It was a strong case of sun’s out, style’s out at The Curragh this weekend as dozens of fabulous ladies vied to impress the judges.
On Saturday, the Co Kildare venue played host to the Ashford Castle Style Icon Award, which is always a hotly contested title.
As always, there could only be one winner, and in 2026, it was Kate Young who took the crown after impressing in her chic black and white look – which only came together the night before!
Kate, who rented her dress, styled her Self-Portrait midi, comprising a belted white sleeveless top and a polka-dot maxi skirt, with fab monochrome accessories.
A statement black hat paired with a second headpiece with a little netting, both from Hats Amour, and a coordinating top-handle bag completed her outfit at The Curragh.
If Kate’s look feels a little familiar, chances are you saw recent photos of the Princess of Wales declaring party season open in a very similar polka-dot outfit, also by Self-Portrait!
Both ladies, who coincidentally and in a sweet case of kismet even share a name, looked fabulous in their elegant spots and were bang on-trend for the season ahead.
If you’d like to recreate Kate’s winning look, her dress is the Cream Boucle Polka Dot Midi Dress from the royal-approved brand and is priced at €590.
Chatting with EVOKE after her win, Kate, who works in marketing, said she was ‘delighted’ to win and told how her winning look was very last-minute, only being put together on Friday night.
‘I had an outfit in mind, but it didn’t fit,’ Kate, who has always loved fashion and particularly classic black and white looks, explained. ‘It’s funny how it worked out.’
Kate has long had a love for fashion and racing, saying that she ‘grew up around horses and has worked in racing since she was 15.’
Now based in Co Kildare, Kate lives just a couple of minutes away from The Curragh and can still ‘ride out in the mornings.’
‘I love coming to the races and seeing all the style,’ she added. ‘I know a few of the ladies who take part in the Best Dressed [competitions] now and we’re good friends, so I came to meet them today.’
As for whether her outfit’s resemblance to Kate Middleton’s recent polka dot ensemble was planned, Kate said it wasn’t, but that she’s a big fan of the Princess’ style so is happy for it!
‘I love Kate Middleton’s style and I like to think that I’ve modelled outfits off her in the past,’ Kate said.
She added: ‘To say you look similar to Kate Middleton is a great compliment, she’s so elegant and I love what she wears, she’s never had a bad look.’
As the winner, Kate won a luxurious two-night stay for two in the magnificent Junior State Room at Ireland’s first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel. Dreamy!
Marietta Doran and Ashford Castle’s Lisa Toomey were in charge of picking the winner, with both ladies looking stylish themselves.
Races style queen Marietta leant into florals for Spring on Saturday, rocking a puff-sleeved dress by Irish designer Cobblers Lane.
She topped off her look with a headpiece from Jennifer’s Hat Emporium and accessorised with gold earrings by Éra.
Lisa was also dressed to impress in a headpiece by Laura O’Hanlon and a dress from Charlotte and Tess, which can be styled with the bow to the front or back.
See more photos below:
