WAGs play cool at Ryder Cup race day

NEVER mind the horses — it was all about the glad rags and glad WAGS.

Ryder Cup Day at the Curragh Racecourse attracted more hats, heels, feathers and frills than a wedding planners convention. The Goffs Million may have been the big race of the day but the most intense competition was for the title of Brown Thomas Best Dressed Lady.

No matter that the prize money was a tad less at a mere €20,000, this was the one to win and the ladies left nothing to chance. It was just as well because if the crowds were relying on the much anticipated WAGs (wife and girlfriends) for glamour, they were to be disappointed.

The women behind the men of iron were keeping a discreet presence, declining to stray for more than a few moments from their hospitality marquee and happy to let number one WAGs, Melissa Lehman and Glen Woosnam, do most of the mingling for them.

Melissa, wife of US captain Tom Lehman, had never been on a race course before. “I’m walking across the grass and seeing the hoof prints,” she said delightedly. “I’d like to go pet the winning horse.”

Clearly, Melissa was craving a little affection and it was understandable. “I haven’t seen my husband today,” she admitted. “I think he gave me a peck on the cheek at 6.30 this morning but I may have dreamt it — I was asleep.”

She and the other WAGs will have plenty of time to catch up with their menfolk, however, as there is no prohibition on consorting with the players during the competition. In fact, it’s encouraged.

“When he comes in from play, it’s like he’s home from the office and it’s family time. I couldn’t be with him at a competition like this if he couldn’t switch off.”

Melissa said she only heard the term WAGs for the first time yesterday but was not offended by it.

“Am I supposed to find it derogatory? I won’t ever downplay the role of the women in the men’s careers. We’re the strength behind them.”

Hopefully, the men are grateful in return, or at least as appreciative as Maria McCullen Harvey’s husband, Maurice, who bought her a Dolce & Gabbana coat to celebrate the birth of their first child, baby Charlie, four months ago.

The beautiful buttery coloured creation, topped by a splendidly bold feathered hat, earned Maria from Co Meath the €20,000 best dressed lady prize. Maria saw off competition from second place winner Rosaleen Duffy from Dublin who wore a Breakfast at Tiffany’s style grey Marni three quarter length coat, and Stephanie Forde, also from Dublin, in a black and cream ensemble including pieces from Ted Baker, Coast, Zara and Marks and Spensers.

Holiday programme front man and sports presenter, Craig Doyle, was one of the judges tasked with choosing the leading lady. “I’m no expert on fashion but I just know I like a lady to look comfortable and confident in her outfit. Some of the ladies here look a bit worried that everything will stay together,” he said.

Former Republic of Ireland soccer manager, Jack Charlton, will be ringside at the Ryder Cup. He and his wife, Pat, are over for the competition but took time out for the races yesterday, even though he confessed to picking horses with closed eyes by the pin in the race card method.