Only 1,000 spectators will be permitted to attend each day of the Galway Races summer festival.
Michael Moloney, Galway Races chief executive officer, confirmed that following extensive discussions, a crowd limit has been set for the Ballybrit meeting.
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Mr Moloney said: "We got news last night, late yesterday evening that we will be able to host 1,000 spectators on each day of the summer festival commencing on Monday July 26.
"We know, given the support we got in the last couple of weeks that this will be extremely disappointing news to all our fans, who had been looking forward to the opportunity of coming back to Ballybrit this year.
"In terms of our sponsors and everybody, who had been working towards a larger attendance for this year's festival it will be disappointing. On the upside it is 7,000 more people than we had this time last year and for those that do manage to get to come to Ballybrit this year, we are delighted to have owners back. Now with a small amount of the public on top of that, we look forward to making it an event that will be worth being at.
He concluded: "For those who won't be with us sadly this year we really hope you will be able to join us along the way in terms of what is happening in Ballybrit this year. We are still looking forward to some great racing."
