The Weekender
Saturday 1st August 2026
Saturday at Ballybrit is all about celebration as the August Bank Holiday Weekend comes alive and the festival hits full flight. Known as The Weekender, it draws huge crowds eager to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy great racing, and make the most of one of the biggest days of the summer.
The course fills early as racegoers flock to Ballybrit, ready for a full day of excitement, entertainment, and that unique Galway buzz. The energy is high, the crowds are vibrant, and the festival feel is unmistakable. A perfect combination of sport, socialising, and long‑weekend fun.
On the track, attention turns to the BOYLESports Handicap Hurdle, Saturday’s feature race and a major highlight for racing fans. Blending top‑class sport with the excitement of a bank holiday Saturday, The Weekender delivers an unforgettable experience for everyone who walks through the gates.
Turnstiles Open
11.30am
First Race
2.00pm
Last Race
6.05pm
Number of races
8
Admission Prices
Adult – Must be aged 18 or over*
On the Day
€30
Pay in Advance
€25
Senior Citizens
On the Day
€25
Pay in Advance
€20
Students – Must be aged 18 or over & hold a valid Student I.D.
On the Day
€25
Pay in Advance
€20
Children 17 & Under (Must be accompanied by Parent)***
On the Day
FREE
Pay in Advance
–
Reserved Seat on the Top Floor of Millennium Grandstand:
On the Day
€20
Pay in Advance
€20
Parade Ring Lounge
On the Day
€30
Pay in Advance
€30
*Adult Tickets – May only be used by persons aged 18 or over, Children 17 & Under will not be admitted on this ticket.
** Student Tickets – May only be used by persons aged 18 or over and hold a valid Student I.D. Children 17 & Under will not be admitted on this ticket.
***Children 17 & Under – Must be accompanied by Parent. Please Note Children 17 & Under will not be admitted with persons over 18 years who are not their Parent.
Racecard
1st Race
2.02pm
The BOYLE Sports Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Hurdle
2nd Race
2.37pm
The BOYLE Sports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle
3rd Race
3.12pm
The BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle
4th Race
3.52pm
The Whiriskey Refrigeration Irish EBF Maiden
5th Race
4.27pm
The Bathshack Maiden
6th Race
5.00pm
The Ardilaun Hotel Handicap
7th Race
5.35pm
The McDonogh Capital Investments Handicap
8th Race
6.05pm
The Salthill Hotel Irish EBF Mares Flat Race
Our Sponsors
We are delighted to have the generous support of BOYLE Sports, Bathshack, Whiriskey Refrigeration, The Salthill Hotel, The Ardilaun Hotel, McDonogh Capital Investments and the European Breeders Fund for day six of our Summer Festival. The feature race of the day is kindly sponsored by BoyleSports.
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