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Galway Racecourse |
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Records of organised race meetings in Co Galway go back to the middle of the 18th century and, according to local tradition, steeplechase races were run annually at Kiltulla, east of Ballybrit, for many years prior to 1868. In 1868, due to flooding of the course, they were transferred to Bushfield, beyond Oranmore. These, we are told, were the forerunners of the Galway races.
Sources record that there was an attendance of around 40,000 on the opening day at Ballybrit on Tuesday, 17th August 1869, and that 35,000 people turned up on the second day of the meeting. It is reported that the park in Eyre Square was used as a camping site to accommodate the huge crowds that arrived for the occasion. The first meeting was an overwhelming success and the Galway Races have gone from strength to strength ever since. The Galway Plate is one of the most important steeplechases in Ireland.
The new Millennium Stand with its viewing terrace for 8,000 people and a second floor seating balcony for 2,000 people also features a wide range of amenities. The 1999 summer festival meeting became the first festival in Ireland to run for a full week - where new records for both attendances and betting were set.
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