Saturday 6th of November 1999
I went to Galway with family and friends for the week long seven day Galway Horseracing Summer Festival which boasts
And it certainly didn't disappoint
Where do I start on this review.
The Galway Horseracing Summer Festival is held annually in Ireland end July/beg August. An amazing event for both serious and fun loving flat and jump race goers.
My three sons and I travelled from Liverpool Airport to Knock Airport on Tuesday, 30th July 2019 (2nd day of racing), and after looking into different transfer options from the airport to Galway we booked a coach from Knock Airport which took us to Galway City Centre Bus Depot. The No64 coach, which was very comfortable, took approx 1 hour 40 mins and, at a price of only 13 euros per person, was great value for money.
We went immediately to the Galmont Hotel which is only a few minutes walk from the Bus Station and famous Eyre Square. We had booked the hotel for two nights, as our plan was to move to the Connaught Hotel for the rest of the week to join friends and family.
We were very impressed with the Galmont Hotel which overlooked Galway Bay. There was plenty of entertainment at the hotel and the facilities first class. The staff were efficient and helpful, which was particularly exceptional as it was a very busy week.
As it was only 11.00 am our rooms were not ready however the hotel allowed us to use the Spa facilities to take a quick shower and change. We then dropped off our suitcases at the hotel and took a taxi to the Huntsman’s Inn just a 5 minutes drive to meet up with friends. After something to eat and a quick drink we were off to the Races.
As relatively new racehorse owners we were all very excited as our horse Saltonstall was running in the Colm Quin Mile Handicap race at 19.40
Galway Racecourse is situated in the village of Ballybrit.
The racecourse, designed for both flat and jump racing, is a right handed track 1mile 2 furlongs with a sharp descent to the turn in and uphill finish of 2 furlongs.
If you happen to be in Galway during Festival week you shouldn't miss at least one day at the races I would totally recommend it.
It is an excellent racecourse the style, the entertainment, the sense of history and all the thrills of top quality racing with first class facilities and live music/entertainment with an amazing atmosphere. The amenities are fabulous, whether you are in one of the suites or on the ground, the Guinness Tent which is lively, the Champagne Bar very fashionable and stylish, the stands with great views of the racecourse, excellent food/drinks and the cleanliness exceptional.
The location is good with great transportation by either buses or taxis to and from the racecourse to Galway and hotels - obviously well thought out.
You had options with regards to placing a bet you could either place a bet at your table, tote or independent Bookies which makes the betting side more interesting.
Monday Gather your Tribe Day
Tuesday Colm Quinn BMW/Sports & Social Day
Wednesday the.tote.com Galway Plate Day
Thursday The Guinness Galway Hurdle / Ladies Day
Friday The Guinness Race Evening / Most Stylish
Saturday Family Day - fun and colour
Sunday Family Day - Mad Hatters competition
I felt excited as soon as I entered the racecourse and when it came time for our horse Saltonstall, trained by Ado McGuinness in Ireland, to run our adrenaline levels were at an all time high.
We knew Saltonstall was ready for this big race and the wet weather over the last couple of days was to our advantage. So with high hopes, and a degree of nervous anticipation our emotions were high.
The excitement and tension grew as the time of the race grew nearer so it was with a great sense of enthusiasm and eagerness we entered the Parade Ring where we met up with the Trainers, the jockey and other racehorse owners who no doubt were equally excited - but were not perhaps as vocal!!
My three sons were dressed very smartly in their suits and caps (some people referring to them as the “Peaky Blinders”) which made them instantly recognisable and their enthusiasm was contagious.
We watched the race on the big screen in the Parade Ring.
Our horse had been drawn 14 of the 19 runners, and with low to middle numbers holding an advantage, we were devastated. After watching previous races we knew Saltonstall would have to concede ground on the bends and find cover in the pack.
When the race started it was with a mixture of excitement and some anxiety.
It was an even break and Saltonstall’s stable companion Aussie Valentine was quick to the fore. Colin Keene held Saltonstall to the rear and did exceptionally well to get cover and get him settled.
Four furlongs from the finish the race began to take shape with horses and jockeys manoeuvring for positions coming down the hill. Saltonstall was still to the rear and the cool Colin Keane sat motionless with a lot of ground to make up.
To be honest I began to think it would be too much ground for him to make up but my sons never faltered and always believed he could do it.
Three furlongs to go and Saltonstall began to make eye catching progress on the wide outside travelling ominously well.
Two furlongs to go and with the stiff uphill finish to come Colin Keene and Saltonstall began to get serious and started to pick off the horses one by one. Caught five wide at the bend Saltonstall made a sweeping run and loomed large finishing off best of all of them.
With half furlong to go it became apparent that the 19 horse race was now down to two. Innamorare and Saltonstall locked horns to battle to the finish. Neck and neck for a few strides Saltontall’s class began to prevail and when Colin Keane asked him for everything he had he truly obliged and kicked clear heading towards the line to register a fantastic victory under an exceptional ride.
Saltonstall had won
It had to be one of the most exciting and exhilarating and thrilling moments ever.
I believe the celebrations were nothing like Galway (or any other racecourse had seen before) it was explosive. The hugging, jumping, shouting, it was contagious and soon everyone else inside and outside of the Parade Ring were joining in with us.
Ado McGuinness and Stephen Thorne, as well as the stable girls, were elated and totally overwhelmed - all their hard work had paid off.
And when the Saltonstall and Colin Keane came back to the Parade Ring as winners the celebrations went to another level with photos, TV interviews and the press asking for information about the “boys from Manchester” who had come to Galway and won the big race of the day - don’t think they had ever seen celebrations and excitement quite like it before.
The celebrations continued after the racing in Galway - certainly where the action is.
The nightlife in Galway is amazing and the bars and restaurants were buzzing and the boys (still wearing their suits and caps) were easily recognisable by people who had either attended the races or seen them being interviewed on TV.
If you happen to be in Galway during Festival week you shouldn't miss at least one day at the races I would totally recommend it.
The location is good with great transportation by either buses or taxis to and from the racecourse to Galway and hotels - obviously well thought out.
On Friday we moved to the Connaught Hotel because more family and friends were arriving.
The Connaught Hotel is 3 miles from Galway centre and 3.5 miles from the racecourse. This is a very popular hotel with good leisure facilities including an indoor pool, and on race days there are coaches (free of charge) leaving every 15 minutes to take you to the races.
Great fun filled seven days where you might leave with a few less euros then you arrived with but you’ll leave with great new experiences, the atmosphere and memories of Galway will never be forgotten and, of course, special times spent with family and friends is what it’s all about - Memories live longer than dreams.
Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps - just about as good as it gets and enough to bring us back to Galway Festival 2020 - 27th July - 2nd August.
So if you have the stamina why not join us - can’t wait
Thanks to all who shared it with me