Galway Oyster Festival 2008 - Programme of Events

GALWAY OYSTER FESTIVAL 2008
Programme of Events

For full details, visit the Galway International Oyster Festival 2008 official website at Galway Oyster Festival

Thursday 25th September 8pm
Guinness Irish Oyster Opening Championships

Friday 26th September 7.30pm
The Magnificent Mardi Gras Party
Venue: The Oyster Festival Marquee, Nimmo’s Pier

Saturday 27th September 12 noon
Official Opening of the Galway International Oyster Festival
Venue - Eyre Square

Saturday Afternoon at the Marquee
Venue - Festival Marquee Nimmo’s Pier
1.00 pm Oyster Tasting
2.00pm Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship
3.00 pm Elegant Lady Competition
3.30pm Announcement of Guinness World Oyster Opening Champion

Saturday 27th September
Oyster Festival Gala Ball
Venue: Radisson Hotel SAS
Start time: 8pm

Sunday 28th September 1pm
Farewell Party
Venue: Nimmo’s Pier

Galway Oyster Festival 2008

Galway Oyster Festival 2008

Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th September

The Galway International Oyster Festival, like the Galway Races and the Galway Arts Festival, is a major attraction to tourists from all over the world.

Featuring the Guinness Irish Oyster Opening Championships and the Oyster Pearl contest, the annual Galway Oyster Festival combines the delights of oysters and Guinness with Galway's celebrated hospitality, camaraderie and love of round-the-clock partying.

The Galway Races are over, but the fun is just about to begin.

So, tie your bicycle to the hitching-rail and enter the spirit of the Galway International Oyster Festival 2008.

Quay Street, Galway

Quay Street, Galway

Quay Street, Galway is much more than a street. "Quay Street, Galway" is an evocative, incantatory Irish phrase that conjures up a multiplicity of vivid images and memories for every visitor who has had the good fortune to enter into its magical dimension.

Quay Street, Galway is a unique, enriching experience. It is a sensory swirl of colourful shop fronts; aromatic cafes; spontaneous street theatre; conversation-buzzing, music-throbbing pubs; and friendly, yarn-spinning people.

Morning, afternoon or evening, Quay Street (Galway) is the West Awake, Ireland Through the Looking Glass.

Brian Cowen Singing

Taoiseach Brian Cowen enjoys singing. A man with a song and a well-developed sense of humour, he is a natural for the Galway Races.

Listen to Brian Cowen Singing.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen at Galway Races

Taoiseach Brian Cowen at the Galway Races

"It's a holiday festival. I think whether it's good times or bad times, you know, people need a bit of a break and (an opportunity to) relax.

There's a unique atmosphere here in Galway. There's a great tradition of racing here. And you have, of course, to ally that to all the tremendous investments that have been made in recent years.

You have a tremendous set of facilities here now. The management of the festival committee have to be congratulated for their foresight and their ability to reinvest and make sure that the product here is as good as anything that you'll find on these islands.

We're here at Galway Races trying to get away from some of that serious talk. I think it's always refreshing to come and see good racing and see one of the great jockeys of our time, Ruby Walsh give the winner there (Oslot) an absolute armchair ride."

You can watch Taoiseach Brian Cowan's interview on Youtube by clicking on Taoiseach Brian Cowan.

Ryan Tubridy at the Galway Races

Ryan Tubridy on his first visit to the Galway Races:

"I come to Galway all the time on my holidays. I stop in and get my books and other nerdy materials and head out to Clifden. But I've never been to the races. So this is the first time.

I was invited down by a few people and I thought: 'Okay, I've got time off and I'm gonna go.' And it's been great.

Jeepers, I'm being honest with you and I'm not going to lie to you - horses ... smorses. I'm just here to have a look and a few scoops. I haven't had them yet. I'm looking forward to them now in a second. It's nearly beer o'clock ... Twenty to .... And then I'll get stuck in and have good fun.

I mean the social life is great. I've spent an hour and a half, I'd say, wandering around and just talking to people all afternoon. It's been great.

I was at Punchestown for the first time recently. It was lovely. It was fine but (Galway's) a different planet. Different league. I mean here the women are spectacular. The guys look well too. And the beer is flowing - it's not messy. And if you don't want to do the horses you can do other stuff. It's great."

You can watch this Ryan Tubridy at the Galway Races interview on Youtube by clicking on Ryan Tubridy on Youtube.

Galway Races 2008 - Statistics (Thursday)

Attendance
2008 - 46,186
2007 - 46,637
2006 - 48,120

Bookmakers
2008 - €3,526,710
2007 - €4,413,883
2006 - €4,482,133

Tote
2008 - €1,768,252
2007 - €2,071,682
2006 - €1,788,246

Galway Races 2008 - Statistics (Wednesday)

Attendance
2008 - 25,537
2007 - 25,492
2006 - 28,817

Bookmakers
2008 - €3,287,334
2007 - €3,838,526
2006 - €3,755,082

Tote
2008 - €1.292,364
2007 - €1,537,559
2006 - €1,450,637

Galway Races 2008 - Statistics (Tuesday)

Attendance
2008 - 22,282
2007 - 26,345
2006 - 27,685

Bookmakers
2008 - €2,128,027
2007 - €3,052,652
2006 - €3,183,723

Tote
2008 - €1,145,034
2007 - €1,293,347
2006 - €1,199,002

Galway Races 2008 - Statistics (Monday)

Attendance
2008 - 20,476
2007 - 22,595
2006 - 19,212

Bookmakers
2008 - €2,359, 701
2007 - €2,672,338
2006 - €2,763,828

Tote
2008 - € 945,311
2007 - €1,104,765
2006 - €900,422

Galway Races 2008 - Results Sunday 3rd August

Galway Races - Results 2008

Sunday 3rd August

Galway Races results in brief

1.45 Banna Man 5/1 P W Flood (T J O'Mara)

2.15 Darenjan 5/1 P W Flood (John Joseph O'Hanlon)

2.45 Laura's Light 9/1 I J McCarthy (D T Hughes)

3.15 Almass 12/1 S H James (Kevin Prendergast)

3.45 Senators Alibi 7/1 J A Heffernan (T J O'Mara)

4.15 Suailce 4/5 Fav P J Smullen (D K Weld)

4.45 Caim Hill 10/1 Mr B T O'Connell (Philip Fenton)

Cheap Flights and Hotel Accommodation

Galway Races 2008 - Results Saturday 2nd August

Galway Races - Results 2008

Saturday 2nd August

Galway results in brief

2.30 Gay Sloane 11/4 N Madden (N Meade)

3.00 Ballito 25/1 M Bolger (J Stanley)

3.35 P'tit Fute 9/1 M Walsh (F Flood)

4.05 Thecreditcrunchie 100/30 W Lordan (T Stack)

4.35 Hill Fairy 14/1 M Cleere (J Morrison)

5.05 Indian Ocean 4/1 J Heffernan (A O'Brien)

5.35 Rite Of Passage 9/4 Fav R McNamara (D K Weld)

Galway Races 2008 - Results Friday 1st August

Galway Races - Results 2008

Friday 1st August

403/1 Treble for Danny Mullins - A Star is Born!

Galway results in brief

5.10 Truckers Delight 11/2 Jt Fav Mr P W Mullins (3) (J Hanlon)

5.40 Cristal Island 7/4 Fav D E Mullins (7) (T Mullins)

6.15 Torrid Kentavr 15/2 D J Casey (J Lambe)

6.50 Glitter Baby 20/1 D E Mullins (7) (P Cashman)

7.25 Mikhail Fokine 2/1 J A Heffernan (A P O'Brien)

7.55 Metal Madness 6/1 D E Mullins (7) (M G Quinlan)

8.30 Sophocles 7/2 M C Hussey (J Leavy)

Galway Races full results for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:
Galway Results - Monday 28 July 2008

Galway Results - Tuesday 30 July 2008

Galway Results - Wednesday 30 July 2008

Full results for Thursday will appear later.

Galway Races 2008 - Results Thursday 30 July 2008

Galway Races - Results 2008

Thursday 31 July

Indian Pace wins Guinness Galway Hurdle

Galway results in brief

1.50 Tasman 7/1 B J Geraghty (L McAteer)

2.25 Skip Two 9/1 B M Cash (D Fitzgerald)

3.00 Define 10/1 D F O'Regan (J Motherway)

3.40 Indian Pace 7/1 P Townend (5) (J Kiely)

4.25 Tin Town Boy 25/1 M Harley (7) (H Rogers)

5.00 Miranda's Girl 5/1 R P Cleary (T Cleary)

5.35 Maundy Money 11/2 C O'Donoghue (D Marnane)

6.05 Noble Commander 8/1 Mr A T Duff (3) (J Halpin)

Galway Races full results for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:
Galway Results - Monday 28 July 2008

Galway Results - Tuesday 30 July 2008

Galway Results - Wednesday 30 July 2008

Full results for Thursday will appear later.

200th Galway Winner for Dermot Weld

Lady Alicia, 6/1 winner of the William Hill Irish Sports Book Maiden, was Dermot Weld's 200th all-time winner at Galway and his 8th winner of Galway Races 2008.

Remember what we said at the beginning of this week?

"No fuel in your petrol tank? Nothing left in the ATM?
Never mind. Jump on your bike, saddle the old grey mare or grab your walking stick and follow Dermot Weld - 'The Baron of Ballybrit' (as 'The Irish Field' dubbed him on Saturday) to the Galway Races."

And we're not even half-way through the week!

Galway Races 2008 - Results Wednesday 30 July

Galway Races - Results 2008

Wednesday 30 July

Oslot wins Galway Plate for Walsh and Nichols

Galway results in brief

1.50 Desert Abbey 7/1 A D Leigh (Mrs J Harrington)

2.25 Clover Pearl 9/1 P W Flood (M Cullen)

3.00 Directa King 3/1 JT FAV P J Smullen (D K Weld)

3.40 Oslot 11/4 FAV Ruby Walsh (P Nichols)

4.25 Invincible Joe 8/1 K Latham (G Lyons)

5.00 Lady Alicia 6/1 Mr M M O'Connor (5) (D K Weld)

5.35 Vanishing Causeway 16/1 F M Berry (D Marnane)

6.05 Amarama 7/2 W J Supple (D Myerscough)

"The Money's in the Bag Now!"

After Directa King, the D K Weld trained winner of the William Hill Handicap, raced home 17 lengths clear of the second horse, Cloone River, the following exchange took place on RTE:

Commentator Tony O'Hehir : "That was a handicap and Directa King has absolutely bolted in."

Ted Walsh: "The Weld bandwagon keeps rolling along. He said beforehand that he fancied it well. The one man I'd say is running for cover is our Flat handicapper. How, in the name of God, a horse can win a competitive handicap at Galway by that far is beyond me. He didn't win it by two lengths or three lengths. He won it by as far as you'd see a horse win a 3 mile chase. I mean it wasn't a handicap - it was a horse dropped in.

(Viewing the replay) "He left ... The rest of them were in a heap behind. There's not a lot to choose between them, but this horse goes further and further in front off a rating of 72. I'm sure he (the Flat handicapper) is asking himself how he got this so wrong. And so wrong did he get it.

"Plenty of money for him (Directa King). Loads of support. And he absolutely bolted in."

Robert Hall: "Ted, in fairness to the handicapper, the horse has only had one run in this country and he was placed in it. The handicapper was judging him on his German form. He won a couple of small races in Germany. So it was difficult."

Ted: "Difficult? Yes, it was difficult, but he didn't half get it wrong."

Robert: "He got it wrong. He'd admit that, but he won't get it quite so wrong the next time."

Ted: "Ah, no he won't. But the money's in the bag now. The robbery is committed. We're all gone home. Ha! Ha!"

Dermot Weld Expects Huge Run from Ansar

Ansar's Galway Plate Prospects

Last week Dermot Weld told 'The Irish Field': "Ansar went to Ballinrobe on Monday for his usual pre-Galway prep and he is in great shape. He is an amazing horse around Ballybrit, winning there on seven occasions, including the Galway Hurdle and two Galway Plates. I am well aware that he hasn't won since 2005 and that he is now a 12-year-old. Yet he is full of enthusiasm and I have been impressed with his two runs on the flat.

He is a very sound horse, he is very fresh and he is very well. With 11 stone on his back, he has been given a great chance by the handicapper. I know it is a big ask but I'm expecting a huge run from him on Wednesday."

The Ansar lies in the soil

Dermot Weld confirmed today that Ansar (a firm ground specialist) is in great form but added: "They say that the ground is dead and that won't be in his favour."

Ted Walsh RTE

Robert Hall and Ted Walsh

RTE racing pundit Ted Walsh appears to know the pedigree of every horse and the genealogy of every owner, trainer, jockey and stable lad in Ireland. He is by far the most entertaining, informative and quotable individual on Irish television.

If you can't make it to the Galway Races, don't miss Ted and Robert and the rest of the team on RTE. And if you do manage to get to the races, don't forget to record RTE's coverage for posterity. You'll be glad you did.

A summer delight to brighten winter evenings!

Galway Races Results - Tuesday 29 July

Galway Races - Results 2008

Tuesday 29 July

The full results of all today's races at the Galway Summer Racing Festival will be published this evening at Galway Races - Results - Tuesday 29 July 2008

Double Delight for Weld and Smullen

Galway Results in brief

5.10 Winterdown Star 10/1 T G M Ryan (M J O'Brien)

5.45 Reisk Superman 5/1 CO FAV R Walsh (A J Martin)

6.20 My Valley 10/1 S M Gorey(3) (P Fahy)

7.00 Celtic Dane 7/1 C D Hayes (G McCann)

7.35 Rare Ransom 4/5 FAV P J Smullen (D K Weld)

8.10 Maundy Money 9/1 C O'Donoghue (D Marnane)

8.40 Award Ceremony 3/1 P J Smullen (D K Weld)

Ted Walsh on Robbie McNamara's Victory

Commenting on Robbie McNamara's G.P.T. Galway Handicap win on Majestic Concorde, Dermot Weld said: "He gave him a beautiful ride. Robbie's a tall guy, bu I got him to get down behind his horse and sit in like maybe I used to do years ago. He gave him a peach of a ride. I said to him, 'Remember, Robbie, the rail is the shortest way round', and that's what he did. That's what won the race. He's a really, really good amateur."

Ted Walsh emphasised the remarkable weight loss McNamara had achieved in pursuit of this victory: "If anyone deserved to win this race it was Robbie McNamara. If you'd seen how much weight this young man had to lose to ride this horse. He looks like a Biafran. If you saw his face there.

He's a big tall lad (6ft 2in), a big lad. He had 9 pounds to lose in the last couple of days. He spent more time running and sweating in a sauna. There's nothing there. If you see his face, all you can see is his eyes. He's like a scarecrow.

He's absolutely done a great job. He's given this horse a wonderful ride. He's ridden for a great man, Dermot Weld. I'm delighted for him. When someone tries that hard, you love to see him getting a result."

Ted Walsh on Dermot Weld's Success at Galway

Ted Walsh, in his characteristically candid manner, explained the master of Rosewell House's historical success at Galway: "Dermot (Weld) likes this track. He comes here every year with a top gun. He's a hard man to beat here. He brings his top horses here.

In fairness, I couldn't say that you would see Ballydoyle (Aidan O'Brien), or Vincent O'Brien or 'Darkie' Prendergast doing that in their day - or any of the other big places (stables). The others don't just seem to take it (Galway Races) quite as seriously as Dermot does. He brings, as he said himself, a listed or a stakes horse to win a maiden here. Doesn't he?"

Dermot Weld on Galway Racecourse

The debate on the quality of the Galway track continued after Broad Meaning's win in the G.P.T. Access Equipment EBF Maiden.

Tracy Piggott: "Galway's not the easiest of tracks. Is it?"

Dermot Weld: "It's a very good track."

"But, it's undulating," she persisted.

But Dermot was having none of it: "Ah, it's a much better track than people think it is."

Ruby Walsh on Galway Racecourse

Following his win on Stage Manager, Ruby Walsh told RTE's Robert Hall: "Galway's a tricky track. You have to be able to travel, to jump, to get into the gaps when you want to get into them and things like that. It's not a .... I mean there's crowds coming and there's great racing ... but, as an actual racecourse, it's very tricky. It's by no means a Grade 1."

Ted Walsh on Tony Martin

Ted Walsh lauded Tony Martin, handler of Stage Manager, as a "leading trainer" with "a big future".

He then went on, in his inimitable way, to describe A J Martin's general demeanour: "Tony is a fidgety sort of a so-and-so. If he was a horse, you'd have to say he was a box-walker. He's always on his toes walking around, but he's a fair detail when it comes down to training a racehorse."

Ted Walsh - Ruby's Injuries

After Ruby Walsh had won the G.P.T. Dublin Handicap Hurdle on the first night of this years's Galway Races, Ted Walsh enumerated the most significant injuries his son had sustained in the course of his riding career: "Ruby has had his fair share of injuries. He has dislocated and broken both his hips; broken his leg twice; his collarbone on a couple of occasions; his wrist; vertebrae in his back; and his shoulder twice as well too. So he's racking them (injuries) up well."

Galway Races - Results 2008

Galway Races - Results 2008

Monday 28 July

Dermot Weld Lands 494/1 Four-Timer at Galway

(see today's 'Your Country Needs You' post below)

The full results of all races at the Galway Summer Racing Festival will be published this evening at Galway Races - Results - Monday 28 July 2008

Galway Results in brief

5.10 Hassanali 20/1 D J Casey (J T Gorman)

5.45 Stage Manager 3/1 FAV Ruby Walsh (A J Martin)

6.20 Broad Meaning 5/6 FAV P J Smullen (D K Weld)

7.00 Majestic Concorde 7/1 Mr R P McNamara (3) (D K Weld)

7.35 Miranda's Girl 16/1 R P Cleary (Thomas Cleary)

8.10 Ghimaar 11/4 FAV P J Smullen (D K Weld)

8.40 Battle In Hand 8/1 Mr C B J Weld (7) (D K Weld)

Galway Races 2008 - Monday

Your Country Needs You at The Galway Races!

Saddle up and go to the Galway Race 2008

'Average attendances at Irish race meetings down 8.5%'
'On course betting turnover down nearly 14%'
'Bookies gear up for price war at Galway Races'

Credit crunch ... spiralling fuel, food and energy prices ... rising unemployment ... crisis in the construction industry ... rising interest rates ... plunging house values ... fears of RECESSION!

Is there no end to it all?

What about the gloomy headlines in this morning's newspapers?

Ryanair profit falls 85% on fuel prices
Surge in troubled firms folding as crisis deepens
Opec warns prices could rocket to $500 a barrel

And ...

"Coughlan Warning at World Trade Talks in Geneva ..... Irish farm lobby fears that the livestock industry is on the brink of being sold out in the negotiations by EU commissioner Peter Mandelson."

No fuel in your petrol tank? Nothing left in the ATM?

Never mind. Jump on your bike, saddle the old grey mare or grab your walking stick and follow Dermot Weld - 'The Baron of Ballybrit' (as 'The Irish Field' dubbed him on Saturday) to the Galway Races.

You could do worse things this week.

P.S. Aidan O'Brien and Johnny Murtagh will be at Goodwood. Now, there's a surprise!

Pat Smullen - Galway Races Masterclass

Pat Smullen - Galway Races

At Galway Races 2007, jockey Pat Smullen told RTE's Robert Hall: "Galway is a pressure week. You like to get winners and obviously the boss (Dermot Weld) likes to have winners here. So you find the pressure to get results in every race you ride. It's a great meeting and a great festival and while you're having winners it's even better."

Referring to the peculiarities of the course itself, he added: "It's a difficult track to ride. You have to have tactics and you have to have a horse that's got pace. Even in a long distance race if you don't have a horse that's got pace you'll get murdered through the race and you're out of a winning chance. Pace is the main thing. You need a horse that can get up there and get out of trouble. And then, obviously, it's important not go too soon for that hill is unforgiving."

He also stressed the importance of a good draw: "Drawn wide is a disadvantage in a big field. Even over a mile and a half being drawn wide is a very big disadvantage. So the higher the number the better the chance."

Having discussed the theory, Pat went straight out and put it into practice. With perfect timing, he brought In A Rush 6/1 through to pass leader Miss Gorica 9/2 favourite and repel the strong late challenge of Kieren Fallon on Perfect Memory 8/1.

Another Galway winner for the Dermot Weld/P J Smullen team.

Ruby Walsh - Galway Races

Ruby Walsh doing his impression of Aidan O'Brien?

As his father Ted might say: "Two top men going about their business."

Ruby Walsh (below), in his accustomed role, returning victorious to the winner's enclosure on Swordplay at Galway Races.

Ted (Walsh) told RTE viewers: "This man (Ruby) gets a great kick out of his winners and that's as it should be. You should enjoy every moment. I'm always saying that to the lads that are riding, 'Enjoy those winners because there'll come a time when they'll dry up. So enjoy every day for what it is.'"

He had this to say about the winning horse and his trainer: "Swordplay jumped super, travelled well, settled well; and, typical of a Michael O'Brien horse, had the eyeballs schooled outta him. His first jump over fences and he jumped like a handicapper!"

Michael J Smurfit at the Galway Races

Dr Michael J Smurfit relaxing among the Busy Lizzies at Ballybrit

"And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,

Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;

There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,

And Galway meetings full of my horses' wins."

If tradition is anything to go by, Dr Michael J Smurfit is a good bet to be among the winners at the Galway Summer Race Festival 2008.

Galway Races - Frolics in the Parade Ring

"Lighten up, Joe! It's not the Curragh."

A casually dressed, mischievous Michael Hourigan shares a joke with Joseph Collins, Clerk of the Course.

These photographs capture some of the relaxed and idiosyncratic charm of the Galway Races.

Dermot Weld - Ansar's Galway Plate Prospects

Ansar - Galway Plate Winner 2004 and 2005

Dermot Weld, trainer of hat-trick seeking Galway Plate specialist Ansar, told the Irish Independent:

"Ansar is very well in himself and despite his age he has retained huge enthusiasm for his racing and he has ran two nice races on the flat at both Navan and the Curragh recently and it sets him up nicely for a serious crack at the Galway Plate.

I actually think that he is in with a serious chance this year whereas the last two years (2006 and 2007), although he ran well, he finished third and fourth in the race, he is a small horse and he had too much weight. This year off 11-stone, while it is still plenty of weight for a 12-year-old, I just feel he is going to run a very big race.

Certainly certain tracks suit certain horses and Galway is a very big track and obviously certain horses handle it and some don't but Ansar loves it."

J P McManus at Galway Races

J P McManus and a Man of Importance

"Who is that man with JP McManus?" asked my companion. "He's obviously a man of importance."

"What makes you think that?" I asked.

"Well, everyone in the parade ring seems to be trying to keep on the right side of him," he answered.

"Except JP," I replied. "He's on his left side."

"You know what I mean," he said. "He appears to be in control around here. Look at the size of his bunch of keys."

"If you think of Galway Races as the Kingdom," I grinned, "that man is St Peter."

Galway Races 2008

Galway Races 2008

Take up your bet and walk!

This famous 1949 Guinness poster, which appears on the front of a Galway pub, captures the traditional spirit of the Galway Races where there are numerous winning opportunities for the little man or the small racing syndicate.

Among last year's winners were: First Row 7/1 (Busted Sofa Syndicate); My Valley 25/1 (Ballyboggan Racing Syndicate); Dreamy Gent 2/1 (Say Nothing Syndicate); and Sir Frederick 12/1 Galway Plate Winner (Seven Heads Syndicate).

Galway Plate 2008 - Ansar

Denis O'Regan booked to ride Ansar in 2008 William Hill Galway Plate

Ansar, bidding for his third Galway Plate victory, will be ridden by Denis O'Regan who partnered him to victory in 2005.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Ansar, said: "Denis has been booked to ride Ansar and he will also ride Majestic Concorde, who won on the Flat at Killarney on Tuesday, for us in the Guinness Galway Hurdle."

O'Regan told At The Races: "Ansar carries 11 stone this year and is a good ride in the race. I haven't ridden him recently but I saw him running on the flat. He still has his spark.

He's a very, very special horse and he has been to me and my career. He's dropped a good bit now and the key to him is the ground: if it's quick he's a right chance."

David Casey won the 2004 Galway Plate on Ansar and Ruby Walsh was on board when Ansar finished runner-up to Far From Trouble in 2006.

William Hill Galway Plate 2008

The 2008 William Hill Galway Plate, worth €240,000, has attracted a total of 45 entries.

UK champion trainer Paul Nicholls has three representatives: current ante-post favourite Oslot, top-weight Hoo La Baloo and Oumeyade.

Nicholls said: “Hoo La Baloo was dreadfully unlucky when brought down in last year’s race, and even though he’s high in the weights now, the track suits him and I think he deserves at second crack at the Plate."

He added: “I’m not too surprised to see Oslot at the top of the sponsors betting. He’s an improving young horse, and I’m hopeful that he’ll run a big race."

Ansar, winner of the William Hill Galway Plate in 2004 and 2005, runner-up in 2006 and fourth in last year’s race is set to carry 11 stone.

Chairman of Galway Races Ray Rooney said: “The quality of runners will ensure another great renewal of the Galway Plate, and we are delighted for the sponsors. It would be apt if Ansar could record a historic third win in the race with Dermot Weld being synonymous with the Galway Races."

Galway Races - Music

Galway Races - Band

Galway racegoers are famously irrepressible. At the Galway Summer Racing Festival in 1988, the rain which had ushered in the opening event continued unabated for two whole days. Suddenly on the third day, just as Captain Luke Mullins was about to release the scriptural dove, the sun broke triumphantly through the clouds.

Right on cue, a cymbal crashed and the resident jazz band burst into a spirited rendition of Chris Barber's ‘Everybody Loves Ice-Cream’. Trumpet, clarinet and trombone banished the blues instantaneously. Coats were discarded; and umbrellas became parasols. The very bookmakers began jitterbugging, while one well-known bookie’s-runner launched into an impressive jive routine with an attractive lady passer-by.

Listen to 'Everybody Loves Ice Cream' by Chris Barber

Galway Races - The Killanin Stand

Galway Races - The Killanin Stand

The €22 million Killanin Stand, completed in July 2007, provides accommodation for over 7,000 people with seating for 700 on the first floor balcony.

It consists of four floors. The ground floor hosts Bar, Restaurant, Tote and Toilet Facilities. The Menlo Bar & Restaurant will be situated on the first floor together with Tote, Bar and Toilet Facilities. There is also a free seating balcony off this floor for 700 patrons. The second and third floor houses the Plate and Hurdle Hospitality Suites. The feature of this stand is the panoramic views of Galway Racecourse, Galway Bay and Lough Corrib.

Speaking at the official opening, Galway Race Committee Chairman, Mr. Raymond J. Rooney said, “In providing this facility, Galway Race Committee has a two fold objective. The first was to continue with their policy of providing a standard of excellence in all facilities at Galway Racecourse to their patrons. Secondly, reward and pay tribute to the many thousands of loyal supporters who continually come to Galway Races. This new Stand will certainly fulfil both objectives. The creation of this new Stand with its elaborate facilities, will rank Galway as one of the best Racecourses in Europe.

The creation of this new Stand is the last in the piece of a jigsaw which saw developments over the past seven years in Galway Racecourse incorporating the new Millennium Stand, underground car and pedestrian pass, the creation of new weigh-room, offices and state of the art media centre."

Galway Races - Galway Plate 2004

"You can have 2 million euros at 10/1 and the other 3 million euros at 8/1."

The Dermot Weld trained Ansar, winner of the 2001 Guinness Galway Hurdle, recorded a rare double when he galloped to success for jockey David Casey in the 2004 Hewlett-Packard Galway Plate.

Knight Errant, Galway Plate 1957 and Galway Hurdle 1958, was the last horse before Ansar to achieve this remarkable feat.

"It is rare that a horse that is still young has won both the Hurdle and the Plate here," said Weld.

Referring to the tactics of winning jockey David Casey, he remarked: "David went the long way around on Ansar last year. I must say that he rode a better race this time. He has done well."

Casey told reporters: " A good jump at the last where I got the split I wanted was a big help and, although Ansar was idling in front, I was always happy that we would stay there."

3.40 William Hill Galway Plate (Steeplechase Handicap) (Grade A) 2m6f

1. Ansar - D J Casey 10/1

2. Risk Accessor - A P McCoy 20/1

3. Manjoe (IRE) - Mark Grant 14/1

4. Direct Bearing - Mick Fitzgerald 11/1

Runners: 22 ran

Distances: 1l, 1/2l, 1 1/2l

Trainer: D K Weld

Galway Races - Galway Plate 2005

Ansar leaving the parade ring before winning the 2005 Galway Plate

Last year's winner Ansar secured victory once again in the 2005 renewal of the Hewlett-Packard Galway Plate, giving trainer Dermot Weld his fourth Galway Plate success.

A winner on six previous occasions at Ballybrit, Ansar finished a comfortable seven lengths clear of runner-up Ursumman.

Weld commented: "I was concerned that he wouldn't carry that weight, but he got a lovely ride from Denis. Ansar's a super 'leper' and has a tremendous spring to him."

O'Regan added: "Everything worked out well. I didn't want to be too far away as I thought he was the class horse in the race. I jumped him off up there and he was foot perfect all the way.

In the middle of the race there was a loose horse who nearly brought out the lad who was making the running. He was bothering me a bit then because I was keeping to the inner all the way.

I thought I was going too soon, but I was going too well and I jumped the last pretty well."

3.40 William Hill Galway Plate (Steeplechase Handicap) (Grade A) 2m6f

1. Ansar - Denis O'Regan (3) 10/1

2. Ursumman - N P Madden 14/1

3. Light On The Broom - M P Walsh 25/1

4. Junior Fontaine (FR) - C O'Dwyer 11/1

Runners: 22 ran

Distances: 7l, 3/4l, head

Trainer: D K Weld

Galway Races - Galway Plate 2007

Sir Frederick - Winner of the William Hill Galway Plate 2007

Sir Frederick, trained by Liam Burke and ridden by Kevin Coleman, carried the colours of the Seven Heads Syndicate to success in the 2007 William Hill Galway Plate.

"Kevin gave him a superb ride," said Burke. "The horse wasn't going that well passing the stands but he took his time, got him back on the bridle and didn't panic. I'm delighted for him - he needed a bit of luck."

Dermot Weld, trainer of Galway specialist Ansar (4th), remarked: "He has run another superb race but the rain just came at the wrong time this morning. If he continues to show the same enthusiasm that he has been showing us, he will come back and have another tilt at the race next year."

3.40 William Hill Galway Plate (Steeplechase Handicap - Grade A) of €222,000. 2m 6f

1. Sir Frederick (IRE) - K T Coleman 12/1
2. Ballyagran - P Carberry 20/1
3. Cool Running - A P McCoy 8/1
4. Ansar - D F O'Regan 12/1

6/1Fav Conna Castle
Runners: 22 ran
Distances: 3L, 4 1/2L, 8L.
Trainer: W J Burke

Galway Plate 2006

Christy Roche, trainer of 2006 Guinness Galway Plate winner Far From Trouble, shares a joke in the winner's enclosure with Damien McElroy (Irish Independent) and Tracy Piggott (RTE).

Christy Roche said: "I was as confident as I could be going into the race as the horse was very well.

AP (McCoy) thought he was going to win the Irish National when he fell. It was then Tony's idea to go for the Plate. He prefers this ground rather than heavy ground but just before the race I had a concern about the ground being too fast - I wouldn't have run him then. But the ground was nice and not too fast in the end."

An elated Roger Loughran, who deputised for the injured McCoy, said: "That was great. He jumped the second-last spot-on and he did it like a real good horse going up the straight. Everything went to plan, which is amazing because I only found out from Christy an hour before the race that I'd be riding the horse. It's a shame for Tony though and I wish him a speedy recovery."

3.40 William Hill Galway Plate (Steeplechase Handicap) (Grade A) 2m6f

1. Far From Trouble - R Loughran 8/1

2. Ansar - Ruby Walsh 4/1fav

3. Dix Villez (FRA) - P J Brennan 16/1

4. Ursumman - N P Madden 9/1

Runners: 22 ran

Distances: 3 1/2l, 1 1/4l, neck

Trainer: C. Roche

Galway Plate 2006 - Ansar

Ansar returns after the 2006 Galway Plate

There were tears in the eyes of genuine horse-lovers when Ansar, the great Galway specialist, returned to the unsaddling enclosure after finishing a gallant second carrying top weight behind Far From Trouble in the 2006 Galway Plate.

Galway Races - Mad Hatter

Galway Races Mad Hatter Day

Sunday, the seventh and final day of the Galway Races, is traditionally Mad Hatter Day when all and sundry are encouraged to turn up at Ballybrit sporting the most creative, outrageous and surreal headgear.

Galway Plate - Previous Winners

Galway Plate - Previous Winners

Year	Winner	Trainer	Jockey
2008	Oslot	R Walsh	P F Nicols
2007	Sir Frederick	W J Burke	K T Coleman
2006	Far From Trouble	C Roche	R Loughran
2005	Ansar	D K Weld	D F O'Regan
2004	Ansar	D K Weld	D J Casey
2003	Nearly A Moose	P Mullins	R M Power
2002	Rockholm Boy	M Hourigan	K Hadnett
2001	Grimes	C Roche	C O'Dwyer
2000	Dovaly	M J P O'Brien	T P Rudd
1999	Moscow Express	Miss M F Crowley	Ruby Walsh
1998	Amiah	P J Hobbs	B Powell

*** Galway Plate Winners (1950-2008) ***

Galway Hurdle - Previous Winners

Galway Hurdle - Previous Winners

Year	Winner	Trainer	Jockey
2008	Indian Pace	John E Kiely	P Townend
2007	Farmer Brown	P Hughes	D N Russell
2006	Cuain Na Grai	P Nolan	P W Flood
2005	More Rainbows	N Meade	N P Madden
2004	Cloone River	P Nolan	J L Cullen
2003	Sabadilla	P M Verling	P M Verling
2002	Say Again	P Nolan	J L Cullen
2001	Ansar	D K Weld	P Carberry
2000	Perugino Diamond	S O'Farrell	J Culloty
1999	Quinze	P Hughes	R Dunwoody
1998	Black Queen	J E Kiely	J R Barry

*** Galway Hurdle Winners (1950-2008) ***

Galway Races - Best Dressed Lady

Galway Races - Best Dressed Lady Winners

The Galway Races' Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competition prize fund has tripled in value for 2008.The prize for Best Dressed Lady, sponsored by Anthony Ryan’s, is now worth more than €13,000. The winner will receive €4,000 cash, a diamond bracelet valued at €6,000, a €3,000 voucher for Anthony Ryan’s Galway store and a Crystal vase from the Louise Kennedy collection.

The winner of The Best Hat competition, sponsored by The Ardilaun, will win a holiday prize. Beginning with a night in The Ardilaun, the winner will then be chauffeured to Galway Airport where they will board a direct flight to Amsterdam, to enjoy a three day luxury holiday in the Dutch capital.

Accommodation in Galway

Galway Races - Accommodation

If you're planning to go to the Galway Races, make sure you have your accommodation in Galway booked as early as possible.

There is an overwhelming demand for accommodation in Galway during the Galway Races.

Shrewd devotees of the Galway Races, therefore, book their accommodation well in advance.

Unfortunately, many inexperienced racegoers are shocked when they arrive at the last minute and see hundreds of 'NO VACANCIES' signs outside hotels, b&bs and guesthouses throughout the city and county.

Tracy Piggott - Galway Races

Tracy Piggott ready to interview all comers at the Galway Races

For 7 days at the end of July, Ballybrit racecourse becomes the centre of the universe for a multiplicity of characters from this world and beyond.

And all queueing up to be interviewed ......

Ruby Tuesday, the Bucks of Oranmore, the Galway Blazers, the Three Blind Mice, the Fiddler of Dooney, Mary of the Curling Hair, the Old Woman of Beare, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Queen of Diamonds, the Jack of Hearts, Romeo and Juliet, Roy Rogers and Trigger, the Last of the Mohicans, JP McManus , the Man that Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo and the hundreds of others named at Galway Races - Dramatis Personae

Racecard Seller - Galway Races

Racecard Seller - Galway Races

Galway Races 2003

"Racecards or Biro!"

"Racecard or Biro! Racecard or Biro! Get your racecard or Biro here!"

Lily, the racecard seller, captures the traditional spirit of the Galway Races:

"I'm an auld gambler. I love the horses. I'm 84. I'm coming here since I was a child, and all belonging to me.

I went once on a horse and cart during the war to the point-to-points.

Oh, I've met everyone ... owners, trainers, jockeys.

I'll go in now after selling me racecards and I'll stand at the Tote and I'll go round.

I'll come out then at the last race and I'll sell me bit of stuff (chocolates and fruit).

But I love the horses. I love the jockeys. I love everyone. And they're very kind to me. Every one of them, from the king to the beggar, is good."

Luke Kelly singing The Galway Races

Click on the link to hear Luke Kelly singing 'The Galway Races'

'The Galway Races' - Lyrics
As I roved out through Galway town to seek for recreation
On the seventeenth of August, me mind being elevated
There were multitudes assembled with their tickets at the station
My eyes began to dazzle and they going to see the races
To me whack-fol-de-do fol-de-ditheree-aye-dil-ay

Galway Hurdle 2007

Farmer Brown destroys the field

Pat Hughes, trainer of Farmer Brown

Farmer Brown, the heavily backed 9/2 favourite, scored a scintillating victory for trainer Pat Hughes and jockey Davy Russell in the 2007 renewal of the Guinness Galway Hurdle. This was the first Galway Hurdle success for Russell and the second for Hughes whose Quinze won it by 14 lengths in 1999.

Justin Carthy of Chronicle Bookmakers said: "We were hit hard by Farmer Brown. We laid a €10,000 each-way bet at 6/1. We also laid a €60,000 to €10,000 win bet."

Ladbrokes reported laying a cash bet of €6,000 at 11/2 and were still paying out two and a half hours after the race.

Davy Russell said :"To be fair now, everything went to plan. He settled lovely. Got a great run through the race. He jumped a little big early on, but it helped me settle him. I was always confident, was always going to pick them up. He just quickened up, into the hill and away with him.

Pat and the owners were bursting with confidence beforehand."

Pat Hughes was as engaging as usual: "He reminded me of Quinze the way he won today, He's some bit of stuff. He doesn't take much getting ready, and he had everything in his favour today. He's a big, tall horse with plenty of scope. I could see him jumping a fence one day."

Asked by Tracy Piggott if he was confident before the race, Hughes grinned: "I said that if someone else was training him I'd be twice as confident.

I didn't give Davy any instructions. I said this fella knows him well enough. He knows the gears he has."

Galway Hurdle 2006

Paddy Flood rides Cuan Na Grai into the crowded winner's enclosure

Paddy Flood, deputising for the injured Barry Geraghty, rode Cuai Na Grai to an impressive all-the-way victory in the 2006 Guinness Galway Hurdle. Trainer Paul Nolan was winning the race for the third time following successes with Say Again 2002 and Cloone River 2004.

The trainer raced onto the track to embrace both horse and jockey: "We always thought an awful lot of the horse and, thanks be to God, he's done himself justice today. A wonderful, wonderful ride by Paddy Flood!"

Tracy Piggott congratulated Nolan: "This is your third Galway Hurdle. A wonderful performance."

But the modest Wexford man demurred: "Ah, I wouldn't say that. I mean if you haven't got the artillery, you're not going to win it."

He laughed: "I was giving off about Noel O'Brien (the handicapper) giving him 13lbs the last time he won but, hats off again, I was wrong and he's right. I don't care what he gives him now that we've won another Galway Hurdle."

Commenting on Cuan Na Grai's performance, he said: "He jumped beautiful for Paddy. They didn't go that quick but he quickened in the right place. I was always afraid coming to the last. I was just hoping to God that he'd get over it and get out there and thankfully he did."

John Brennan, the winning owner, told Tracy Piggott: "My words to Paddy Flood going out were: 'Paddy, pretend you own this horse. He's your horse now when he leaves the parade ring. Mind him. Give him plenty of light. And if he comes up the hill the first time, he won't be caught the second time.'"

He said that he watched the race on the giant screen from the middle of the parade ring. "After they jumped the last I'm afraid I lost it a little bit.
I saw them (the other jockeys) behind and they were all scrubbing. He hasn't finished this guy yet, I said, and if Paddy touches him he'll find more. I hope Noel O'Brien wasn't watching it."

With tears welling in his eyes, he added: "My uncle died last night in America and I was saddened about that. If I rang him and asked him if he knew he was going to die should I run the horse. He would have said, 'Run the horse'. I'm sure they would understand that back home."

Winning jockey Paddy Flood told RTE's Robert Hall: "Yes, a proper winner. A proper horse. He's only 5 year old, still a novice. Whatever he does over hurdles, he's going to be some chaser. When he gets to know the game, he's going to be some horse."

Watching the replay of the finish, he said: "A real tough horse, a real good galloper. Goes on fast ground. There's not much more you could ask for in a horse. Relishes the hill. Sticks his neck out. I think he's a top class horse."

Cuan Na Grai

2006 Guinness Galway Hurdle Winner

Galway Hurdle 2005

More Rainbows strikes gold at Ballybrit

More Rainbows, trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Niall 'Slippers' Madden, was the 33/1 shock winner of the 2005 Guinness Galway Hurdle.

Last year's winner Cloone River, the 2/1 favourite, fell when going strongly.

An elated Meade said: “That was magic. I thought when Definate Spectacle came down we were out but More Rainbows came up the hill really well. This is a race that’s been very dear to my heart since Pinch Hitter won it and we’ve been second it in three or four times. I’ll never forget the first time we won it, it was the best day of my life”.

RTE's Colm Murray interviews a member of the winning Neighbours Racing Club syndicate

Galway Hurdle 2004

Cloone River Lands Massive Gamble

Connections of Cloone River

The Kathleen Gillane-owned gelding Cloone River, trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by John Cullen, landed the 2004 Guinness Galway Hurdle by 2 lengths from Gemini Guest. Backed from 6/1 in the morning to 7/2 at the off, the winner had his supporters singing and dancing with delight throughout the enclosures.

"Cloone River, winner by a mile,

Coming home in style at Galway.
O dream maker, you heart shaker,
Wherever you're going,
We're going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world,
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbows end
Around the final bend,
My Galway Hurdle friend,
Cloone River and me."

Winning trainer Paul Nolan said, "When he finished second this time last year, we decided that we would try again and we wouldn't be running him over hurdles in the meantime to protect his rating. It's super that the plan has worked out but I was beginning to panic when he was almost brought down early on and then had a loose horse for company going round the final bend."

The popular trainer was certainly feeling the pressure. He told Tracy Piggott, "The tension was giving me pins and needles up my left arm. I may go for a check-up."

Tracy Piggott interviews Paul Nolan

Paul, in an effort to create some private space for himself, opted to watch the race from the in-field on the giant screen. But the all-seeing television camera zoomed in on his every reaction as Cloone River, narrowly defeated in last year's renewal, struggled to overcome interference in running.

"I've never been so affected by a race," the Enniscorthy trainer added. "I just wanted to get away. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I was worried he hadn't run in a hurdle for so long and I was hoping nothing would happen."

Winning jockey John Cullen said, "I didn't get the best of runs but I was lucky. I travelled well and I knew there wouldn't be a problem setting him alight."

Betting at Galway Races

A Winning Tip at the Galway Races?

"What do you fancy in the Galway Plate?"

One of the joys of the Galway Races is flicking through the colourful pages of the image-packed racecard with its free draws and exciting prize-winning opportunities; its beguiling betting hints; and its pulse-quickening promise of record-breaking Trios and Jackpots.

And then there's the punter's perennial dilemma: "Which horse should I back?" Agonising over selections. Balancing logic and intuition. Deciding whether to put your money on the newspaper nap, the leading trainer, the jockey in form, the stable whisper, the tip from a friend, or the horse that won the equivalent race last year - while all the time knowing that wherever you watch the race, be it in the grandstand or in a corporate hospitality suite, the person directly behind you will be cheering on the eventual winner as it thunders past the winning-post.

If only you could find out before the race who will be standing behind you during the race!

Studying form at the Galway Races

The Galway Races

Galway Summer Race Festival

The Galway Races 2008
(Monday 28 July - Sunday 3 August)

Galway Races

© by Gerard McLoughlin

Throughout Ireland people of all ages and occupations prepare for the Galway Races with a fervour that is almost religious in its intensity. Budgets are planned, holidays are arranged and business is scheduled to conform with the sacrosanct dates of the annual week-long festival.

More significantly, perhaps, commemorative coups are prepared, often with horses that have abstained reverentially from victory for the obligatory twelve months. Horses will piously avail of the special dispensation permitting them to triumph twice in the one week at this exceptional venue.

On Monday, traditionally the opening evening, the turnstiles begin to rotate and the devotional crowds stream in regardless of prevailing economic or meteorological constraints. Mohair suits, elegant silks and clerical collars commingle spontaneously with cloth caps, braces (suspenders) and stout brown boots.

As the familiar strains of 'The Galway Races' resound from the loudspeakers, the emphasis is decidedly on camaraderie and merriment. Profit may be a significant motive; but the real profit is measured not in euros but in pints, not in coups but in craic.

Old friendships are renewed, gossip is exchanged and tips are divulged in penitential whispers. Men and women who would ordinarily spurn the racing pages are suddenly privy to 'inside information'; and the bookmakers are dutifully thankful.

The weather in the west of Ireland may be notoriously changeable, but Galway race-goers are oblivious of even the most torrential downpour. Disdaining rain coats or umbrellas, many of them seek casual shelter under the elfin awning of the peaked cap or the printed headscarf.

On my first visit to the Galway Race Festival, I watched incredulously as men in bespoke suits and women in designer dresses stood in pouring rain while calmly trying to separate the compacted pages of their sodden race-cards.

One worthy devotee, with the demeanour of a belted earl, strode contemptuously through the driving rain in a grey lightweight suit; his only concession to the weather - a pair of Roches Stores carrier bags pulled up over his shoes and secured at the ankles by two hastily tied knots.

'The apparel oft proclaims the man', wrote the Bard of Avon. Shakespeare would surely have loved the Galway Races where 'all the men and women are truly players'.

RTE's Jim Fahy at the Galway Races