A fresh start for Ireland’s most iconic racing meeting will be reflected in the hordes descending on Ballybrit next week.

After two summer festivals severely impacted by Covid-19, normality is set to return for Galway’s week-long summer extravaganza.

With corporate hospitality booked out for the opening six days and advance ticket sales up on the last comparable festival in 2019, the meeting is primed to provide a timely boost for Irish racing.

Chief Executive of Galway Racecourse, Michael Moloney, said on Wednesday that it was all systems go for the festival, with an extensive watering programme guaranteeing safe ground for the horses heading West.

“It’s cooled down a bit today and there is the odd shower about. Rain is supposed to be coming at the weekend, but there is plenty of moisture in the turf. We have done quite a bit of watering.

“It’s never easy manually adjusting ground conditions, but I think out situation is little different to last year when we also had high temperatures around this time. We are in a good position for race week,” he said.

Moloney, who is looking forward to the return of mixed cards at the festival, reported that the ground is currently good on the National Hunt track, and good to yielding on the flat course.

In relation to possible crowd numbers next week, Moloney said demand for tickets had been high and he reminded patrons that cash would be accepted at the turnstiles.

He pointed out that patrons will see significant changes to the enclosures, including a new lay-out, extra catering facilities and more covered areas.

“Anybody who comes to Galway next week will enjoy it. Given what happened the past two years, I believe the 2022 festival will be extra special. The team are doing a great job up here getting everything ready and we are all set to go,” added Moloney.