AT the time of writing it’s fingers crossed that racegoers can flock to the fun-filled opening meeting of the new year at Naas, which stages the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle and Winter Ladies Day on Sunday, January 2nd 2022, where top-class racing action meets stunning winter fashion.

The Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle offers fans the opportunity to get a glimpse of future racing stars. Last year’s winner was the impressive Bob Olinger for Henry de Bromhead who then went on to take Rachael Blackmore to victory at the Cheltenham Festival, romping home in the Grade 1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

Fashion

Apart from heart pounding racing, there will also be head turning fashion at Naas to look forward to. Influencer and fashionista, Lorraine Keane will head up the fashion judging panel on Winter Ladies Day.

The winners’ fund is over €3,000 with prizes up for grabs for the best dressed lady and four runners-up as well as spot prizes from local boutiques in Naas. The best dressed lady will receive a €1,000 voucher from Residence Day Spa in Naas, a €500 cash prize and a luxurious stay in a suite at Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel.

This year the theme of the competition is ‘Back a Boutique’, a theme developed by the track and Lawlor’s of Naas to help support local shops and boutiques and encourage people to shop locally. The Naas boutiques and shops which have partnered with Naas include Jingles, Aria, Emporium Kalu, Nicola Ross, Catriona’s, The Shoe Tree, Fabucci, Whelan’s Shoes and Diamond & Pearls. The boutiques have generously donated vouchers ranging in value from €50 - €200. These vouchers will be awarded as spot prizes for stylish ladies the judges see on the day.

We have five pairs of tickets for our readers, Answer the following question by email to fieldcomp@theirishfield.ie by next Tuesday, December 21st and you could be one of the winners. One entry per email please with your name, address and phone number.

Q: What year was Lawlor’s of Naas built?