The overall Best Dressed winner of the competition, which was judged by stylist Clementine MacNeice and former Irish Independent fashion editor Bairbre Power was Lorraine Ryan Kelly from Galway.
Mrs Ryan Kelly attended the horse show with her husband and daughter Willow (2). She wore black trousers by No Name Style with a black and bronze shirt by Irish designer Julie Caulfield, shoes by Zara and her mother's handbag to accept the €10,000 prize.
“I'm in shock,” she said. “My blouse is from Julie Caulfield, who sent it to me express because they know how disorganized I am. My shoes are from Zara and this is my mom's bag that I stole from her.
“Today I changed the styling. My career is teaching, but I also love fashion and every chance I get to dress up, I try to grab it.
“I have a two-year-old there who will probably make a list for me and her birthday is in a month, so we're going to have to spend quite a bit of money.”
It was clear that style and togetherness were the order of the day on Ladies' Day.
While some of those in attendance yesterday had fond memories of the Horse Show from their youth, for many it was their first visit this year.
Best Dressed contestant Philip Brophy receives a birthday kiss from his carer Áine Cryan as he celebrates his 90th birthday. Photo: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
The Horse Show attracts a stylish crowd keen to see the best that Ireland has to offer in dressage, local produce and fashion.
People enjoyed the sun, but had to take cover when the occasional shower fell.
Mary Ajide (31), originally from Nigeria and now living in Dublin, took the course together with Alan Sherwood (77) from Blackrock.
“Alan actually introduced me to the Dublin Horse Show, otherwise I would never have heard of it,” said Mrs Ajide.
“I wouldn't go to something like this very often, so it's a really great way to experience Irish culture.”
Mr. Sherwood attended the Horse Show with his father and brother for many years. Now he keeps the tradition alive by taking his son.
“Events like this have a long history here in Dublin. It's a good show and Ireland breeds some of the best horses in the world,” he said.
“Although I am more of a city person, like my father, I enjoy watching different breeds of horses compete. It is important to see the introduction of new machinery and new methods in agriculture.”
While most attendees simply wanted to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, others chose to draw attention to issues that were important to them.
Teresa McMahon and Denise Flynn from North Dublin both wanted to show that all clothes can be worn by women of all ages, sizes and shapes.
Ms McMahon is the owner of Curvy Couture, an inclusive fashion store with sizes ranging from 12-18. She has two stores, one in Saggart and one in Glasnevin.
The two women hope to have their own stand at the Dublin Horse Show next year.
Svetlana Sova (38) is originally from Ukraine and now lives in Dublin. She previously visited the horse show with her two daughters and they became friends through equestrian sports.
“I love seeing all the female jockeys on the track,” she said.
She said her designer friend needed a model to promote her portfolio. She was all dressed up.
Mrs Sova did as she pleased and happily walked around the RDS grounds, dressed in a stunning combination of white and red with subtle yet elegant accents of tulle and lace.
Nearby, colleagues Babatunde Olabi (27) from Ashford, Co Wicklow, and Sarah Inaven (28) from Stoneybatter in Dublin stood proud in their unique outfits. They were both taking part in the Best Dressed competition.
“I have been to the horse show every time since I first moved here in 2018, but this time I saw that they were offering a cash prize to the winner of the Best Dressed competition, so I knew I had to call Baba,” said Ms. Inaven.
From left to right: Most Creative Hat winner Laura Hanlon, Tressed to Impress winner Babatunde Alabi, Best Dressed First Prize winner Lorraine Ryan Kelly and runner-up Jodie da Silva Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
“At first I wasn't that interested, but when she mentioned the Best Dressed competition, my interest was piqued and I knew I had to show up and show myself,” said Mr Olabi.
The pair had not expected to encounter such a wide variety of people on that beautiful Thursday afternoon at the RDS.
“What people might not expect is that you meet a lot of different people, whether it's queuing for the event or just coming to eat. It's people from all walks of life here. We met a GP who talked to us about how she was coping with Covid and we spoke to people about their grandchildren. It's really interesting,” Ms Inaven said.
“There are a lot of people I'm speaking to today that I wouldn't normally encounter in my day-to-day life, so that's what I find so exciting,” Mr Olabi added.
After his win in the 'Tressed to Impress' category, Mr Olabi said a new summer tradition may have been born.
“I'm so excited, shocked and happy. I really didn't expect to win, but I was hoping. So to actually win is amazing,” he said.
“Everyone looks fantastic. You look around and everyone shows up and puts on a show. It's a great event.”