Galway Races 2026 sees surge in ticket sales and pre‑festival horse racing wins

Ticket sales for the 2026 Galway Races festival are up 36% compared with the same period in 2025, with many ticket categories – including parade ring lounge and corporate hospitality – already sold out, according to racecourse chief executive Michael Moloney. A new shop is opening for the event and updated admission policies aim to boost safety. Ladbrokes has even offered odds of 3/1 that the festival will break attendance records.

In a pre‑festival race at Wexford, Brian Hayes – husband of Grand National champion Rachael Blackmore – rode a 30/1 double for trainer Willie Mullins, winning two maiden hurdles on Highland Realm and Are You Around. The victories come as Hayes prepares for his first appearance at the Galway Races as a new father.