WHAT have Davy Russell, Noel Meade, Gordon Elliott, Barry Geraghty, Sheila Lavery, Jane Mangan, Jerry Hannon, Michael Halford and Patrick Mullins got in common? They are among many industry professional who are lending their support to the upcoming Galway Races ‘Phone a Friend’ project.

With just over two weeks until the return of the Summer Festival on Monday July 27th, the team in Ballybrit are looking forward to a somewhat different experience as their usual customers tune-in to the action via RTÉ television, Racing TV and on the racecourse’s social media channels.

Many friendships have been formed, renewed and built over the 150-year history of the races. With that in mind, the racecourse team want to bring a taste of the Galway Races to those who are tuned-in at home and might benefit from a telephone call from a familiar racing face. The public are being asked to nominate a friend or family member to receive a telephone call from a racing personality in the run up to and during race week. A number of nominees will be selected to receive a call from Monday, July 20th to Sunday, August 2nd.

Commenting on the new initiative Sinéad Cassidy, sales and marketing manager at Galway said: “When we contacted various jockeys, trainers and others to get involved in this project, every single one of them jumped on board and have been really supportive. We have a fantastic group of supporters who have been coming to the Galway Races for 10, 20, 30 years plus. This is our way of connecting with them and giving them a little treat to say thank you for all the years of support.”

To nominate a friend or family member to receive a call, email information@galwayraces.com and give your full name, contact telephone number, the nominee’s full name and state why they should receive a call. A number of nominees will be selected to receive a call each day, but there will be a limited number of calls available.