Madam, – Despite falling attendance figures at the Galway Races (Sports Wednesday, July 29th), it is great to see that many businesses in Galway are so unaffected by the current economic climate that they can afford to turn away prospective customers and close early during race week.
I contacted three auctioneers on Tuesday to inquire about viewing properties outside the city which they have on their books, but all had decided to close early or limit their property viewings for race week. I enjoyed a good evening of racing in Galway on Monday last, but in the current recession I wouldn’t have been there if it meant that I had to turn prospective customers away. Even the university library at NUI Galway persists in closing for a half day in deference to a horse-racing event. Am I alone in finding this strange? – Yours, etc,
A chara – I read with some alarm that ticket prices for the Galway Races “have been kept at 2007 levels, with €30 for Wednesday and Thursday, and €25 admission on Tuesday and Friday. Entry to the other three days costs €20” (Sport, July 27th).
I think I’ll stick to Belmont Race Track in New York. There, reserved seats in the clubhouse and grandstand are $2 on weekends and holidays. Further, there are other areas offering free benches, chairs and picnic tables. And you can bring your own food and beverages. – Is mise,
28th Avenue Astoria,
New York, US.