Galway Races off to bustling start

AS is traditional, the sky looked as threatening as the bookies on the first day of the Galway Races in Ballybrit.

The city of the tribes seems to defy the recession every year, and judging by the crowds who thronged the racecourse for the first day of this year’s festival, 2011 looks to be no different.

Fresh from one of the most successful Arts Festivals in years, Ballybrit seems determined to carry on the party atmosphere at least for another week.