A man has been handed the ‘best-dressed’ award for the very first time at the Punchestown Festival in Kildare.

Michael Walsh from Monkstown won the award for his Irish Tweed suit, lilac ‘equine-inspired’ tie and dusky pink shirt.

The Bollinger Best Dressed award has been open to all “regardless of age, gender or shape” since 2018; however, this is the first time a man has scooped the daily prize.

Michael Walsh from Monkstown, winner of Tuesday’s Bollinger Best Dressed award, on-stage at Punchestown. Image: Michael Chester/ChesterPics

Mr Walsh will now go forward to Friday’s Grand Final with the chance of taking home the overall prize.

The 58-year-old said he wore the suit in honour of his father who always wore a tweed suit to the races.

‘Style Council’ judge Jess Colivet said: “Michael oozes sophistication”.

“Standing out as a confident stylish individual and dressing is all about attitude and feeling comfortable and confident, he owned that outfit and had a real presence.”

The Bollinger Best Dressed awards at Punchestown. Image: Michael Chester/ChesterPics

The contest is open to anyone at the races that catches the judge’s eye, “by dressing with confidence, elegance and creativity whilst considering sustainability and appropriateness of their outfit”.

The overall winner will get a ‘money can’t buy’ trip to the home of Bollinger and an overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims.

Main image shows contestants for the Bollinger Best Dressed award on-stage at Punchestown. Image: Michael Chester/ChesterPics