One of the busiest annual events in Galway, Race Week, begins today, although for the first time ever there will be no spectators.
Instead of the usual crowds running into the tens of thousands, only 200 people will be on the Ballybrit grounds each day this week, made up of jockeys, trainers, and other staff.
Manager of Galway Racecourse, Michael Moloney, says for racing fans it will still be an exciting week.
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The going is soft at Ballybrit for Day one of the Festival.
The first of an eight-race card goes to post at ten-past-four (4:10PM).
The Connacht Hotel Handicap is the feature race on day one and is down for a six-forty-five (6:45PM) start.