Club.

Highlight of the summer

Tramore Racecourse manager Owen Byrne believes Murphy’s experience as a former winner makes her an ideal choice for the role.

“We’re delighted to welcome Louisa back to Tramore as our Most Stylish judge,” Byrne said.

“Having won the competition herself last year, she understands exactly what competitors experience and brings authenticity, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for both racing and style.”

Byrne also said the August Festival continues to grow in both scale and importance each year.

“The Tramore August Racing Festival has become the highlight of the social summer season in the Southeast,” Byrne added.

“It combines top-class National Hunt racing with fashion, entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere that attracts visitors from across Ireland.”

Attendances at the festival have increased by almost 30 per cent since the pandemic, underlining the growing popularity of one of Ireland’s best-known summer racing meetings.

For event details, see https://tramoreraces.ie/

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