It's been celebrated in story and song for generations and the Galway racing festival remains one of the great Irish sport and social events. It's also a good economic indicator for Ireland's financial health. This year 20 helicopters will be in action flying punters to and from Ballybrit racecourse in Galway. In 2007 it was 347!
Modem captured the opening night feature for Kate and Jessica Harrington after the well backed 5 year old got the better of a great duel with Awesome Star and Ted Veale to win The Connacht Hotel Qualified Riders Handicap on day 1 of the 2015 Galway Races. As Kate hit the parade ring not surprisingly her late Dad came to mind.
More indications of the fragile economic recovery with the fact that the attendance on the first evening of the festival was 19,214, up marginally on the corresponding figure of 18,938 last year.The Tote betting aggregate was €782,340 (€738,940 in 2014) while the bookmakers turnover was €1,208,418 (€1,242,229 in 2014). The fashion stakes are also high at the course, sisters Gabrielle and Barbara Dunne from Galway amongst those setting the standards!
I was also looking for Today FM IT colleague this morning for help rebooting the windows computer but no sign. Then he appeared. and not in the way you'd expect.
Where did it all go wrong? No sign of Byron Callaghan @todayfm this morning. Seems 2b enjoying himself @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/63sNTXBihE
— Paul Collins (@paulcollinstipp) July 28, 2015
My best tip for the week: pace yourself socialising and punting!
