Galway is gearing up for the 151st year of the Galway Races, but for the first time this iconic event will be held behind closed doors due to the current Covid-19 crisis.
Last year this traditional week of racing attracted some 130,000 racegoers; this year it will be limited to owners, trainers, jockeys, vets, stewards, and a handful of journalists. The racegoers, the fans, the punters and the public must be satisfied with watching online.
It is a scenario current Galway Races chief executive Michael Moloney never imagined, and one which he found difficult to accept.
"The worst day of my career when I had to hit the button," he says, "but we just had to refocus and think about what we can offer."
Despite the lack of crowds, the hospitality tents, and the social engagement, Moloney says the event is still about horse racing.
"We still have top jockeys competing, we have 52 races, and the races are what keeps the industry going, what pays the wages of thousands of workers. Their response to the change has been very good," he says.
"This year it is about bringing the festival into people's homes, and we are doing that through television - RTE, Racing Channel, Galway Bay FM, and social media channels."
Prize money has been affected, but there is still €1.6 million on offer, including €200,000 each in the big events the Galway Plate and the Hurdle - thanks to the sponsors who have continued their support throughout the last decade.
All safety protocols as outlined by stringent industry guidelines will be followed - pre-screening, questionnaires, a bar code app and temperature checks. Only essential personnel are allowed, and there will be no indoor activities, including showers.
"We are lucky that the racing season is underway already, so the protocols have been in use and people are familiar with them. I have been to a couple of meetings, Limerick and Roscommon, to see how they are, and although there were some teething problems, they have been ironed out now."
With fans forced to watch online, the focus this year is very much on the industry, and one which Moloney says is crucial to the country's economy.
"The horse racing industry is a huge employer, particularly in rural parts, and the fact that we can help them and hold this meeting is the best thing for them.
"This is our 151st year of the Galway Races, and industry has always been supportive. Every year they have brought their horses here to Ballybrit and this year it is about us trying to support them."
Galway will have a better idea of the field at Ballybrit over the next week, but Moloney says all the indications are that owners are targeting Galway.
"The track is in super shape and all we need now are the horses, and people can watch from the comfort of their own homes," he says.
The races are worth about €54 million to the local economy, and although impossible to achieve this year due to the circumstances of Covid-19, Moloney says they are "trying to make the best of it".
"We have a long history, 150 years and only once were the races cancelled and that was due to the Civil War. It is something which I am very conscious of, so to hold it behind closed doors ensures we continue, and I am certainly delighted to be in that position, knowing we will be back."
The widely renowned Ladies' Day at the Galway Races on Thursday will move online this year.
Racegoers can still dress for the occasion with Her.ie organising the best-dressed competition on Thursday.
Ladies' Day is always a boost for the fashion industry, and this year will be no exception with every woman able to take part from anywhere in the world.
All fashionistas have to do is dress up, and tweet or use social media platforms, and the Galway Race committee is asking all entrants to donate to their favourite charity at the same time.
The judges will select 10 finalists who will then be interviewed via social media.
A similar format will take place on Friday at the Athlone Town Centre, while the Mad Hatters competition, which takes place on Sunday, will also be moved on line.
A favourite for children, this year's theme will be 'Thanks to all the front-line workers'. Entrants can post their photos online on the day.
