The Autumn meeting of the Galway Races begins this Saturday August 28 for three days. One of the highlights of the racing festival will be the Ardilaun Hotel-listed Oyster Stakes,which is now in its nineteenth year, takes place on the last day of the races, Monday August 30. The Ryan family of the Ardilaun Hotel first became associated with this prestigious race in 1991 and have continued their support over the years.
Since 1991 when this race was first introduced, well-known and highly acclaimed trainers, jockeys and owners have chosen to enter this race, one of only two listed races in the Galway Racing calendar. As far back as 1969 Paddy Ryan, who sadly passed away in the last few years, was a member of the Race committee when the decision was made to add the Autumn meeting to the racing calendar, creating an extra attraction in an effort to prolong the Galway tourist season; drawing visitors and tourists to the region from all over Ireland and abroad.
‘The Galway racecourse is a superb asset to the Galway region, attracting visitors to stay and enjoy the area and providing a great source of revenue to all sectors. Galway has benefited greatly over the years and The Ardilaun are pleased to be associated with it,’ said John Ryan, managing director of the Ardilaun Hotel,’ We are certainly looking forward to another great day’s racing.’
The Ardilaun Hotel Listed Oyster Stakes is a flat race open to colts, geldings and fillies who are three years old or more. Over the years the cream of the stables, trainers and owners have participated in this race with regular entries from leading trainers John Oxx who won last year, Dermot Weld, Aidan O’Brien, Kevin Prendergast, Jim Bolger and Mark Johnston.
Over the years The Ardilaun Hotel Listed Oyster Stakes has drawn entries from internationally renowned owners such as Aga Khan, Godolphin Enterprise, Moyglare Stud, John Magnier and Lady Clague.
The three day September meeting this year has 21 races, both flat and national hunt races. This meeting is also very popular with people involved in the tourist industry who may not have been available to attend during the summer. Special offers are now available on www.theardilaunhotel.ie
