Galway September meeting heralds dawning of new era
A new era will be heralded at Ballybrit next week when for the first time since 1989, the track will host a race meeting without John Moloney at the helm.
The Limerick native stepped down as Galway General Manager after the recent summer festival, but in a smooth transition, the Moloney influence will now continue at the course through his son Michael.
Having just stepped into his father’s shoes, Michael is looking forward to his first meeting in charge having served as manager of Plumpton Racecourse in the UK for over two years.
He was ever-present during the 2015 summer festival, getting himself reacquainted with the workings of the country’s most popular race meeting having helped out at the track at different stages over the years.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity and it’s a good time to be taking over as we are still on a high after a successful summer festival. Things are good at Galway racecourse at present,” he said.
Moloney had joined Plumpton Racecourse as financial controller four years ago before taking over as the track’s General Manager and he believes that experience will stand him in good stead in Galway.
He joined the team in Ballybrit last April and served as his father’s deputy until taking over after the summer festival. “I was seeing how it all works and there’s a great group of staff here who just get the job done.”
Moloney, who revealed there may be potential changes to the track’s racing calendar in 2016, reported that the going on the flat course is currently soft and yielding on the National Hunt circuit.
“There is a dry forecast for the next few days, but temperatures are low enough and there’s not much wind about. We’ve had a huge amount of rain since the festival, but I am expecting the track to dry out a little and we should have nice ground next week,” added Moloney.
The three-day September meeting kicks off on Monday next (4.15pm) when the highlight will be the Ardilaun Hotel Oyster Stakes, a race won 12 months ago by the John Oxx trained Tarana.
Tuesday’s action, starting at 4.25pm, is dominated by the Ballybrit Novice Chase, while the feature event on Wednesday (4.30pm) is the Guinness Handicap Steeplechase. Total prizemoney for the meeting is €370,000.
Admission to Ballybrit each day is €15 with a discounted price on production of current ID for students and OAP’s available. Car parking for the meeting is free as are children under 14.