DRAB weather did nothing to dampen spirits among the excited punters who flocked to Galway for the opening of Race Week today.
There were cheers as the turnstiles were unlocked and helicopters came and went as racegoers settled in for the day.
And right away staff began pulling thousands of the 160,000 pints expected to be sunk over the coming days.
With €2.1million prize money on offer over the 53 races, 800 horses are set to hit the track as the battle runs on across the week.
First thing it was clear that groundskeepers, who spent 150 hours cutting the grass, had done themselves proud.
And the 2,500 new native Irish trees planted have made Ballybrit a course like no other.
Racegoers were delighted as Richard John O’Brien’s Feud, ridden by Danny Mullins, took the first victory of the day.
Fans who backed Son of Hypnos in the second race were delighted to see him pull off a fine finish.
And AP O’Brien’s Rock Of Cashel bagged the third win of the day.
With 130,000 people set to hit Ballybrit over the next few days, people have already got into the swing of the celebrations.
‘Jaw-dropping’ changes
Ballybrit has 50 different live acts playing throughout the week.
The Galway Tenors singer Frank Naughton said: “From going to the races when I was a kid in the early 80’s, to see how much it’s changed is just jaw-dropping.
“And for Sean and I to sing the National Anthem at the finish line before the first race, well it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Top jockey and Tote Ambassador Danny Mullins has been set a Tote challenge.
Tote challenge
Every time he’s ‘papped’ wearing a Tote logo, it will cost Tote Racing €25 with all funds going direct to the Irish Injured Jockeys.
Danny Mullins said: “I’m excited for the challenge set by the Tote, let’s see how much we can get them to stump up.
“Be ready to grab a picture during race week to join in the fun. Along with all my weighing room colleagues, I am hugely grateful for the incredible work of both Irish Injured Jockeys and the Injured Jockeys Fund and glad to be playing a part in raising money for them.”
Veterinary Physiotherapist Grace O’Rourke said: “The Galway races is always something to look forward to with a high calibre of horses racing.
‘Extra exciting’
“This year is extra exciting as some of my clients’ horses are running and physiotherapy has been an important part in their training to maintain peak performance and reduce injury.”
Among the crowds were punters who travelled near and far to join in the action.
Niall Farrell from Tipperary said: “I’ve been here the last two years. The atmosphere is great, there’s something for everyone here. I’m hoping for winners today, fingers crossed.”
Pal Sean Donoghue from Wexford added: “I’ve been here once before a few years ago. I’m looking forward to it now.
‘Good buzz around’
“There’s always a good buzz around, a really nice atmosphere – that’s what we’re looking for.”
First time racegoer Cara Johnson from Florida said: “We’re celebrating. It’s my mum and dad’s 60th wedding anniversary – Marie and Mike Flaherty.
“This was on our list to do along with going to the Aran Islands to go and meet some of our cousins.
“We love horses and we have our Kentucky Derby, it’s our favourite race to watch.”
‘It’s brilliant every year’
Dipna Ducey, from Clare, said: “It’s our third year here. We love the horses and the betting. Its brilliant here, it’s brilliant every year.
“I take my granddaughter Kaitlin every year. We hope to meet some of the jockeys and the trainers.”
Husband John Ducey added: “We like the jumps, we’re not gone on the flat. We always come here the first day of race week.”
The ladies have already raised the style stakes with pops of colour floating among the crowd.
Dani's Diary - Day One
I CAN’T believe race week is here again, how time has flown.
People were ecstatic to be back. And I kicked off the week with a nice warm up win — thanks to artificial intelligence.
AI recommended a punt on Gordon Elliott’s Mordor in the first race as he has a “strong recent form”.
Without putting all trust in tech, I was happy to see him get second place with my each-way bet at 9/1.
For race two, I was suggested GP Cromwell’s Reflectionist who has “shown significant potential with two wins from three runs” last season.
But I don’t think anyone would have predicted 16/1 Son of Hypnos winning.
In the third race, AI picked two of the top three. Maybe AI is warming up — just as I am.
Yes, AI worked for me this time but I will be going back to basics.
I personally missed my time scouring the race card, weighing up my odds and following my heart.
Galwegian Trevagh Stankard said: “It’s invigorating to be back, very exciting. It’s always such craic, a great day out.
“I’m definitely betting but we’ll have to see how it goes. It could be a random choice depending on which horse I like the look of.”
And her friend Emma Brennan, also from Galway, said the “best part of the day” is the preparation.
She said: “I wore this dress to a wedding a few weeks ago and borrowed my headpiece from my neighbour.
‘It’s nice to make an effort’
“I think she wore it for her daughter’s wedding. So it was just nice to put something together. It’s nice to make an effort and get dressed up.”
Fashion lovers will be dressed to the nines in a bid to win some of the generous cash bonanza of €13,000 on offer on Thursday.
Head Judge and stylist Mandy Maher said the county is “buzzing”.
She said: “It is electric but it always is.
‘Galway is special’
“Galway is special and they even say when you come to Galway it’s hard to leave it.
“There’s always something special about Galway because it’s down to earth.
“I think that’s what’s infectious about Galway. They enjoy life and they enjoy the craic and the fun and that’s what’s probably different about it and any other event.”
The electric atmosphere is no doubt radiating throughout the city.
Free events
Galway City was bustling with free events including the Summer Vibes Festival Street Procession, outdoor fashion shows and The Latin Quarter Street Stage.
The iconic Quays Bar Galway unveiled a new mural in celebration of race week.
Owner Louis Fitzgerald said: “We hope it’ll be a great talking point for locals and visitors to Galway.
“We wanted to bring even more colour, character, and atmosphere to the street.
New artwork
“The Quays already attract hundreds of photographs each month with the ‘Galway Girl’ Statue, and we believe this new mural will draw similar attention.
“Galway is home to incredible artwork and murals, and we’re thrilled that The Quays is now part of that family and trail.”
Fashionistas gathered today at the Racing for Rosabel best dressed event at the Connacht Hotel.
Rosabel’s mother and founder of Rosabel’s Rooms, Dr Suzanne McClean said: “It’s a super fun day and one that helps our project to continue to provide financial and therapeutic supports to families around Ireland, who lose a child up to the age of 21 years, no matter what their cause of death.
Sunshine to come?
“We are, of course, always humbled by how our little girl is remembered so fondly in Galway and beyond.”
While it was a damp and windy day at Ballybrit, bookies Ladbrokes reckon its 2/1 chance that Ballybrit will be soaked in sunshine as the week goes on.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Around 130,000 racing fans are expected to descend on the Galway Races over the coming days and we make it 2/1 that they will be treated to the hottest week at the races ever.”
