Punters betting on a good time as races take off

“IT’S all about the stamina, it’s about pace, it’s about not getting cryptosporidium and it’s about taking plenty of painkillers” — it could have been a bit of advice for the horse trainers on how to win the 5.45 in Ballybrit.

But the ambassador of Horse Racing Ireland, Hector Ó hEochagain, was giving tips on how to overcome another hurdle: surviving the week of the Galway Races.

And if yesterday’s crowd was anything to go by, plenty of champagne, Guinness from plastic glasses, a beef roll and chips from Lydon House catering and a few nice wins should be enough to get you through the week.