BIGGER and better than ever. In the case of Galway Races it is an appropriate claim ahead of this year’s seven-day festival.

Firstly there is the not insignificant matter of prizemoney, the lifeblood of racing. “It’s a huge credit to all our sponsors and Horse Racing Ireland who together have enabled us to offer for the very first time a total prize fund in excess of €2 million, and a feature race every day valued at a minimum of €100,000. It is also pleasing to see the minimum race value of every race set at €15,000,” said general manager Michael Moloney this week.

Secondly, there have been a number of improvements to ensure that customers have the best experience. Michael explains: “We have just launched our new website and racegoers can purchase tickets online and have them emailed in a matter of minutes. We’ve some fantastic new additions, including theming each race day, starting off with a special opening ceremony on Monday evening themed ‘Gather Your Tribe’ in the City of the Tribes. We have also launched a Festival Village which features a shopping area, bars, resident DJ, post racing entertainment, a big screen and betting.”

Such is the popularity of race-week that a number of hospitality packages are sold out, but there are other options and alternatives. “We’re fortunate that we get a huge percentage of repeat customers. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are sold out for hospitality, with waiting lists. The Punters Package is very popular too for sports and social clubs who make it their annual summer outing,” and Michael advises booking as soon as possible.

Holding one of two seven-day festivals in Ireland must provide unique challenges. Michael agrees. “We are fortunate to be part of a very popular festival. However racing seven days in a row in the west of Ireland you can never expect seven days of fine weather. We have first-class facilities which enable us to cater for very large crowds, even when the weather is not on our side.”

Ground is the other big challenge. “First and foremost we are a racecourse. Therefore providing the best racing surface possible is top of our priority list. Gerry Broderick, our course foreman, and his team do a fantastic job. Significant investment has been made in drainage works and we feel our racing surface is in great condition as a result. We receive great support from our clerk of the course, Lorcan Wyer, who has spent a lot of time this year reviewing our racing lines for 2017 to ensure we utilise the whole course and provide a quality surface on each day of the festival.”

Owners are appreciated at Galway, Michael being acutely aware of their importance. “I think all racecourses are very aware of the investment owners make in the sport and are looking to improve their experience. One of our big improvements last year was to introduce a dedicated Owners’ Lounge. This facility is reserved for owners with runners on the day and they are provided with a complimentary lunch.”

Planning for the future, which sees the 150th Galway Races in 2019, is underway. “As part of a €6 million redevelopment project, the existing Tote Ireland building will be demolished and replaced with a betting hall and bar/food facilities. Construction will begin immediately after the 2017 festival with a launch date ahead of the 2018 festival.”

Michael paid tribute to his predecessor, and father, John. “It was great to have been involved in Galway growing up and to have had a good relationship with the staff prior to filling the role. John certainly put his stamp on Galway.” Michael is doing the same.

The Galway Race week runs from Monday, July 31st to Sunday, August 6th.