The fashion weekend of the year.

If ever there was a time to don your best dress/hat/shoes, Irish Champions Weekend is the ideal opportunity to do so. The major style and racing event takes place on the second weekend in September: Saturday 10th September is the Leopardstown meet with the second day at the Curragh on the 11th. It's going to be a VERY glamorous affair and in line with this, the prizes are jaw-droppingly good. So, without further ado, this is what's up for grabs:

Saturday 10th September

Prize of Elegance at Leopardstown

• Longines will present an elegant timepiece from their latest collection to the winning lady AND €5,000 to splurge at acclaimed fashion designer Louise Kennedy's flagship store in Merrion Square.
• That's not all either as the winner will also receive an overnight in the penthouse suite of the 5-star Merrion Hotel which includes spa treatment at Tethra Spa, a champagne breakfast, and dinner in the award-winning Cellar Restaurant with wine.
• Men can also win some fabulous prizes with the most elegant Man also receiving a Longines timepiece as well as a visit to master tailor and suit designer Louis Copeland where he will be suited and booted.
• One hundred ladies who've been spotted for their stand-out style will receive a wristband will receive a complimentary glass of prosecco in the beautiful Champions Quarter Marquee at Leopardstown.

Champion Hat

• This competition is judged solely on the hat/headpiece and entrants are encouraged to be as creative or as subtle as they wish.
• The winner will receive a luxurious two-night stay in the 5-star Merrion Hotel along with two magnums of Moët & Chandon.

Sunday 11th September

Prize of Elegance at the Curragh

• Longines will again present an exquisite timepiece to the winning lady together with a €3,000 shopping experience at Kildare Village.
• The most elegant lady will also receive a year’s complimentary hairdressing at the David Marshall Hair Salon to the value of €2,000.
• The most elegant man will also win a fabulous prize with Longines presenting him with a magnificent timepiece, he will also receive a €2,000 shopping spree from Kildare Village and a voucher to spend with David Marshall Hair Salon.
• The four runners-up will receive vouchers from both Kildare Village and David Marshall.

Ronan and Jessica O'Gara will be in attendance on both days as Style and Sport Ambassadors for Irish Champions Weekend 2016. If you're interested in attending you can pre-register for all events, including the Prize of Elegance and the Champion Hat, here. Everyone that pre-registers will go into a draw to win a luxury brunch for four people at The Merrion Hotel, a luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Dublin city. You can also save money by buying your tickets in advance here as tickets to either Leopardstown or the Curragh are just €20 at the moment (and €25 on the day at the gates). A weekend ticket is €35 when purchased online and group discounts apply when booking for 20 people or more. There's yet another incentive to attend too as all racegoers will be included in a competition for a luxury driving holiday on the rugged, picturesque Wild Atlantic Way. With all those prizes up for grabs, it's time to put your best fashion foot forward. See you there!