The meeting kicks off on Sunday 9 September with the first race at 2.50pm. Racing continues on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 of September with the first race at 3.45pm.  There are 23 locally sponsored races over the three days, consisting of both Flat and National Hunt Races with a total prize fund of €450,000 attracting many well known owners and trainers.

One of the highlights of the racing festival will be the Ardilaun Hotel Listed Oyster Stakes, which takes place on Monday 10, now in its sixteenth year. The Ryan family of the Ardilaun Hotel first became associated with this prestigious race in 1991 and have continued their support over the years. Since 1991, when the Stakes was first introduced, well-known and highly acclaimed trainers, jockeys and owners have chosen to enter this race, one of only two listed races in the Galway Racing calendar. As far back as 1969, Paddy Ryan, who sadly passed away in the last couple of years, was a member of the Race Committee when the decision was made to add the Autumn meeting to the racing calendar, creating an extra attraction in an effort to prolong the Galway tourist season and drawing visitors and tourists to the region from all over Ireland and abroad.

The Ardilaun Hotel Listed Oyster Stakes is a flat race open to colts, geldings and fillies who are three years old or more. Over the years the cream of the stables, trainers and owners have participated in this race with regular entries from leading trainers John Oxx, Dermot Weld, Aiden O’Brien, Kevin Prendergast, Jim Bolger and Mark Johnston. Over the years, the Ardilaun Hotel Listed Oyster Stakes has drawn entries from internationally renowned owners such as Aga Khan, Godolphin Enterprise, Moyglare Stud, John Magnier and Lady Clague.

The other feature races of the festival include the Smirnoff Handicap Steeplechase on Sunday, while all eyes will be on The Donnellys of Barna Race as the races wind to a close on Tuesday. 

GAA fans will not have to worry about missing the big match while racing on Sunday either, as the All Ireland Under 21 Hurling Final Galway V Dublin will be shown on the big screen. Coverage of this final will be uninterrupted on designated televisions throughout the enclosure.

Patrons can enjoy the usual facilities, including the wonderful views from the new Killanin Stand, as well as food, bar and Tote facilities. There will be a free race card draw each day, and great racing for the price of €15 each day with Students and OAPS at a discounted price on production of current ID. Racegoers can also avail of the seated balcony in the Killanin and Millennium Stand free of charge, while savouring the wonderful views and getting a birds eye view of their favourite horse racing up the home straight. There is also a guaranteed jackpot each day of €10,000.  Car parking for this meeting is free.  

Any interested groups or sports and social clubs, should contact the Galway Racecourse  for group discounts and bookings.

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