Magic of Galway continues unabated
Not so long ago such a figure would have been regarded as quite ludicrous.
But that staggering attendance of 46,498 at Ballybrit a week ago has given rise to thinking the magical number could be on in the future.
I think we have all just about given up by now attempting to understand just why the Galway races is such an amazing success.
Obviously, there is no one reason, it is just a combination of all sorts of different things which seem to come together in a mix and appeal to thousands and thousands of people.
The organisation at Galway is well-nigh flawless, little is left to chance. Of course they make a fortune through the turnstiles, but much of that money is pumped back into the facilities.
The new West Stand, at a cost of €20m, which is to be built in time for the Festival in two years time, is a case in point. That is going to be a fantastic addition.
Those of us lucky enough to be at Galway last Thursday will never forget the experience. We have all been to other big sporting events, All-Ireland finals, rugby internationals, whatever.
But when patrons hit places like Croke Park or Lansdowne Road they, essentially, sit down in the seats allocated and stay there until the action is finished.
But at Galway, the same as at Cheltenham for instance, you had 46,000 plus on the move-constantly.
It really made for an amazing atmosphere and you only get that sort of mad electricity at major race meetings like Galway and Cheltenham.
The weather played a huge part as well. While much of the rest of the country seemed to be battling torrential rain, those of us out west spent the week basking in sunshine.
And the ground was another huge factor. Ted Walsh, at around lunchtime on Monday, came into the press-room and told a couple us there was a terrific covering of grass on the track.
Walsh knows what he’s talking about, isn’t one for sugarcoating, so you knew that was right. And it was right, because, despite baking temperatures for a lot off the week, I cannot recall one moan about the surface.
Another huge factor is the skill of the gardaí and the way they manage the traffic. They do a top-class job and not just for a short period after the races have finished.
We were heading out to Moycullen one night for something to eat, bloody great meal it was too, well after 9pm and the gardaí seemed to be all over the place, still ensuring the traffic was being kept on the move.
The statistics would indicate the layers should have got a touch. Of the 51 races run, no less than 35 favourite got turned-over. There were 15 winning favourites and one co-favourite obliged.
But the reality may have been somewhat different and there were plenty of well-backed winners who didn’t necessarily go off market-leaders.
I think it is fair to say that not too many of the vast number of bookmakers who stood at Galway have decided to retire on the strength of what they won!
Television coverage was fantastic, wall-to-wall on ATR, backed up by RTE and then TG4. The amount of positive publicity Irish racing received should not be underestimated.
ATR is doing a tremendous job for the game and don’t anyone be taking the slightest notice of Francis Hyland when he starts whinging about it on behalf of on-course bookmakers.
This is the future, so live with it.
We know how good RTE’s coverage is and have heard great reports about TG4. So, sat down on Saturday and watched that channel.
Loved every second of it. Great presenters, great enthusiasm, buckets of craic, a mighty programme.
Biggest Galway regret?
It has to be deserting an old friend, Ansar, in the Galway Plate. Simply thought he had too much weight. Wouldn’t listen to colleague, Peter O’Hehir, who saw him school round Ballinrobe.
He’s not a young man given to bouts of excitement, but Ansar’s display there got him absolutely bubbling over.
