Listowel Harvest Racing Festival 2023: What You Need to Know

The race is on!

It’s that time of year again!

You guessed it, the countdown for Listowel Races is almost over. With an action-packed programme that has something for everyone, this is the festival of the fall season and features a line-up you certainly don’t want to miss!

At Upfront, we have been running the style schedule at Listowel for many years now. Follow @orladiffily and @upfrontmodelmanagement and @listowelraces for all the behind the scenes action as it unfolds over Race Week.

But - for now - here’s all the insider details you need, and more, read on!

What dates are the Listowel Races Harvest Festival 2023?

Listowel Race Company has announced its action-packed programme for the forthcoming Harvest Racing Festival & we’re all in for a treat!

From Sunday 17th to Saturday 23rd of September, it’s time to celebrate 165 years of quality racing at Listowel with 5 days of top-quality national hunts and 2 days of flat racing & 6 fashion events on the cards. It’s a winner alright!

How much are tickets to Listowel Races?

Tickets can be purchased online at www.listowelraces.ie or at turnstiles on the day for €20 on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday & €25 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, with a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more.

There are also excellent corporate entertainment packages available, for more information visit here.

What’s on the programme for Listowel Races this year?

As every Listowel Races lover knows, this race meeting provides an action-packed agenda for avid racers and style lovers alike.

With an array of events and style competitions in store, everyone has an opportunity to win big!

Sunday 17th of September

The opening day’s card is sponsored by Kerry Group and the feature race is the Kerry Group Steeplechase €40,000.

Sunday also features the return of the best-dressed event ‘The Lyrath Estate Best Dressed Couples Competition’, judged by Kristin McKenzie Vass. With a prize fund valued at €2,000, all dynamic duos will enjoy this fabulous event.

Sunday is also family day! Sponsored by Garvey’s SuperValu, this year’s entertainment is better than ever with a free Wooly farm with an array of cute farm animals, plus Winnie the Donkey!

Ray and Larry the Lama have a quiet word behind the scenes.

To make the opening day extra special, Listowel Race Company have booked top band Superfly to entertain everyone and add to the magical ambience that is race week in Listowel.

Monday 18th of September

Roll up, roll up — Monday is the day of the feature race with the Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle €50,000.

Monday also sees the return of a competition celebrating one of fashion’s staples — Denim Blue Jeans. Open to everyone, the Listowel Races ‘Forever in Blue Jeans’ competition is a great excuse to wear your favourite jeans and style them up or down as you wish. This year, judged by top model and actor Timmy Dowd (who has appeared in Suits, Neighbours and Enchantment) with cash prizes in the male and female categories.

Tuesday 19th of September

Tuesday’s feature race is the Edmond & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes €37,500. Top Irish DJ Marty Guilfoyle will be spinning the favourites on Tuesday, and students and young racers dress to impress and win cash prizes for the best-dressed racer under 25 with categories for Best Dressed male and female, sustainable and creative!

Wednesday 20th of September

If you’re looking for your racing highlight, The Guinness Kerry National Steeplechase €200,000 (Grade A) is on Wednesday and is always a winner alright! Join the huge crowds & get in on the amazing atmosphere on the course for this incredible event.

Listowel Race Course is partnered with Royal Ascot and their Chairman, His Majesty’s Representative, Sir Francis Brooke and some of their Directors will be visiting the course as guests to reciprocate the hospitality shown to the Listowel Directors over the years!

Thursday 21st of September

Nathan McDonnell (judge) and Micheal Moran (sponsor and owner of Ryle Menswear). Photo Neustock Media

Back by popular demand, the Best Dressed Man’s Competition is on Thursday with an incredible prize sponsored by Ryle Menswear and judged by the always-dapper Nathan McDonnell.

For the feature race, you can place your bets on The Listowel Printing Works Handicap €45,000.

Friday 22nd of September

International Fashion Designer Don O’Neill. Photo Neustock Media

Oh yes, the girls are back in town and it’s time for a total takeover on Friday!

For the 9th year in a row, McElligotts are proud to sponsor this prestigious fashion event and are delighted to once again welcome Kia as official event co-sponsors.

Judged by international fashion designer Don O’Neill and top model and businesswoman, Elvira Fernandez Zebo, the best-dressed lady will win a trip to NEW YORK with spending money. There are also cash prizes for the most contemporary look and most creative hat!

Elvira Fernandez Zebo. Photo Anna Photography Cork

Don’t forget to save your heels, as the wheels return with the famous open-top Double Decker bus transporting everyone in comfort and style from the centre of Listowel town to the races from 12 noon. Don and Elvira will be there and giving out some early best dressed gongs to worthy race goers!

Saturday 23rd of September

Sustainable Style Saturday is back!

As the first race course to host a sustainable-focused fashion competition, it’s a tradition like no other. Thanks to organisers Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce, this fashion event only continues to grow in popularity over the years with all racegoers continuing to express their style personalities through vintage and pre-loved, or by styling an outfits they may have worn before.

As a vintage lover herself, top model Pat Walker will be judging this year, with prizes for both male & female entrants.

The final feature race of the week is The Charlie Chute Memorial Handicap Steeplechase €50,000 — and is sure to round off the week with a dramatic close!

Who’s judging Ladies' Day at Listowel Races?

Every year Ladies’ Day at Listowel is THE style event on the calendar, and with the fashion stakes so high, we had to bring in the big guns!

This year, Ladies’ Day will be judged by international fashion designer, Don O’Neill and model and businesswoman, Elvira Fernandez Zebo! With their huge style credentials, it’s going to be tough competition — with huge prizes in store.

In addition to the winner's prize of a Trip for Two to New York, there are also generous cash prizes of €1,000 for the Most Creative Headpiece and €500 for the Most Contemporary Outfit.

If you want to learn more about this year’s fabulous judges, you’re in luck!

Catch up on Sunday Girl with our agency girl boss, Orla Diffily, to get to know the fascinating stories and careers of Don and Elvira.