Famous sports star's 'fluke' Galway Races night out led to meeting love of his life
The Galway Races are always a special week for people in the sporting world but it does not get any more special than this
For every jockey, the Galway Races holds a special and unique place in their hearts - but even more so for one champion rider.
Davy Russell met his wife and Galway girl Edelle O’Meara during a day off at the Races over a decade ago and they will be married ten years this August - surely a cause for celebration at this year’s Festival.
But he didn’t meet his future wife at the track, instead it was after midnight on the streets of Galway when he locked eyes with the love of his life for the first time.
He previously told RSVP Magazine: “I met her walking down the streets of Galway at 2am during the Races. We had great craic and haven’t looked back since.”
Here’s what Galway Races have lined up for each day across this week:
Monday July 27: The festival kicks off with electric energy, traditional local pride and a special performance by the Galway Tenors in the parade ring. The Connacht Hotel (Qualified Riders) Handicap is the highlight on the opening night. Known as the Derby for amateur jockeys, the race offers €110,000 in prize money and is the most valuable race for amateur riders in Ireland.
Tuesday July 28: Tribes Tuesday sees local Galway clubs including All-Ireland Club Camogie Champions Athenry GAA, Annaghdown GAA, Tuam AC and Sarsfields GAA compete in the ‘Five Grand Challenge’. Teams tackle four gruelling trials - hang tough, wall squat, horse rodeo, and a sprint up the home straight, with €5,000 going to the winning club.
Tuesday’s racing highlight is the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap - the biggest flat race of the week, boasting a prize fund of €120,000 and standing tall as one of the most exciting races on the Irish racing calendar.
Wednesday, July 29: Wednesday is €270,000 Tote Galway Plate Day - one of Ireland's most prestigious and historic horse races. The high stakes jumps race sees the best horses and jockeys line-up for the sporting highlight of the week. It’s also country Music Day, headlined by Michael English, which will bring racegoers on a musical journey of Ireland’s most loved country and Irish songs.
Thursday, July 30: Ireland’s most glamorous day out where the fashion is as hot at the racing. Ladies Day, sponsored by multi-award-winning Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo, will showcase show-stopping sustainable style and elegance, featuring incredible prizes for the best dressed and best headpiece. While the Guinness Galway Hurdle, the most valuable hurdle race in Ireland at €270,000 will be the centre piece of the day on the track.
Friday July 31: Friday brings a fresh burst of energy with the Athlone Towncentre most stylish competition which offers fashion-forward racegoers another chance to impress in the style stakes. On the track, the spotlight turns to the prestigious €110,000 Guinness Handicap over a mile and a half.
Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2: The Bank Holiday weekend sees high-energy racing combine with family-friendly entertainment. Saturday afternoon’s feature race is the €110,000 BOYLESPORTS Handicap Hurdle.
The curtain comes down on the Festival on Sunday afternoon with the seven-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap the focal point on an eight race card. While the entertainment culminates on Sunday with the wildly colourful and entertaining Mad Hatters Family Fun Day, supported by Ireland West Airport.