Races set new records

A RECORD prize fund of €1.9 million will be on offer at this year’s summer festival of racing at Ballybrit, it was confirmed yesterday.The biggest pot is €220,000, for the William Hill Galway Plate on the Wednesday, closely followed by the €210,000 value of the Guinness Galway Hurdle on the Thursday.Race Week opens on Monday week, July 30, and racing starts at 5.10pm on Monday, Tuesday and Friday; at 1.50pm on Wednesday and Thursday; and at 2.25pm on Saturday and Sunday.Bus Éireann will operate a shuttle bus to and from the races departing outside the Skeffington Arms Hotel in Eyre Square.Admission charges will be €20 on Monday, Saturday and Sunday, €25 on Tuesday and Friday, and €30 on the two biggest days, Wednesday and Thursday.Gates will be opened approximately two and a half hours before the first race each day and everyone will have a chance to view the facilities in the new Killanin Stand, with its panoramic views. The ground floor hosts a bar, restaurant, Tote and toilet facilities. The Menlo Bar & Restaurant is situated on the first floor together with Tote, bar and toilet facilities, while there is also a free seating balcony off this floor for 700 patrons. The second and third floors house the Plate and Hurdle Hospitality Suites.