Horses, hats and hunt racing

The Midlands Grand National may be the highlight of the racing season in Kilbeggan but the real competition was off the field as local beauties battled it out to be crowned "Best Dressed Lady".Winner Sarah Corcoran, an environmental engineer from Mullingar wowed the judges with her choices of fresh, bold colours and carried off the coveted prize worth €2,000 sponsored by Khan that includes a €1,000 voucher for the elegant store, a weekend worth €500 at Temple Spa and a makeover with Profile hair and Design.Sunday Independent Beauty Editor Triona McCarthy was one of the judges and described the choice of a clear winner as not a difficult one to make: "There were a number of people whose outfits really stood out but Sarah's had everything going for it. The colours are wonderful, the style really suits her figure, the accessories really work and it is weather appropriate which was also an important part of the criteria."Top Irish designer Rachel Mackay was also on the judging panel as well as Alva and Sarah Jane Maguire.Khan owner and competition sponsor Deryn Fagan was delighted by the turnout for the competition: "It is wonderful to see all the style that is out in force here tonight."Local people have a strong sense of style and fashion and it is really apparent at events such as this one, where there is such variety and it is also great to get the opportunity to really dress up and make a real occasion out of going to the races. This is such a great venue for the midlands and its obvious that people really love coming here."Champion Jockey Tony McCoy brought a touch of prestige to the highlight of the local racing calendar in his first ever outing at Kilbeggan. While McCoy may have just finished celebrating his 2000th win, he had no luck on Midlands turf and the Gigginstown House Midlands Grand National €50,000 was won by outsider and last year's success story Piano Star, which came in first past the post at 16/1.