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Plans for multi-million euro redevelopment of Galway Racecourse

Gadgetman496

Plans submitted to council for multi-million euro redevelopment of Galway Racecourse.

https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/plans-submitted-to-council-for-multi-million-euro-redevelopment-of-galway-racecourse/

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Johnny_BravoIII

I'm hearing increasing negativity towards the races.
From country folk, I'm hearing that Galway is "too expensive" and there is " a lot of gouging going on". I hear stories of country people who would have gone to the races for 1 week for 20 years, now only going for 1 or 2 days. i.e. for many people, the Galway races was their holiday each year. This year average hotel prices are €200 per night. I think Flannerys was €249 this week? IMO country racing people are being pushed out by the non-racing drinking people.

From city folk, many people have a hugely negative attitude towards it. Many Galway people leave for the week. I ran into city Galway people who had attended but they were quick to stress that "they got free tickets, or it's not their thing but a friend wanted to go, or they haven't gone for years but decided to give it a go" i.e. a slight embarrassment admitted to going for fear they be perceived as the type that goes to races. It's developed a stigma. It's a week which runs in stark contrast to the previous weeks arts festival.

IMO there are now more people who travel to Galway for the party and not the races. Last week I saw huge numbers of people dressing up in suits and dresses to drink on shop street? Has this become the more attractive part of the week for people?

I was only in town at 8 pm on Friday. It seem pretty civil but previous years were messy and loutish. I'm not sure how the races manages this. I see racing meets in the UK and Australia have attracted a similar type of drunken crowd.

kippy

ben.schlomo wrote: »

Think it's the other way around, I know very few locals who go. Most wouldn't be arsed, it's too expensive to get in and then have a drink and a bet etc etc. You'd get a couple of nights out for what you'd spend going up there for a day.

This is it, generally they've lost an awful lot of local support. Increases in ticket prices, parking, drinks, food etc coupled with the removal of some of the more traditional parts including the funfair as well as better options for entertainment around the place have seen a lot of locals not bother to go or at least bit go as often.
It's also a much different environment now and families are less likely to attend I would say.
Also, 20/30 year olds don't have the money they did back in the boom. Rents have skyrocketed/living costs are well up yet net wages are down for these age groups.

I do agree with the sentiments expressed in this thread around the venue being totally under utilised however.

Wompa1

Deleted User wrote: »

I would guess the biggest group of people who travelled to Galway for this would be in the 25-40 age bracket.
There aren't as many of them as ten years ago - the peak the baby boom was in 1980 - 74k births, 15 years later it was below 50k. Those of us from the baby boom are hitting our 40s and probably don't get out as much.

The population gap has been made up by migration but anecdotally they don't seem as interested.

Add into that, there's less disposable income in that age bracket then there was 15 years ago.

[Deleted User]

Wompa1 wrote: »

2011 was 3 years into the crash. Looking at numbers, it seems the crowd then was much bigger too. Numbers seem to keep falling. Don't know if it's a money thing. It could be a change of taste in the 30 and 40 somethings.

The surprise to me was more the lack of crowd before the races had started. Use to be that the pubs and restaurants in the Square or even down in Quay St would be busy.

I would guess the biggest group of people who travelled to Galway for this would be in the 25-40 age bracket.
There aren't as many of them as ten years ago - the peak the baby boom was in 1980 - 74k births, 15 years later it was below 50k. Those of us from the baby boom are hitting our 40s and probably don't get out as much.

The population gap has been made up by migration but anecdotally they don't seem as interested.

ben.schlomo

Braylon Gentle Scaffolding wrote: »

ben.schlomo wrote: »

Think it's the other way around, I know very few locals who go. Most wouldn't be arsed, it's too expensive to get in and then have a drink and a bet etc etc. You'd get a couple of nights out for what you'd spend going up there for a day.

I would strongly disagree with anyone saying it’s not a big event for locals (well county locals anyway), the races is massive with locals in my experience particularly the Friday. I’m in a con rant state of saying hello to people i know, half know, know to see etc back there any evening I’m there but particularly Monday and Friday.

Nobody said it's not a big event for locals, but it's not as big and the numbers going have dropped markedly. There are many locals not going for all of the reasons outlined above. You'll disagree no matter what Nox as Ballybrit is your Mecca but the numbers don't lie and paint a picture.

[Deleted User]

ben.schlomo wrote: »

Think it's the other way around, I know very few locals who go. Most wouldn't be arsed, it's too expensive to get in and then have a drink and a bet etc etc. You'd get a couple of nights out for what you'd spend going up there for a day.

I would strongly disagree with anyone saying it’s not a big event for locals (well county locals anyway), the races is massive with locals in my experience particularly the Friday. I’m in a constant state of saying hello to people i know, half know, know to see etc back there any evening I’m there but particularly Monday and Friday.

ben.schlomo

youngrun wrote: »

ben.schlomo wrote: »

Think it's the other way around, I know very few locals who go. Most wouldn't be arsed, it's too expensive to get in and then have a drink and a bet etc etc. You'd get a couple of nights out for what you'd spend going up there for a day.

20 quid in yesterday for 7 races 4-5 hours day out , Its a good day out , and you can spend what you want. I spent about 30 quid as a well known cheapskate.. . A night and meal out could be 100-quid plus. Same thing really . A big event on the citys door

Galway people dont support local events , for whatever reason , plenty of my friends are of similar view to your good self so I can understand the view, I would not hold it though

Used to go up years ago but I just have no interest now, for some of the reasons you gave above, the amount of drunk young wans and fellas would put me off. The price during the week is 25/30 am I right? Think the two evenings used to be 15 within the last ten years.

youngrun

ben.schlomo wrote: »

Think it's the other way around, I know very few locals who go. Most wouldn't be arsed, it's too expensive to get in and then have a drink and a bet etc etc. You'd get a couple of nights out for what you'd spend going up there for a day.

20 quid in yesterday for 7 races 4-5 hours day out , Its a good day out , and you can spend what you want. I spent about 30 quid as a well known cheapskate.. . A night and meal out could be 100-quid plus. Same thing really . A big event on the citys door

Galway people dont support local events , for whatever reason , plenty of my friends are of similar view to your good self so I can understand the view, I would not hold it though

ben.schlomo

Wompa1 wrote: »

Braylon Gentle Scaffolding wrote: »

Pointless comparing to the boom, it’s a total outlier.

My last one in the city was 2011. It was much larger thEn too and it was 3 years into the recession.

And yes, the crowd on the Friday seemed larger. Now seeing the official figures, that is confirmed. So is the Galway Races now bigger for locals than for outsiders? If so, could it be that the price gouging has caught up and is deterring people from outside of Galway coming to it?

Think it's the other way around, I know very few locals who go. Most wouldn't be arsed, it's too expensive to get in and then have a drink and a bet etc etc. You'd get a couple of nights out for what you'd spend going up there for a day.

youngrun

From Irish Times

As Wompa says the decline is staggering a 40 % drop in just over a decade
Involved in business in the city and no doubt the week has slumped from a mayhem week to a busy summer one
Was there yesterday and enjoyed it a great day out
But A lot of Galway based friends and colleagues have a negative set against Races due to young ones, boozing, too busy, traffic etc all of which are not really true anymore bar maybe Thurs, which has contributed to slump, along with less visitors in to city

HRI chief unfazed about slip in Galway festival attendance
Brian Kavanagh believes boost in betting ring turnover can be maintained at event
Fri, Jul 26, 2019, 18:18
Brian O'Connor
The Galway Racing Festival: last year’s total attendance fell to 132,691. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
The Galway Racing Festival: last year’s total attendance fell to 132,691. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

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Irish racing’s top official has defended the public appeal of next week’s Galway festival despite a notable slide in crowd figures over recent years.

At the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2006, attendance levels at the sport’s biggest summer festival reached a peak with an official figure of 216,942 over the seven days. Figures tumbled during the following years of the economic crash but despite the subsequent economic upswing crowd levels at Galway have continued to slip.

A return of 148,564 over the seven days in 2015 was followed by 147,459 a year later. There was a significant drop to 137,682 in 2017. Last year’s total fell again to 132,691. That 2018 festival saw the Friday evening programme usurp Galway Hurdle day as the busiest of the week with 30,159 attending.

That was almost 4,000 more than the Thursday, traditionally the busiest day of the year in Irish racing. It was also a long way ahead of the near 17,000 that attended Wednesday’s Plate fixture.

Punchestown’s concluding “Family Day” festival date became Irish racing’s busiest date last year and a 37,206 attendance at that same fixture in May is likely to see that status repeated in 2019.

Ballybrit action
Horse Racing Ireland statistics for the first half of this year reported a near nine per cent rise in attendance levels overall in Ireland.

That is a pattern HRI’s chief executive believes can be reflected during next week’s Ballybrit action which begins on Monday.

“The numbers going to Galway are huge compared to most other meetings during the year and people go there for a variety of different reasons.

“Comparing Galway with other racecourses is not strictly comparing like with like. There’s a carnival element to Galway, a holiday element. It’s more than a race-meeting in some ways,” Brian Kavanagh said on Friday.

He said he wasn’t concerned about a slip in attendances at Galway and suggested comparisons with Celtic Tiger years are unrealistic.

“I have no fears about Galway. I think what’s happened is that momentum shifts. For example Friday is getting stronger. A lot of people are changing their racing patterns over the course of the week,” he said.

“Galway have done some work on improving their product-offering over the last number of years and I think we will see the effect of that,” Kavanagh added.

Those recent half-year statistics also revealed an 11.5 per cent increase in on-course bookmaker betting so far in 2019. That’s a reversal of a previously remorseless slide in betting ring turnover during the last decade.

Consistent lift
“There’s been a consistent lift. It’s still only modest compared to some years ago, but that’s an old story about the nature of betting changing. I’d be hopeful of Galway. The bookmaker ring is stronger this year than other years,” Kavanagh said.

The HRI boss also said on Friday that the progress of remedial work on Dundalk’s controversial all-weather surface this summer will be kept under review.

The surface came under heavy criticism last Spring with the Trainers Association saying most of its membership had lost confidence in it.

Earlier this week Dundalk officials announced a three month resurfacing project will begin in April of 2020.

It also said 54 tonnes of extra fibre will be added to the current Polytrack by the time racing resumes there this September.

“We would have liked to have seen it [resurfacing] done sooner. But our strong preference is that it’s done right,” said Kavanagh who added that Dundalk have received assurances about remedial work allowing fixtures go ahead as planned this autumn and through the winter.

“They’ve been assured the work they’ll do this summer will be sufficient to get them through the time until they do the work next year. Obviously we will keep that under review,” he added.

Wompa1

Braylon Gentle Scaffolding wrote: »

Pointless comparing to the boom, it’s a total outlier.

My last one in the city was 2011. It was much larger thEn too and it was 3 years into the recession.

And yes, the crowd on the Friday seemed larger. Now seeing the official figures, that is confirmed. So is the Galway Races now bigger for locals than for outsiders? If so, could it be that the price gouging has caught up and is deterring people from outside of Galway coming to it?

Wompa1

biko wrote: »

2006 was as the height of Bertie's Bubble, people had tonnes of money to throw away.
I was on Shop Street last night at midnight and it was the usual Races mayhem.

2011 was 3 years into the crash. Looking at numbers, it seems the crowd then was much bigger too. Numbers seem to keep falling. Don't know if it's a money thing. It could be a change of taste in the 30 and 40 somethings.

The surprise to me was more the lack of crowd before the races had started. Use to be that the pubs and restaurants in the Square or even down in Quay St would be busy.

ben.schlomo

Down over 3000 on last year which was also down on the previous year. That's in spite of the much better weather for this year too in comparison to three days of downpours last year.

[Deleted User]

Wompa1 wrote: »

Came back to find this after working in the city this week. I have to say, not having been here for the last 10 or so festivals, the difference in the size of the crowd in the city was staggering compared to my last one in 2011.

I'm assuming the Galway Race Committee is all privately funded? It's bank rolling itself and public money won't be used for this? Because if public money is to be used, I now change my opinion. I'm not sure it's worth the investment.

I'd love to hear from people who own businesses in the city and how it affects sales. I know when working during the boom years out on the Headford Rd, sales actually went down significantly that week since the crowd wasn't concentrated out there but the city was generally pretty busy before the race meetings and very busy after. To the point, you wouldn't be able to move once you'd get down as far as Eason's.

If there's price gouging for the week and that keeps tourists away who would spend money in the city but don't because of the cost of hotel rooms, it may even become counter productive.

Also, was it just me who thought this but it seemed there was a larger crowd in the city on Friday than on Thursday? Friday is typically the locals night. Maybe the number of those traveling in for it has fallen overall. Maybe the decline is caused more by the price gouging and a younger crowd who are less willing to be taken advantage of in previous years.

Apparently, on Lady's Day. The attendance was down close to 50% compared to 2006 and back then there 600 Helicopter movements (the max allowed in the airspace). Mad how much it has changed.

There was 31000 people there on Friday though, how many events in the country have 31000 people? The 25000 or so there on ladies day and over 20000 there on Monday might be down on the boom but still serious serious numbers of people for an event and something to be proud of.

Pointless comparing to the boom, it’s a total outlier.

biko

Wompa1 wrote: »

Apparently, on Lady's Day. The attendance was down close to 50% compared to 2006 and back then there 600 Helicopter movements (the max allowed in the airspace). Mad how much it has changed.

2006 was as the height of Bertie's Bubble, people had tonnes of money to throw away.
I was on Shop Street last night at midnight and it was the usual Races mayhem.

Andrew00

There's no doubt about it yesterday and last night was busier than any other day this week

Wompa1

Wompa1 wrote: »

I'd imagine even with the massive decline in attendance, it's probably still generating a lot for the city so is ripe for further development. It would be good if they found more uses for it throughout the year. Car shows, large retail sales and exams are ok. I haven't heard of too many large conferences being held out there. Seems a tough place for a conference, at least one trying to attract overseas visitors.

Came back to find this after working in the city this week. I have to say, not having been here for the last 10 or so festivals, the difference in the size of the crowd in the city was staggering compared to my last one in 2011.

I'm assuming the Galway Race Committee is all privately funded? It's bank rolling itself and public money won't be used for this? Because if public money is to be used, I now change my opinion. I'm not sure it's worth the investment.

I'd love to hear from people who own businesses in the city and how it affects sales. I know when working during the boom years out on the Headford Rd, sales actually went down significantly that week since the crowd wasn't concentrated out there but the city was generally pretty busy before the race meetings and very busy after. To the point, you wouldn't be able to move once you'd get down as far as Eason's.

If there's price gouging for the week and that keeps tourists away who would spend money in the city but don't because of the cost of hotel rooms, it may even become counter productive.

Also, was it just me who thought this but it seemed there was a larger crowd in the city on Friday than on Thursday? Friday is typically the locals night. Maybe the number of those traveling in for it has fallen overall. Maybe the decline is caused more by the price gouging and a younger crowd who are less willing to be taken advantage of in previous years.

Apparently, on Lady's Day. The attendance was down close to 50% compared to 2006 and back then there 600 Helicopter movements (the max allowed in the airspace). Mad how much it has changed.

youngrun

WallyGUFC wrote: »

I'm sure we'd be well able to rival Slane for nightmare transport problems.

Race week is best week of the year for driving around city, traffic well managed, loads of full buses and the racecourse has all entrances open tunnel, Tuam road side etc. A big concert or fair set up would be great and could be worked well/

WallyGUFC

muppetkiller wrote: »

I can't see why we don't have a major concert there each year. It's a huge open space that you could have a Slane like gig but without the nightmare transport problems of Slane.

I'm sure we'd be well able to rival Slane for nightmare transport problems.

muppetkiller

I can't see why we don't have a major concert there each year. It's a huge open space that you could have a Slane like gig but without the nightmare transport problems of Slane.

KBurke85

Great to see the Galway races supporting local businesses by holding their launch in Dublin :rolleyes:

Fitz*

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Punchestown not Curragh but cant see overnight festival working in track much closer to a town/city like Galway is
An all day festival like forbidden fruit/longitude yes but not a camping festival

But Fever Pitch is not a camping festival?

The Lost Sheep

flazio wrote: »

Oxegen used to be at the Curragh so I don't see why not.

Punchestown not Curragh but cant see overnight festival working in track much closer to a town/city like Galway is
An all day festival like forbidden fruit/longitude yes but not a camping festival

flazio

FitzShane wrote: »

A couple of years ago, there was a Jobs Expo on there. There is also the outdoor cinema event that took place a couple months ago.

I wonder if Fever Pitch will consider moving the festival to the site? or would that be feasible?

Oxegen used to be at the Curragh so I don't see why not.

Fitz*

A couple of years ago, there was a Jobs Expo on there. There is also the outdoor cinema event that took place a couple months ago.

I wonder if Fever Pitch will consider moving the festival to the site? or would that be feasible?

Wompa1

I'd imagine even with the massive decline in attendance, it's probably still generating a lot for the city so is ripe for further development. It would be good if they found more uses for it throughout the year. Car shows, large retail sales and exams are ok. I haven't heard of too many large conferences being held out there. Seems a tough place for a conference, at least one trying to attract overseas visitors.

[Deleted User]

As a massive Galway races fan I welcome any development and I’d personally love to see a spring meeting at the course as it’s a long time from oct to end of July without any racing there.. It really is a fantastic facility it’s only when you attended other racecourses (even the top venues) you realise how good Galway racecourse is.

I think the big issue is finding a suitable time for another meeting in spring as race fixtures have generally been the same for many years all leading up to cheltheham and adding a new event prior to that could be tricky. Roll on the summer festival!

[Deleted User]

Ballinrobe have ten days racing this year.
https://ballinroberacecourse.ie/fixtures-2016/
Galway will have 13 days.
I imagine there are lots of variables, the cost of opening up, how many locals will attend, the racing calender to find free slots, how many trainers or riders would attend.

Limerick will have 12, the curragh 18.

The Lost Sheep

Andrew00 wrote: »

Not true at all. Ballinrobe have a lot of meetings for such a small track. Roscommon have regular meetings too.

Galway is probably one of the only tracks in the country that have just a few days per year of racing

And the attendances are.
Galway doesnt need or want any more. HRI dont have more than 2 courses with meetings on same day and you have to see when they could host meetings that would attract crowds.
Ballinrobe has 10 days racing but all spread out as does Roscommon.

Andrew00

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Not waste at all if it increases revenue.
Most tracks have around that amount of race meetings. Not sure if there is need for any more than there is

Not true at all. Ballinrobe have a lot of meetings for such a small track. Roscommon have regular meetings too.

Galway is probably one of the only tracks in the country that have just a few days per year of racing