Berated Bertie, banjaxed bookies — and mojitos for all

AFTER taking a hosing from the bookies on Monday, punters were hoping for better fortunes at a sun-drenched Ballybrit yesterday.

Crowds were arriving more than an hour before the first race just after 5pm to take advantage of the sun and enjoy a few beverages. Refreshment was low on the list with punters really taking advantage of the alcoholic variety on offer.

The bars were thronged as was the mojito stand near the parade ring, a new addition to the racecourse and one that was clearly welcomed. Nothing eases the pain of having to go racing in the sunshine like a mojito.

It wouldn’t be Galway without former taoisigh arriving in for a flutter. As sure as night follows day, you can be guaranteed that Bertie will show up. In the good old days Bertie was always assured of plenty slaps on the back.

However, yesterday the Drumcondra man received a somewhat cooler reception with one racegoer making his feelings known to the former taoiseach.

As for the man himself, he was on hand to show his support for the Marie Keating Foundation, which was offering a fancy dinner in the Killanin Stand at the princely sum of €1,800 per table.

For that you could have a great view of the racecourse and enjoy such delectable treats as a fan of melon with red berry coulis followed by slow roasted prime sirloin of Irish beef on a horseradish mash served on a burgundy sauce, with a triple chocolate mousse served with strawberries and cream to finish.

Fresh from his encounter with the disgruntled punter Bertie was keeping any tips he had very close to his chest.

“No, I’ve none. I didn’t get a chance to this year. I’m just down for today and tomorrow so no chance for tips unfortunately,” he said.

The former taoiseach had even less interest in the presidential race.

“Ah sure they’re welcome to it, let them at it,” he laughed.

One man gladly going “at it” was Fine Gael presidential hopeful Gay Mitchell. Not a regular at Galway, Gay quickly put to bed any suggestions he was in Michael D Higgins country. “I’m in Enda Kenny country and Sean Kyne country. Fine Gael has always done very well in Galway,” he said.

Punters were also doing well here. After a shaky start on Monday, the sunshine seemed to bring the bookies bad luck.

Leon Blanche of Boylesports said: “After really struggling yesterday, punters had respite today when the Master of Ballybrit came to the rescue of punters up and down the country. He really is the scourge of the bookies in Galway.”

For Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes, the mood was equally glum.

“Weld started winning, we started paying, and he still retains the crown as the King of Ballybrit.

“The day was not a total wipe-out in our book but the punters have certainly had their revenge after the opening day.

“We have the rest of the week ahead of us to get the results back on our side so it’s all to play for from here on in,” she said.