RACING fans in their thousands will be heading west this week for the Galway festival. Over 120,000 people are expected to attend the races at Ballybrit, which begin today.
Hotels and guest houses in the city are booked out for the six day event. Some will be occupied by Fianna Fail politicians, who traditionally attend in large numbers. A Fianna Fail corporate tent has been organised. The party leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, is expected to attend. His predecessor, Mr Albert Reynolds, attends annually.
Course manager Mr John Moloney told The Irish Times yesterday that conditions on the course are "perfect" for racing.
The first of the 42 races is at 5 p.m. today. The gates open two hours beforehand.
It is Mr Moloney's eighth year at the reins. "And it doesn't get any easier," he said. "There has been a lot of work and planning and practically everything is done at this stage. There is some rain forecast but we think it is going to be a very good meeting. So far the rain has helped the ground."
He is just one of about 1,200 people who will be involved in making sure the races run smoothly.
The highlights of the festival are the £50,000 Digital Galway Plate and the £45,000 Guinness Galway Hurdle on Thursday. The Best Dressed Person competition will be on Thursday.
"Traditionally Plate day on Wednesday drew the biggest crowd but the Guinness Galway Hurdle is proving just as big a draw now and we are expecting 30,000 people for that day," said Mr Moloney.