Having a gale of a time! Windswept students brave wet weather for a day at the races

When these students decided to get dressed up for a day at the races, they probably didn't expect rain on their parade. But unfortunately Mother Nature had different ideas.
As the glamorous girls headed to Student Race Day at Cork race course, Mallow, they had to contend with heavy down pours and strong winds as they walked to the entrance in their heels.
Most of the women had opted to head out without coats so were ill-prepared for March's untimely wintry weather.

Windswept: Students brave the wet and windy weather to attend the races in Cork

Not dressed for wintry weather: The women would have expected better conditions in March

Can't rain on our parade: These students didn't want to let the weather spoil their fun

Some had the foresight to take umbrellas but with the strong gusts of wind, these were little protection against the storm and many were blown inside out.

 

The going was described as 'soft to heavy' at the special student event which is part of the Irish venue's Easter festival.

Seeing the funny side: Umbrellas weren't much use thanks to the strong gusts of wind

Take cover: Many of the race goers were unprepared for the storm arriving in jackets not coats with bare legs

Student revelers were admitted for 10 Euros and could attend a disco afterwards. 
Willie Mullins' mare Tarla, ridden by David Casey, was among the winners on the day taking a victory in the hurdles after consecutive falls over fences in previous races.

The going isn't good: Hopefully the women had more luck with the races than they did with the weather

No dampened spirits: The students had a disco to enjoy after the races

Leap of victory: Winners on the day included Tarla ridden by David Casey