Galway Racecourse, traditionally home to Ireland’s largest horse racing festival, the iconic ‘Galway Races’ had a busy 2021 despite a challenging year. In accordance with Covid protocols a lot still happened throughout the year at the Ballybrit venue.
In what has been one of the busiest years on record, the Galway Racecourse attracted a footfall of more than half a million people who visited for a various array of events that ranged from those attending the summer festival, the HSE vaccination centre, the medical technology Ireland exhibition, the Christmas Elf Town experience, Renmore Gymnastics children’s classes, park and ride, Castlegar cross country, plus the Killanin Stand was home to primary school students from Scoil Bhríde Menlo, who had classes temporarily while their own school underwent refurbishment.
During the year, the team at Galway Racecourse were proud to fundraise and create awareness for a number of hard-working charities including The National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Pieta House, the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, and most recently with ‘Team Hope’ who used the jockeys’ changing rooms to prepare more than 7,000 shoe boxes that will be delivered into the hands of children in the Congo just in time for Christmas.
Michael Moloney, chief executive of Galway Racecourse, said: “Like many businesses’ we could never have predicted what was to come down the track this year but thankfully, in quick succession we managed to make the best of the situation. The racecourse is proud to support Irish racing and be at the heart of the local community here in Galway, helping where and when we could. Our brand values of the love of horse racing, friendships, community family and fun, feed every decision we make and the things we do here in Ballybrit.”
“To end the year on a high with lots of happy families visiting Santa Claus for Elf Town has once again brought about a special magic to Galway Racecourse. Who better to visit us here as we wrap up the year than the main man himself, Santa Claus, his elves and two VIPs, Santa’s reindeers Dasher and Dancer.
“We look forward with optimism to 2022 and welcoming everyone back to the Galway Races for some cracking racing plus lots more besides. We are planning in earnest, and very much look forward to sharing our preparation with you over the next few months. On behalf of the team here in Ballybrit, may I wish all our customers a very Happy Christmas and a massive thank you for your continuous loyalty and support.”
For more information on the 2022 Galway Races summer festival that takes place from Monday July 25-Sunday July 31, check out www.galwayraces.com
