Galway Races 2011

skeenan89

Hi guys....
me and a few of my friends are galway races virgins and we're planning on going this summer!
just wondering if anyone had any tips in regarding which day would be the best to go and where to stay on a cheapish kinda budget??
any help would be much appreciated!:D

mr.jingle

skeenan89 wrote: »

Hi guys....
me and a few of my friends are galway races virgins and we're planning on going this summer!
just wondering if anyone had any tips in regarding which day would be the best to go and where to stay on a cheapish kinda budget??
any help would be much appreciated!:D

The Galway Plate( Biggest race of the meeting) is on the Wednesday and it's Ladies day on the Thursday usually. The festival is great craic but some of the racing is a little substandard to say the least compared to some festivals but you won't need to know that as i'm sure you'll be well intoxicated!!! To make money down there it's a small fact about backing a trainer by the name of Dermot Weld i think that's his name anyway:D

Accommodation can be a bit pricey(rip off Ireland is alive and kicking:rolleyes:) but shop around i'm sure you'll get somewhere. Best idea if there is a good few of ya's is to try rent out a house for the week as i know a lot of people from Galway that do that as they can't stand Galway races week!

Predalien

If you're looking for a place to stay Corrib Village might be an option, it's a few miles from the city centre but they have a shuttle bus and would be grand if you're happy with somewhere basic.

skeenan89

Predalien wrote: »

If you're looking for a place to stay Corrib Village might be an option, it's a few miles from the city centre but they have a shuttle bus and would be grand if you're happy with somewhere basic.

just checked their website....fully booked already! nightmare it sounded perfect!!!!
anymore cheap accommo ideas? dont overly care what its like, doubt we'll be there that much!!
feels like i might of left this too late:(

UrbanSea

Try calling one of the b'nbs on college road. Most places booked up by now though

Sprouts

Try Cúirt na Coiribe or Gort na Coiribe it works out super for 3 or 4 of you and neither are too far from the track or town

UrbanSea

Far better quality than corrib village too. They are the worst apartments in the world.

Pure Sound

There is a thread in the Galway City forum about accommodation available during Race week

luap2007

I know someone with a house close to the race course if interested? PM ME IF YOU DO!

ft9

I'm staying with Urban, anyone stuck for accommodation also welcome... PM for info

Edit Corrib Village is like a room from the Titanic, anyone any ante posts for the hurdle?

UrbanSea

ft9 wrote: »

I'm staying with Urban, anyone stuck for accommodation also welcome... PM for info

Edit Corrib Village is like a room from the Titanic, anyone any ante posts for the hurdle?

No you're not

mikemac

Left it a bit late to sort accomdation OP. Cuirt na Rasai is student accomadation in Ballybrit and about 15 minute walk to the track.

bellybuster12

I have been going to the galway races for last 10 years or so, fecken love it. The last few years i have stayed in the harbour hotel, its a great location 2mins walk from eyre sq, the bus is $8 return from there to races and well worth it.
Harbour hotel prob booked out now but its in a great spot.

The past few years i have done the mon/tue and wed, doing the same this year, ladies day on thursday is so ****ing annoying if your into the racing but i have a feeling it might suit ye:)

dermot weld is deff the man to follow in galway as his record there at the festival is incredible. (backing his horses blind last year showed a healthy profit).
The racing is not the best(standard wise) but is great fun.

I can honestly say if its your first time at the galway races it wont be your last as its the best social meet of the year.

Entries for the hurdle and plate here

http://info.hri-racing.ie/entries/Microsoft_Word__ONOR186.PDF Plate

http://info.hri-racing.ie/entries/Microsoft_Word__ONOR187.PDF Hurdle

Some strong entries this year, Overturn back again captain ceebee (entered in both) etc.

Hurdle is the richest national hunt race in Ireland at the moment.

Edit: I will be there the 7 days myself, cant wait! Fortunately I'm from galway so dont need to worry about accommodation.

finbarrk

Been going for 20 years. Wed and Thurs are the best. Have stayed everywhere from the car to the Radisson!

ft9

Galway Hurdle
Overturn
8/1
Dirar
8/1
The Real Article
9/1
Captain Cee Bee
10/1
Hidden Universe
10/1
Plan A
10/1
Jack Cool
12/1
Gimlis Rock
12/1
Redera
12/1
Street Entertainer
12/1
Sublime Talent
12/1
Bahrain Storm
14/1
Tornedo Shay
14/1
Oilily
14/1
Silverhand
14/1
Johnny McGeeney
14/1
Oneeightofamile
16/1
Jumbo Rio
16/1
Son Amix
16/1
Deutschland
16/1
Moon Dice
16/1
Gudnis Gracious Me
16/1
Laterly
16/1
Salute Him
16/1
Tawaagg
20/1
Action Master
20/1
Silk Hall
20/1
Idarah
20/1
Inspector Closeau
20/1
Fosters Cross
25/1
Total Excitement
25/1
False Economy
25/1
Cothrom Na Feinne
25/1
Eagles Pass
25/1
Force OF Habit
25/1
Princeton Plains
33/1
Alderwood
33/1
Askthemaster
33/1
House Rules
33/1
Beyond
33/1
One For Joules
50/1

ft9

Plate


Rebel Du Maquis
9/1
Bahrain Storm
10/1
Majestic Concorde
12/1
Dancing Tornado
12/1
Blazing Tempo
12/1
Prince Erik
12/1
Dr Whizz
12/1
Head Of The Posse
14/1
Aigle D'Or
14/1
Bideford Legend
14/1
Invisible Man
14/1
Captain Cee Bee
16/1
Scotsirish
16/1
Psycho
16/1
Finger On the Pulse
16/1
Deutschland
16/1
Archie Boy
16/1
Ballyholland
16/1
Wise Old Owl
16/1
Hampshire Express
16/1
Lucky Wish
16/1
Carrigmartin
16/1
Truckers Delight
16/1
Matuhi
20/1
Lenabane
20/1
Schindlers Gold
20/1
Classic Swain
20/1
Muirhead
20/1
Harold's Cross
20/1
Got Attitude
20/1
Idarah
25/1
Back Of The Pack
25/1
Ponmeoath
25/1
Qulinton
25/1
Salesin
25/1
The Last Derby
25/1
Dundrum
25/1
Powerstation
25/1
Sebadee
25/1
Fosters Cross
25/1
Pilgrims Lane
25/1
Sir Fredrick
25/1
Armaramak
25/1
Schelm
33/1
Montero
33/1
Chasing Cars
33/1
King High
33/1
Wins Now
33/1
Casey Top
33/1
Campbonnais
33/1
Hangover
33/1
Politeo
33/1
Supercede
33/1
Having a Cut
50/1
Banna Man
50/1
Lets Go Sunshine
50/1
Eagles Pass
66/1
Tajweed
100/1

Ladbrokes have priced them up too.

They have dancing tornado up at 20/1, looks a massive price for a horse that finished ahead of long run last november and would have caught little josh given another 200 yards. The 2m 6f with an up hill finish should suit him too.

8/1 about overturn is tasty too, though there is no guarantee he will run he is entered in goodwood too.

sting60

10/1 Bahrain Storm is criminal this horse is totally ground dependent.If anything with soft attached to the going you can tear up your docket.I have over the last number of years on this site lauded the merits and napped the horse when he won the hurdle at 20/1 and to avoid at 4/6 in Limerick in soft going .He won last night in Killarney over a trip to short but was very well handicapped to do so.Two mile six furlongs and fourteen stiff fences will he stay up the hill???

sting60

Cecelia Rhythmic Grit wrote: »

Ladbrokes have priced them up too.

They have dancing tornado up at 20/1, looks a massive price for a horse that finished ahead of long run last november and would have caught little josh given another 200 yards. The 2m 6f with an up hill finish should suit him too.

8/1 about overturn is tasty too, though there is no guarantee he will run he is entered in goodwood too.

I think he will require heavy going[ Dancing Tornado] is on 19lb higher mark since last win.Its about opinion and I think Prince Erik is very well in but a poor price at 12/1.Weld seems to be looking to win the bigs races for Galway chemist dr Ronan Lambe.

sting60

sting60 wrote: »

I think he will require heavy going[ Dancing Tornado] is on 19lb higher mark since last win.Its about opinion and I think Prince Erik is very well in but a poor price at 12/1.Weld seems to be looking to win the bigs races for Galway chemist dr Ronan Lambe.

I doubt very much I will be doing anything antepost anyway, It will be much nearer the races before I make any final decisions.

stevie123c

Have to disagree with Wed/Thurs being the best.
They are certainly and most popular and as a result the most packed days up there. You will be charged extra at the gate plus waiting times at the bar/tote and taxi/bus home can be doubled or tripled.
I'd recommend going up on either Friday evening or the Saturday to really get a good idea of why the Galway races are so popular. Spend the Wednesday and Thursday in town in a pub with the racing on, I recommend O'Connells beer garden or The Skeff, both of which are on the square, and just meet up with the racing crowd later. This way you get best of both worlds.

ft9

A lot of people are of the opinion Overturn will not be coming for the hurdle, why is this?

I mean why enter him if theres no intention of running?

stevie123c

stevie123c wrote: »

Have to disagree with Wed/Thurs being the best.
They are certainly and most popular and as a result the most packed days up there. You will be charged extra at the gate plus waiting times at the bar/tote and taxi/bus home can be doubled or tripled.
I'd recommend going up on either Friday evening or the Saturday to really get a good idea of why the Galway races are so popular. Spend the Wednesday and Thursday in town in a pub with the racing on, I recommend O'Connells beer garden or The Skeff, both of which are on the square, and just meet up with the racing crowd later. This way you get best of both worlds.

I go everyday and have for years and personally its the wednesday and thursday I most look forward to followed by the monday evening when everything kicks off, the atmosphere is brilliant on the two big days especially during the two big races when the whole place goes mad. I prefer national hunt racing over the flat too so I dont want to miss out on the two big ones. I do enjoy the quieter days too, its a different sort of atmosphere but enjoyable none the less.

Sunday is the worst day in my opinion, its the only day I wouldn't be too bothered about missing (though I rarely do).

ft9 wrote: »

A lot of people are of the opinion Overturn will not be coming for the hurdle, why is this?

I mean why enter him if theres no intention of running?

He is supposed to be entered in the goodwood cup too, connections are obviously keeping their options open. Its probably not fair to say they have no intention of running him rather they are undecided. Personally I hope he runs, I love to see bigger name horses turn up at Galway.

ft9

I'd avoid antepost bets, as its likely firms will offer 5places on the Plate and/or Hurdle.

If I had an antepost bet today and in a week or so they offered 5 places, would I get the 5 places?

Boya

Galway Races what a great day out for all and the city is mighty at nite time. Wonder how it will be this year with the whole economy squeeze thing ?

Nothing like having a few pints at the track and then on into city afterward.....only thing is no Bulmers at the racetrack and thats a crying shame - why not i ask; why not ? beer too heavy for hopefully fine week of weather.......if Bulmers was there id be a happy camper...and all those winnings from backing Weld.... happy days..

mr.jingle

No Ruby Walsh this year as he crushed a vertebrae tonight and will be out till at least the Listowel Festival. Paul Nicholls put on his twitter last night that Rebel de Marquis will be going straight to Galway and won't run at Market Rasen this weekend

sting60

mr.jingle wrote: »

No Ruby Walsh this year as he crushed a vertebrae tonight and will be out till at least the Listowel Festival. Paul Nicholls put on his twitter last night that Rebel de Marquis will be going straight to Galway and won't ru Sorry for any jockey who gets hurt and Walsh seems to have picked a few recently.This means he will be with the RTE coverage with Ted,avoid, avoid.

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

Scien

Scien wrote: »

Anyone know how much of a difference there is in the student admission than regular adult admission. They don't mention it on the website.
Just realised 3 days admission will set me back €85!
Might chance flashing the 2008 UCC card.

Its 10 euro less than the advertised adult price.

Id advise you to attempt a bit of doctoring on the student card to give it a valid date, they are pretty strict on the date of student cards. I am almost certain you wont get in with an out of date one.

bob lesley

ruby out of galway

http://coolsportsnowblog.blogspot.com/

mike65

Once really was enough.

If you are backing, then as usual Dermot Weld over the first two days is probably the way to go.

Harry Angstrom

Do any of ye make a profit at Galway?

I usually avoid this meeting like the plague as it seems to be a complete bookies benefit to me. Most of the races are shyte and the fields are huge. I've often wondered why some people look forward to Galway with the same sort of excitement that people look forward to Cheltenham. Why??

Maybe it's just the bookies and the media who hype it up?

bellybuster12

Harry Angstrom wrote: »

Do any of ye make a profit at Galway?

I usually avoid this meeting like the plague as it seems to be a complete bookies benefit to me. Most of the races are shyte and the fields are huge. I've often wondered why some people look forward to Galway with the same sort of excitement that people look forward to Cheltenham. Why??

Maybe it's just the bookies and the media who hype it up?

Agree that its not the best week of quality racing and for the most part a punting nightmare.

I have done pretty well over the years but i normally might only have a decent bet on a few races, most of the races i would only have a token bet for interest.(been at the races and all that)

It is hyped up, and so it should be, its the social meet of the year and there is great prize money on offer.

I would rather be a bookie in galway anytime tho:D

sting60

Harry Angstrom wrote: »

Do any of ye make a profit at Galway?

I usually avoid this meeting like the plague as it seems to be a complete bookies benefit to me. Most of the races are shyte and the fields are huge. I've often wondered why some people look forward to Galway with the same sort of excitement that people look forward to Cheltenham. Why??

Maybe it's just the bookies and the media who hype it up?

Spot on all hype no substance.I have done ok over the years Bahrain Storm at 20/1and the last nice hit was a horse I knew about for awhile. Was afraid about the jockey[10lb claimer Cathy Gannon]won in a canter at 16/1.Horses are laid out all year and unless you have decent info keep bets to 10e max.

Nulty

The Real Article is looking a serious favourite for the Hurdle. He can only get shorter - I'll guess he goes off 2/1.

ft9

Nulty wrote: »

The Real Article is looking a serious favourite for the Hurdle. He can only get shorter - I'll guess he goes off 2/1.

Indeed he does look serious Nulty.

Although the Turf Club may re-open a case regarding the recent run in Tipperary.

See here http://www.irishracing.com/v5newsitem?prid=54830

I really do wish they did, as it is The Real Article stands to go off a mark of 127 for the Hurdle.

If they do reopen the case what can the outcome be? Will they just up the rating to a sufficient mark, or just issue a fine/ban

sting60

Nulty wrote: »

The Real Article is looking a serious favourite for the Hurdle. He can only get shorter - I'll guess he goes off 2/1.

Racing has really done its image no good with regards the running of The Real Article last time out.I have seen trainers jockeys and horses been suspended for far less.I would guess this horse is 19lbs well in,in the Galway Hurdle and as a relative novice he has alot more than that in hand.Just a word of caution, I though his head went a bit high when asked to improve [green???].He has only ever been hit with stick two or three times and that was in his first race.If my rating is correct then he is a very serious horse going right to the top.I believe the IRB may review the last race again because of pressure from calls they recieved.

UrbanSea

**** betting at Galway. Goodwood will be on the same time.

ft9

Says your man trying to arrange people to go to Galway races over in the Gambling forum

UrbanSea

I'm going,but won't be betting on many races there. Bad horses running in big handicap fields.
Lol.

ft9

ft9 wrote: »

Indeed he does look serious Nulty.

Although the Turf Club may re-open a case regarding the recent run in Tipperary.

See here http://www.irishracing.com/v5newsitem?prid=54830

I really do wish they did, as it is The Real Article stands to go off a mark of 127 for the Hurdle.

If they do reopen the case what can the outcome be? Will they just up the rating to a sufficient mark, or just issue a fine/ban

Anyway Urban, while your here, you able shed some light on this for me?

UrbanSea

Doubt it'll be opened but didn't see the race.

It would be a hell of a piece of riding to ensure the horse got beaten,but only by a short head.

ft9

I take your point US that Galway has serious prize money for not so serious horses, but look at the buzz it creates, look what its worth to the local economy.

Would you rather this festival was scrapped?

I dont understand constant complaints against it, and coming into a Galway races thread saying 'Fcuk Galway'. Why not embrace it?

It certainly manages to draw the crowds every year.

UrbanSea

Sorry 9 I didn't make myself clear.
I like going to Galway,I meant **** betting at Galway

luap2007

<snip>

Mod edit: There's a thread dedicated to race week accommodation in the Galway City forum. It would probably be better to post there.

C

flyer88

Does anybody know how much admission is for a 14 year old, a 16 year old and an 18 year old?

Thanks

flyer88

flyer88 wrote: »

Does anybody know how much admission is for a 14 year old, a 16 year old and an 18 year old?

Thanks

U14 is 2 euro.

The 16 year old should should technically pay student prices but should manage to get through as an u14 too unless he is old looking for his age. The 18 year old should be getting in as student which will be between 10 and 20 euro depending on the day. He will need a student ID though and it can be tricky to get in for some people still in secondary school as they have no student ID.

Its a thing they need to sort out imo, Ive seen my sister who was 17 and in school have to pay adult prices a few years ago as she didnt have a student id while I had no problem despite being 8 years older but with student id in hand.

Send them all up to the u14 gate first anyway including the 18 year old they could all get it on the cheap its a bit of a lottery at times.

sting60

Tony Martin has most wins this year with 12 from 46 runners.Noel meade has 10 from 33 runners.The best stat so far this year is John Kiely from only 16 runners he has 6 winners and 4 seconds,wow.The trainer with worst stats are Eddie O Grady 64 runners only 4 winners and 11 seconds.Gordon Elliott with 85 runners with 7 winners and 13 seconds.

omanny

<snip>

There's a thread specific to this in the Galway City forum. Please post the info there.

almat1981

I stayed in the clairegalway hotel last year its pretty close to the course and has a free shuttle bus to and from.I think its €75pps, downside its pretty far from Galway city about €25 in a taxi if i remember rightly. Nice hotel tough .