The two-day autumn meeting of the Galway Races begins Monday September 5 with a mixture of 14 flat and national hunt races taking place over the two days.
One of the highlights of the racing festival will be The Ardilaun hotel listed Oyster Stakes, which takes place on Monday. This prestigious race is now in its 25th year. Celebrating 54 years in business this year, the Ryan family of The Ardilaun hotel first became associated with this race in 1991 and have continued their support since.
Well-known and highly acclaimed trainers, jockeys, and owners have chosen to enter what is one of only two listed races on the Galway racing calendar. As far back as 1969, the late Paddy Ryan 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.
Managing director of The Ardilaun hotel John Ryan says Galway Racecourse is a superb asset to the western 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. 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 of three years or more. Over the years there have been regular entries from leading trainers John Oxx, Dermot Weld, Aidan O’Brien, Kevin Prendergast, Jim Bolger, and Mark Johnston. The race has drawn entries from internationally renowned owners such as the Aga Khan, and Godolphin.
Why not try out The Ardilaun's new bistro menu for lunch prior to Ballybrit, with hot food served 12 noon to 9pm daily. For further information, call The Ardilaun Hotel directly on: 091 521433 or visit www.theardilaunhotel.ie
