Under starter’s orders for Galway Races

Advance bookings for the 2016 Galway Races are slightly up compared with last year, as the city prepares for the annual pilgrimage to Ballybrit.

Michael Moloney, who has succeeded his father John as manager of Galway Racecourse, is reporting strong sales ahead of the bumper weeklong horseracing festival, which goes to post on Monday.

Hotels, the hospitality sector and retailers are all looking forward to another ‘bumper’ week.

In 2015, attendances surpassed the 140,000 mark for the first time since 2011, and Mr Moloney expects similar numbers again this year as the economic recovery takes hold.

“There was a slight increase last year, and we would be happy with that again this year. Advance ticket sales are strong and our hospitality is booked out, except for a few tables at the weekend. Everyone seems to be talking about Galway, ‘are you going to Galway?’ and ‘What day are you going?’. People are happy to spend.

“Website traffic doubled in the last two days when the sun came out. So we’re looking for a slight increase again this year. Anytime you get that many people (around 140,000) at an event, you’d have to be happy,” he said.

The event is estimated to be worth €56 million to the local economy but the horseracing industry relies on it, too.

“Galway accounts for twelve per cent of attendances at racing in Ireland. It’s huge for Galway but it’s huge for the racing industry, and the Tote. If they can have a good Galway, they’ll have a good year,” said Mr Moloney.

Some 800 horses will compete in 52 races over seven days for a total prize pot of €1.9 million, which is up €83,000 on the previous year. All the top trainers and jockeys are targeting Thursday’s €300,000 Guinness Galway Hurdle, the richest national hunt race ever, and the €220,000 Tote.com Galway Plate on Wednesday.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.