Stylish Seamus donates best dressed Listowel prize to charity

The days of the stereotypical punter wearing a shabby raincoat, biro in hand, with a cigarette hanging from the side of his mouth as he studies the form are, it seems, history.

At Listowel Races yesterday, smart suits and, yes, ties, as well as loads of open-necked shirts and neatly-tailored casual jackets were in evidence.

And there were also signs that hats may be making a comeback, with trainers like Willie Mullins setting the pace.

Retired ESB employee Seamus Friel, who turned out in a navy suit, patterned shirt, and colourful tie, won first prize in the Moriarty Drapery Best Dressed Man competition.

Not really interested in racing as such, the Donegal native, who has lived in Ballybunion, Co Kerry, for 40 years said he came mainly for the fashion. Seamus, 62, donated his €1,000 prize to Recovery Haven, a cancer support centre in Tralee. “This is a very worthy cause and I’m happy to make it my charity of choice,’’ he said.

Seamus lost both his wife, Patricia, and his mother to cancer, and emotionally recalled how Patricia won second place in the ladies’ fashion competition 30 years ago.

Twenty finalists were presented in the parade ring and were described as a dapper bunch by the competition judge Gemma Kavanagh, Kerry’s Rose of Tralee finalist.

The women will get their chance to shine at Ladies’ Day today, with large numbers expected to turn out in their finery vying for prizes worth around €7,000.

TV personality Dáithí Ó Sé and fashion expert Celia Holman Lee will be the judges.