As we approach the warmer weather, we come ever closer to the start of the social season and The Real Elle Woods was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the Punchestown Racing Festival 2013 at an evening showcasing some of Coast's stunning racing looks while celebrating their role as sponsors of the Festival's ‘Best Dressed Lady’ Competition!

Unfortunately I was unable to make the journey down to Dublin, but that hasn't stopped me from getting all the goss from the official launch on Thursday where guests enjoyed a showcase of Best Dressed looks from Competition sponsor Coast, and the Best Dressed Competition Judges were revealed!

Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club saw the merge of the most fabulous in the fashion industry with the most sophisticated in the racing world, as the official launch of Punchestown Racing Festival 2013 took place. The glamorous event was hosted by Dick O’Sullivan, General Manager of Punchestown and Liam Holton, Sales and Marketing Director, alongside Coast's Marketing & E-commerce Director, Jayne O’Keeffe.

The glamorous launch saw a showcase of ‘Best Dressed Lady’ looks from Coast’s Spring Summer 2013 Collection, highlighting the key trends in racing attire for this season, as modeled by Rosanna Davison, Roz Purcell, Alison Canavan Sarah McGovern and Adrienne Murphy. As guests were wowed by Coast's stunning looks, they enjoyed a drinks and canape reception throughout the evening, and mingled with some of the key players on the Irish racing scene in advance of next week’s racing festival.

Race-goers looking for that perfect outfit can make a personal ‘Coast By Appointment’ at Coast stores nationwide to enjoy style advice from the in-store occasionwear specialists, to ensure they are kitted out for the racing season ahead, and in prime attire to be in with a chance of being crowned Best Dressed Lady at Punchestown.

The evening also saw the announcement of the highly anticipated Celebrity Judging Panel who will decide on the daily ‘Best Dressed’ ladies from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 24th at Punchestown Racing Festival next week, along with the final decision-makers on Friday April 26th!

Judging the style on the opening day of the festival will be Top Model Agent Andrea Roche, along with one of Ireland’s top models Roz Purcell and TV Presenter Pamela Flood. Wednesday will see TV3’s Xposé presenter Aisling O’Loughlin teaming up with former Xposé colleague Lorraine Keane and RTE Today show host Maura Derrane. On Thursday, Fashion Editor of the Irish Independent Bairbre Power will be judging the style stakes along with TV3’s Ireland AM presenter Sinéad Desmond and TV personality Jenny Buckley will also be looking out for winning style. Friday’s final will be judged by Coast Managing Director Margaret McDonald, Chairman of Aurora Fashions Ireland Ian Galvin and Celebrity Stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick!

The overall winner and a friend will enjoy a 2 day stay at 3 international destinations where global fashion brand Coast has stores located - in New York, Madrid and London; she will have personal ‘Coast by Appointment’ style consultations, with prize vouchers of €1,000 to be spent in each Coast store. All flights and hotel accommodation will be paid, so the focus is on enjoying the ultimate shopping experience at Coast in some of the world’s most stylish cities. A once in a lifetime prize for any budding fashionista!

The Punchestown Irish Jump Racing Festival 2013 will take place from Tuesday 23rd – Saturday 27th April, with the Coast Best Dressed Lady competition taking place over the first four days and the final on Friday, 26th of April. The Punchestown’s Party Pack ensures a complete day out for you and your friends from just €19pp, a super saving of €14 per person. With dining and hospitality packages available from €99pp it's the perfect girly day out, and the perfect excuse to show off your personal style in a fashionably fabulous outfit!

For all your festival information visit www.punchestown.com, call 045 897704 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.