28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Galway Races: Gunner, the garda dog steals the show as ladies pull out all the stops on day one
Even though the hugely popular Ladies Day isn't until Thursday there was still plenty of glamour on Monday especially at the colourful flower wall.
However, a dark cloud was evident during the sombre minute's silence was observed for the late Irish horse trainer Edward O'Grady ahead of the day's first race.
Mr O'Grady's death at age 75 was announced by his family on Monday morning.
As always Ballybrit had all its iconic features, from the champagne bar to the Irish Independent's newspaper horse, but this year it also has a new addition, the 'Beauty Paddock'.
There, the Irish Independent met Keith Hanaway, pop-up manager for Vision Ireland, who said: 'We have pop ups in different locations throughout the country, and we bring all of our preloved, donated designer stock to different areas and raise money for Vision Ireland charity.'
Mr Hanaway said the Beauty Paddock is a dedicated beauty zone for all racegoers.
'There's a small refresh stand where people come get their touch-ups. There's Ella and Jo products and skin care. Then from the Vision Ireland side, we've got a curated range of pre-loved and premium donated and designer stock.
'It's something different, but we tried it at Punchestown [Racecourse] this year and it was really successful. If it's as successful as we hope, it will be brilliant.'
As hundreds of people entered the gates, it soon became evident one new face stole on the spotlight, Gunner the garda dog.
The Cocker Spaniel works from Donegal down to Galway searching for drugs, cash and firearms. However, today he mostly enjoyed pets and belly rubs from racegoers.
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His handler, also on duty, told the Irish Independent: 'There has been a massive increase in interest for the dog unit because he's only new here in Galway. It's the first time ever for Galway to have a dog unit.
'We're just finished arts week and we're going into the races straight away. So, he's busy.
'We'll be around for the week so there's lots of opportunity for people to come and meet Gunner.'
MEP Maria Walsh, who grew up only 30 minutes away from the racecourse, is a frequent visitor to the Galway Races and she said the opening day of the festival always has a lovely atmosphere.
'Monday is usually a lovely crowd, there's a lot of locals, the sun will be shining I hope for the rest of the day, and you're just getting the cheer right before it takes off,' she said.
The Mayo local said she finds it 'gorgeous' seeing the evolution of the Galway Races.
'I think there's such a gorgeous balance of more and more people getting involved,' she said. 'As long as we get the good weather then we get thousands to the West of the country, and you see such a big investment. In my work as a policymaker on the European front, you want to see that investment on an annual basis because it grows and you can really showcase Ireland for its best.'
Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard also joined the crowds headed to view the track.
'It's the best week of the year in the best city in the world," he said. 'The atmosphere is always brilliant right across the city centre, right up here to Ballybrit; people are looking forward to it.'
While many are excited for the famous Ladies Day, Mayor Cubbard is most looking forward to seeing the excited children of Galway and further afield taking in the magic.
'There are kids here who are the next generation of the Galway Festival, and they're here enjoying it,' he said. 'You can have a drink here; there's loads of food around here; the fashion is fantastic as well. But to me, it's a real family week.'
Aside from Mayor Cubbard, most punters when asked had no doubts about their favourite race day: Ladies Day.
Mother and daughter Siobhan and Jessie Smith travelled from Birr, County Offaly, for the week. On Thursday, Jessie' sister Kate will join them and the family looks forward to spending the most fashionable day in Ballybrit together.
Jessie was overwhelmed by the scale of the races and the incredible fashion, while Siobhan explained her family come to Galway every year: 'We love it here. We love the atmosphere, we love the style, it's just fantastic. Galway is always brilliant.'
Pam Richardson–Hoare described herself as an 'avid' racegoer and her experience shows as her outfit grabbed the attention of many this afternoon.
'I started racing in 2019. I love it. The Galway Races is such an iconic race meet.'
Talking about her outfit, she added: 'I love to experiment on race week, and I always just push the boundaries and wear something quirky. It's always lovely to have a pop of colour when you're at a summer race meet.'
The Limerick native, who now lives in Galway, also cannot wait for Thursday.
'I'm looking forward to seeing the style on Ladies Day, because it's always phenomenal, every year.'
