The reigning queen of Tramore Style Evening is returning to the racecourse this August—but this time she’ll be deciding who takes home the title.

Just twelve months after being crowned Most Stylish at Tramore Racecourse, local hairstylist Louisa Murphy has been announced as the first-time judge of this year’s Most Stylish competition, one of the centrepieces of the four-day Tramore August Racing Festival, which runs from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16.

The appointment comes as Tramore prepares to welcome more than 26,000 visitors for what is expected to be the racecourse’s biggest meeting of the year, generating an estimated €3.5 million for the local economy and reinforcing the festival’s position as one of the Southeast’s most significant sporting and social events.

Across the four days, racegoers will enjoy 28 races carrying total prize money of €340,000, with over 1,000 owners expected to attend and many of Ireland’s leading trainers and jockeys competing. Every race on the programme is sponsored by a mix of local, national and international businesses together with longstanding shareholders and supporters of Tramore Racecourse.

While the racing promises excitement on the track, Style Evening remains one of the festival’s highlights, attracting crowds of over 8,000 each year. This year’s Most Stylish competition, sponsored by Waterford Castle Resort, offers an exceptional prize package. The overall winner will receive €500 in cash, plus bed and breakfast for two and one dinner at Waterford Castle Resort. Two runner-up prizes will also be presented: Afternoon Tea for Two at Waterford Castle Resort and a Fourball Voucher for Waterford Castle Golf Club.

For Louisa Murphy, judging the competition marks a remarkable full-circle moment. “Winning Style Evening at Tramore last year was genuinely a dream come true,” she says. “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.”

Louisa, who is the owner of Saints Colour Specialist in Tramore, says she won’t be looking for the latest trends but for confidence, individuality and attention to detail.

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

Having stood in the competitors’ shoes herself, Murphy also hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the judging process.

Tramore Racecourse Manager Owen Byrne says 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. It combines top-class National Hunt racing with fashion, entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere that attracts visitors from across Ireland.

“This year we expect more than 26,000 people over the four days, with Style Evening alone attracting crowds of over 8,000. The quality of racing continues to strengthen, with 28 races worth €340,000 and over 1,000 owners travelling to Tramore alongside many of the country’s leading trainers and jockeys.

“The festival is also hugely important economically. It generates an estimated €3.5 million annually for the local economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, cafés, pubs, retailers, transport providers and tourism businesses throughout Tramore and County Waterford. It is one of the town’s flagship events and continues to drive tourism, employment and business confidence across the region.

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

The popularity of the festival continues to grow, with attendances and gate receipts increasing by almost 30 per cent since the pandemic, reflecting the enduring appeal of one of Ireland’s most scenic racecourses and one of the country’s best-loved summer racing festivals.

With four days of competitive racing, fashion, hospitality and entertainment, the Tramore August Racing Festival promises another memorable celebration for racing enthusiasts, families and visitors alike, while once again delivering a significant boost to tourism and the wider economy across Waterford.

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