Latest News From Galway Racecourse

Press Release ? Tuesday 15th July 2008

HUGE ENGLISH RUNNER ENTRIES FOR GALWAY SUMMER FESTIVAL MEETING 2008

Four English runners have been entered for The William Hill Galway Plate headed by Hoola Baloo from England?s champion trainer P.F Nicholls, he also runs the favourite in the race Oslot.

Eight English runners have been entered for The Guinness Galway Hurdle from leading trainers in England i.e. P. F Nicholls, P.J Hobbs, R.A Fahey, Ferdy Murphy.

We are delighted to announce that Rooney Life and Pensions will once again sponsor the Leading Flat and National Hunt Jockey awards.

The Leading Trainer Award will be again sponsored by Chanelle Veterinary. The prize for the best-turned-out horse in each of the 51 races will be donated by Paddy Power Bookmaker.

The irrepressible Hector O hEochagain, will return this year to host ?Hectors Evening with the Sport Stars? on the first day of racing on Monday July 28th. This event will take place on a new stage between the Millennium Stand and the Owners and Trainers Bar. Guests will include Galway Football hero Padraig Joyce, Munster and Irelands Hooker Gerry Flannery, Galway Hurler Alan Kerins, Ruby Walsh, Davy Russell and a host of more jockeys. An evening of fun, laughter and general hilarity is guaranteed.

The Best Dressed Lady competition takes place on what is traditionally known as Ladies Day on Thursday July 31st. This year?s competition is again generously sponsored by Anthony Ryan Ltd of Shop Street, Galway and Best Hat competition is sponsored by Ardilaun Hotel.

The winner of the Best Dressed Lady will receive a lavish first prize worth ?12,000, comprising of ?4,000 cash, a diamond neckpiece worth ?6,000, ?2,000 of vouchers for Anthony Ryans store along with a crystal vase from the collection by Irish Fashion Designer Louise Kennedy. The runner-up will receive ?1500 Anthony Ryans Shopping Spree.. The prize for the Best Hat is sponsored by The Ardilaun Hotel and will begin with a luxurious overnight in the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway, swift chauffeur transfer to Galway airport for a direct flight to Amsterdam where they will enjoy a three day exclusive visit in the Dutch capital, in four star luxury accommodation overlooking its famous canals.

All finalists at the Best Dressed tent will be presented with a special collection of Versace cosmetics compliments of University Pharmacy, Galway.

This year?s judges are leading officiators from the Irish fashion world, Bairbre Power, Fashion Editor, Irish Independent Weekend Magazine and Fashion Stylist on RTE?s Afternoon Show, PJ Gibbons Editor Social & Personal Magazine, Lorraine Keane, presenter Xpose on TV3 as well as Patricia McCrossan, Editor Galway NOW.

We are delighted to announce a new sponsor for the Mad Hatter Competition, Ireland West Airport Knock and Stein Travel, which will take place on Sunday, August 3rd. It is a day of fun, colour and excitement. Adults and Children are invited to come in their most stylish, creative and outrageous hats all vying for a chance at winning some of the top prizes and enjoy what is one of Ireland´s most popular sporting and social events.

This competition will be judged on a large stage at the back of the Millennium Stand.

Adult Section

Holiday for 2 Adults and 2 Children or 3 Adults to Palma Majorca for one week ? flights from Ireland West Knock

Holiday for 2 Adults to Palma Majorca for one week ? flights from Ireland West Knock.

Travel must be taken by 27th September 2008

Childrens Section

Bus Eireann will operate a shuttle bus to and from the races departing outside the Skefflington Arms Hotel in Eyre Square. To facilitate the free flow of traffic.

RTE will televise all seven days of this years festival. At the Races (Sky Channel 418) will screen all 51 races live.

Radio na Gaeltachta will broadcast all races on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Galway Bay FM, will provide Festival Radio with live coverage of every race throughout the meeting.

There will be a free racecard draw each day of the festival with prizes from a family holiday, weekend breaks and exclusive jewellery.

Lucky punters can relish the prospect of guaranteed Tote Jackpots on all seven days of the Festival: Wednesday and Thursday ?70,000; Monday, Tuesday and Friday ?50,000; Saturday and Sunday ?30,000.

Even if your horse loses, you can still be a big winner with the popular Tote Losing Ticket Draws each day for weekends away in various hotels.

Lastly make sure to come early enough to the races, gates will open two and half hours before the first race each day.