FANS had a Beautiful Day at the Galway Races yesterday with a ‘magic’ win for a syndicate of seven lads in the feature race.
Day Two of the races did not disappoint with the crowds roaring for their favourites in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap, which went to Magic Chegaga.
Racegoers in U2 masks during day two of the Galway Races Summer Festival 2022
Flaming Moon ridden by Bryan Cooper (left) goes on to win The Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle
Jockey Colin Keane snagged the prize pot of €120,000 for owners the Magic Lads Syndicate and trainer Brian Duffy.
The syndicate, of seven racing fanatics from Trim in Co Meath, were ecstatic with their surprise win.
Delighted member Richie Walsh said: “I thought we had a little chance coming down, a little squeak.
“We had the champion jockey, he had the one job to do, nobody told him what to do, it was his gig whatever he wanted to do. He just turned it into magic.
“We’re going to get drunk here and we might get back to Trim by Friday!”
Punters — including one gang wearing oversized heads of U2 band members — made the most of a mainly dry day on the course with large numbers streaming through the gates to enjoy the festivities.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Galway is living up to its reputation as a very tricky playground for punters. The fiercely competitive action has meant the favourites haven’t been firing, leaving punters scratching their heads.
“We are only two days in though, so the bookies won’t be popping the corks just yet. It’s a long week of toing and froing and we expect a good battle.”
Racegoers also had a huge cheer for the Galway team who won the All-Ireland minor football title over Mayo earlier this month. The team lifted the Tom Markham Cup for the crowd, making up for some of the disappointment after Sunday’s defeat to Kerry in the Senior clash.
Ladies Day judge Kieran O’Malley said he is already blown away by this year’s fashion after just two days. He said: “There’s a lovely atmosphere out here, the style was unbelievable, town was really good last night, there was a nice buzz, so Galway is back.”
Racecourse fashion did not disappoint on Day Two, with one overseas visitor saying he researched looks from previous years in Galway before jetting over from the states.
New Jersey native Eric Einbinder was sporting a full salmon-coloured suit and shades to study the odds on the board.
He said: “We were planning our trip to Ireland and looking at things to do and as soon as we saw it was on we couldn’t wait to come.
“We love the Kentucky Derby and all the American horse races. We know how to bet, but we don’t necessarily know what to bet.
“We love Galway, it’s a great city.”
His wife Lindsay said: “I brought my outfit with me, I looked up pictures of exactly what people wear, because at the [English] Derby it’s always crazy outfits.
‘GREAT BUZZ’
“We were trying to bring a bigger hat but the suitcase wouldn’t allow it! The vibe seems the same as the huge racing days in the States. Everyone’s happy to be here and ready to have some fun. I was here when I was younger, but coming back as an adult is quite different.”
Eric said they enjoyed a trip into the city on Monday night before coming out with a heavy head for race day.
He said: “We went out last night, we planned on waking up pretty early and we did not wake up early. There was a great buzz in the city especially with race week and all going on. It was awesome.
“It was tough to go to bed when you know all the pubs are buzzing like that.
“We’re just here for one day and back up to Dublin, but if we win a fortune we might stick around.”
GLAD TO BE BACK
Coming from closer to home, Bernadine McGlade was wearing a green dress and hat she bought in Kinsale.
She said: “I like to come every year for the day. It’s part of our heritage and it’s been on the go for so long, I haven’t missed it for a long number of years yet.
“I missed it over the Covid years so it’s great to get back, wonderful.”
Catalina Sposato from Maine said that her group of friends noticed the unique race day fashion in town and luckily had some glad rags to hand.
“We brought our outfits for a wedding in Ireland and we saw some of the ladies out and about yesterday in the city centre so we got an idea of the dress code. We’re really excited to put on some bets.
“I just love the atmosphere and being here. I’ve never done anything like this and it’s really exciting.”
Galway footballer Paul Conroy arrives with Thomas Hughes before racing on day two
Theo Jones, aged seven months, reads a racecard with mother Nicola and grandfather Jack
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/glam-goodwood-racegoers-join-celebs-like-harry-redknapp-as-they-show-off-eye-catching-dresses-on-the-first-day/
