“Rock of Gibraltar” Photo: Avocado kebab Wikimedia Commons
Galway Races
This meeting was begun, when weather of the most charming character favoured the proceedings. The attendance was extremely numerous and fashionable, and included all the well-known racing men. The course was in excellent order. There is every prospect of a splendid day’s sport.
The result of the principal races are as follows;
PROVINCIAL PLATE
The Kitten – 1
Mr Cockin – 2
The Nufght – 3
6 ran.
THE GALWAY PLATE
Liberator – 1
Mimulus – 2
Pride of Kildare – 3
Still from Horse in Motion Eadweard Muybridge “Sallie Gardner” owned by Leland Stanford 1878 Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
Galway, scarce two months ago.
Silent lay ‘neath Sol’s bright glow,
Save where horses lean and slow
Were tugging tramcars wearily.
But Galway sees another sight,
When crowds of visitors alight.
Fondly expecting beds at night,
Amidst the race-week revelry.
Boys of the Horsey Old Brigade.
Who ‘oft a mad career have stayed
Confident matron, timid maid,
Are there in all their finery.
They shake the hills with “Won by Heaven,”
As the nimble steed’s to victory driven.
Mid language (let us hope forgiven),
From bookies breathing hurriedly.
But reddest hues of paint shall glow
On Galway’s town, so quaint and slow
When training’s laws aside shall throw
Those jocks disporting playfully.
‘Tis morn – the shocked and startled sun
Looks down on fast and furious fun,
Where early “Peelers” try to run
In members of “Our ‘Varsity.”
The combat deepens. Never cave
in to the foe, Galwegians brave!
Wave, innkeepers, your long bills wave
And charge with wild effrontery.
Few, few shall part (for bread and meat,
And mild cigars, and whiskies neat),
With sums that fail to record beat,
For bold seaside chicanery.
The Burren and Beyond 