The eyes of the racing world are on Galway this week, as attendance figures are eagerly awaited by many involved in the industry. Almost 117,000 people attended over the seven days in 2022, and any decrease on this figure for the 2023 festival would be in contrast to overall attendance figures at race meetings for the first six months of this year. Statistics released recently by Horse Racing Ireland show a 7.6% increase in attendances for the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
At the time of writing, the attendance figures for the first two days of this week also show an approximate increase of 7% compared to the first two days in 2022, with a combined total of approximately 30,000 in attendance for both days. If this performance is maintained throughout the week, a total attendance in the region of 125,000 should be achieved. The Punchestown Festival recorded total attendances of more than 120,000 for the five day festival earlier this year.
In 2006, at the height of the Celtic Tiger, a total of over 216,000 attended over the seven days, with a figure of over 48,000 on Ladies Day alone that year. Ten years later, in 2016, the total attendance had fallen to just short of 150,000. The 2019 figure was just below 130,000.
This is part of a wider trend of reduced spectator attendance at many sporing occasions, particularly among a younger cohort. The challenge facing Galway, and many other sporing venues, is how to increase interest, and attendance, among young people, without alienating their more traditional support base.
There are a number of factors behind these declining attendances, including a continuing post Covid reluctance among some, particularly the elderly, to attend venues with excessive crowds. The cost of living crisis is also a factor in the decision of some to stay at home and watch the superb TV coverage, rather than face the expenditure involved in a day at the races.
The cost of accommodation, and the lack of availability of same, is also a factor in any decline in those attending. Also the appeal of the betting ring is not what it used to be, with so much betting now taking place online. And of course, the weather is an important factor for many debating whether or not it is worth the effort to make the trip to Ballybrit.
Many of these factors are outside the control of those who manage Galway racecourse, and their focus must be on the areas which are under their control. Galway racecourse has always been a superbly managed facility, with improvements visible with every passing year. Investing in the customer experience to ensure those in attendance have a very enjoyable day out is the best way to guarantee future success.
The ease of getting to the racecourse (this year is the best I can remember in this regard ), the facilities at the track, from the availability of food and drink to restrooms, the value to be had when purchasing items at the course: these are all important factors for the paying public. The racecourse is also putting a significant emphasis on non-racing entertainment, particularly in the area of music and themed events. It is up to those involved in the management of the track to evaluate the benefits of this against the cost. If the objective is to sell extra tickets, this should not be difficult to measure with a survey of paying members of the public.
If the objective is to enhance the raceday experience, then I’m sure the track can also measure the response to this. Hopefully, this analysis will show a positive influence on both ticket sales and the raceday experience. Galway race week is a magical time in the annual life of this city and county. There is no more enjoyable week in Ireland’s sporting and social life. If you have not been out yet this year, make sure to take a trip before the end of the week. If you have already been out, no doubt you will want to go again.
Dermot Weld
He is still the King of Ballybrit. After a few lean years, Dermot Weld, came roaring back to form on Tuesday evening, with a double, including in the Colm Quinn mile handicap, with victory for 14/1 shot, Couer D’or. Unlucky not to have a treble, as Tanola was collared close home by Purple Lily in the Colm Quinn fills maiden, he doubled up with Livio Milo in the Caulfield Industrial Maiden. Though Willie Mullins, the man who has taken over from Dermot as the leading trainer at the festival in recent years, is almost certain to secure that title again, it was great to see the Master of Rosewell House pay a number of visits to the winners enclosure. Expect to see him in that enclosure again during the week. Not quite a trip down memory lane, more a reminder that no-one has ever monopolised Galway like Mr. Weld has. Once a Galway specialist, always a Galway specialist.
Top tips for the next few days
Take all the usual caveats as read. In short, this is The Galway Races so anything can happen. But, for those looking for a few value wagers, here are some names to remember over the next few days. Horses who won or ran well earlier in the week often turn out again to good effect in the following days, and here are a few to keep an eye on: No More Porter on Thursday, unlucky in Tuesday’s feature, should have a great chance if turning out again on Thursday.
Teed Up, entered on both Friday and Sunday will have a great chance in whichever race he appears. Rio Largo may look to achieve a quick double on Friday, and should go close, with Partisan Hero a real danger if he takes up this engagement. Khafaaq on Saturday will be a lively contender if he is over his exertions of Tuesday night, and Bells On Her Toes will go very close if she makes it into Sunday’s 'Ahonoora' handicap. Dunum, having performed well already this week will also be in the shakeup if lining up here.
The Mullins stable strongly fancy Zarak The Brave in Thursday’s Galway hurdle, and have an even more likely winner with Hercule Du Seuil in Thursday’s novice chase.
Sole Pretender, connections having decided to bypass Wednesday’s Plate, will be strongly fancied on Sunday for the Norman Lee stable.
