BUMPER crowds and strong betting figures at Galway Races this week suggest that the popularity of Irish racing with the general public has returned to near pre-pandemic levels.

Statistics issued last week by Horse Racing Ireland showed that attendances rose 7.6% for the first six months of the year and that figure was matched by the first four days of the Galway Festival.

Each of the first four days at Galway saw an increase in crowds compared to last year and the four-day running total of almost 73,000 racegoers is up 7.7% on last year’s corresponding figure. Tote betting also showed a slight increase, mainly thanks to a strong Plate day performance.

Michael Moloney, chief executive at Ballybrit, said: “We tend to follow the national trend. Last year attendances everywhere were down around 10% and we were the same. This year things are back up and we seem to be following that.

“It takes a lot of work from the team to prepare for raceweek and we were lucky that the weather played ball too. Apart from the odd 30-second shower, it didn’t rain during racing on any of the first four days.

“I’ve also had a lot of positive feedback from racegoers on the raceday experience, the food and beverages. Our caterers, Lydon House, have given me very positive reports on turnover and there have been reports that it’s been very busy in the town and neighbouring villages as well.”

Following record rainfall in July, the ground at Galway on the opening evening was heavy on the flat track and soft over jumps. This dried out to yielding to soft and yielding on Tuesday, and by Wednesday the official going for the Galway Plate was good to yielding.

Ground conditions improved again for Thursday’s Galway Hurdle, with the track described as “good in places”.

Speaking on Friday morning, Moloney was expecting rain to dampen day five of the fixture.

“We had almost 26,000 people here on Thursday and I would have expected an even bigger crowd this evening but for the forecast,” he said.

On the plus side, heavy rain is forecast to clear before racing on Saturday, while Sunday should also be rain-free during racing hours.

Clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer added: “There’s a yellow weather warning, though the heaviest rain might fall just north of the racecourse. We have fresh ground on the inner for the flat races on Saturday and we may run Saturday’s bumper on that track too.

“The hurdle races will be run on the outside line, as close to the chase track as possible. Basically we will put white rails wherever we find green grass.

“Whatever about the weather and crowds, it’s been a great week as all horses and riders have come home safely, and that’s the main thing.”