Crowds and betting figures both show a healthy rise at Galway Attendance and betting figures were both up as the seven-day Galway Festival drew to a close this afternoon with Chief Executive Michael Moloney delighted with events both on and off the track. The total attendance for the week of 125,997 was up nearly 10,000 on last year’s tally with Friday’s crowd of 26,234 the highlight. The Tote aggregate was up on all seven days with a total figure for the week of €5.8m showing an increase of 16 per cent. Business in the betting ring was also healthy with bookmakers turnover in excess of €7.5 million which was up over 13 per cent on last year. “We’ve been really fortunate with the weather over the week and there has been great crowds and a great atmosphere across the enclosure. It’s been brilliant,” said Michael Moloney. “There has been a great mix of winners between trainers, jockeys, owners and syndicates. Everybody has been in the mix here and there has been plenty of drama and great stories. “We’re proud of everyone who has helped to make it possible, and the track has held up well throughout the week even after the rain last night.” Galway are always looking to improve facilities and Moloney added, “The new winners circle has been well received, and it’s nice that when horses come back into the parade ring that they have a little bit of space. “It’s always been a tradition in Galway that the winner came back into that area, and it puts them front and centre. “We have a new winning connections room this year and have also upgraded some of the bars and toilets. “We’re always trying to make improvements and in terms of equine welfare we have a new horse trot up down in the stableyard and we have a safety road on the inside of the track.” Dylan Browne McMonagle took the leading Flat jockey award with three winners while Jack Kennedy was top National Hunt rider with four winners. Willie Mullins landed the leading trainer award for a tenth time.
