ZAK OF THE NET

Hurler Moradi wows off track while favourite Galopin fails in Gold Cup fight

- DANNY DE VAAL

TOP hurler Zak Moradi thought judges were “taking the p***” after he was selected as one of the Best Dressed finalists at Punchestown yesterday.

Leitrim star Zak, who is of Kurdish background, said he only wore his Louis Copeland suit after being pushed into it by pals who ignored their own advice and all went for more casual attire.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, he said: "I was going to the bathroom, they [the judges] seen me there. I had a few drinks in me... I thought they were taking the p****.

Zak, who is the author of Life Begins In Leitrim, added: "One of the lads said to me 'Look, dress up and wear a suit'... I wear a suit, no one else was wearing a suit."

But Zak, who was born in a refugee camp in Iraq, ultimately lost out to stylish Nomi Brennan, who was named the Best Dressed at the festival yesterday.

She wowed the judges after pairing a baby pink midi dress with a black fascinator, black mules, and a matching YSL bag that she borrowed from her mum. It comes as racing fans were left gobsmacked after wonder horse Galopin Des Champs was sensationally beaten by a 20-1 outlier in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

JJ Slevin stormed to victory on Fastorslow in a thrilling display at the Kildare race track.