Horsing around with good sport Olivia
SO the Beast from the East arrived — and in doing so, any semblance of normality that’s possible in a house with two small boys has swiftly departed, and we have been left with utter chaos.
The kids are bouncing up the walls, making it nigh-on impossible to work from home. My attempt at doing so was brief; I was mid-conversation when I saw, out of the corner of my eye, my two little darlings going rogue with a potato peeler, while my better half (also a journalist) was also trying to conduct a phone interview. The result was a red faced apology as the chat was cut short for a trip to the bold step for some time out (the children, not me).
So to the office it was. And while Storm Emma rages outside the office windows and temper tantrums rage inside our home, I thought I should focus this week on something a little more civilised.
I caught up with Sky Sports anchor Olivia Wayne who has been revealed as the new face of Carton House’s Ladies Day on April 2 in Fairyhouse. Olivia is a familiar face to many, not just from the world of sport, but also from her modelling work. Known for her charm presenting Good Morning Sports Fans, she tells me she’s excited to be jetting into Dublin to judge this year’s competition.
THE theme this year is Modern Vintage, with competitors encouraged to take style inspiration from the Earls and Ladies who’ve graced Carton House over time. Now, this is not an excuse for chaps to turn up at the races in their finest Tommy Shelby garb — it’s more Downton Abbey than Peaky Binders. The effort will pay off — the winner of Most Stylish Lady will receive a fabulous trip for two to Boston, with return flights with Aer Lingus and a three night’s stay at a four-star hotel in Boston City.
What’s more, the lucky winner will also enjoy a luxurious stay in the Presidential Suite at Carton House the night before they fly.
‘Fashion has always been a big part of my life,’ says Olivia. ‘I quickly developed my own sense of style, which I would call classic but with a fun twist. I love white, grey and black though, so nothing too crazy,’ she admits.
Her wardrobe has to work harder for her these days. She’s mum to one-year-old Ozzie so her clothes have to be comfortable, easy to move around in and of course — still stylish.
‘My wardrobe has to cover all bases,’ she says. ‘But I love any excuse to play around with fashion so I’m really looking forward to seeing the Carton House Most Stylish Lady entrants this year. My biggest tip is to keep your look classic and elegant— but let your personality shine through.’
Olivia is adamant that she is looking for something unique and will be tapping up previous host and fellow Sky Sports anchor Rachel Wyse for tips on how to spot a winner.
‘I will be looking for someone who is really confident in their outfit,’ she says.
Ladies hoping to vie for the title can register at the Carton House Most Stylish Lady marquee beside the parade ring in Fairyhouse, from 12 noon on Easter Monday. And Olivia says that as a proud Sky Sports news anchor she is delighted that women are once again taking the main stage as the focus of a major sporting event.
‘I am really proud of the fact that Sky has invested in having female anchors on their sports channels. It is a great place to work to be honest and, thankfully, as a result I don’t have any issues regarding equality in the workplace.
‘Rachel Wyse is a testament to that as well,’ she says.
‘We cover women’s cricket, golf and rugby and the horse racing world is big for us, as there are so many great female jockeys out there competing,’ she explains. ‘Sport as a whole needs to evolve and progress and it is. Women’s sport is great to watch and has the same sort of drama and excitement as the men’s games. It is important that we champion women in all aspects. Ladies Day events are interesting because we are championing women’s fashion as well as the sport.’
And with Olivia holding the fort, we are in safe, stylish hands.