THE FILLIES brought the fashion to Ascot once more as the sun shone on the annual race meet and feathers, flowers and fascinators stole the ringside show.
Among a swathe of females bedecked in tousled tulle, huge hats and layered lace were the Irish - out in force to support their beloved sport on Ladies Day.
Leading the pack for men’s style was Offaly-native Peter Coughlan of the popular London Irish trad band Hungry Grass - who were performing at the meet.
Elsewhere the team art Ruddy Joinery enjoyed Ladies Day from a corporate box, as did race fans from The Kelly Group and Ardmore construction firm.
For those who stayed patriotic in their bets it proved a thrilling day on the course, with Ireland’s Leading Light stealing glory in the Gold Cup from the clutches of the Queen.
The British monarch’s horse Estimate was forced into second by the horse ridden by 21-year-old Jospeh O’Brien and trained by his father Aiden.
"When you win it is always a good ride, there's no such thing as a bad winning ride," said Joseph.
His father was celebrating his second win of the day after Joseph guided Bracelet to win the Ribblesdale Stakes earlier on the card.
"He's idle, but he was in a lovely position and settled well,” he said of Leading Light.
"He was very lazy when he got there,” Aiden, who trains at the Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel in County Tipperary, added.
Photos by Mal and Mel McNally
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