Cap youth admission at €10

Sir, - I attended the Galway festival with my family from Monday to Wednesday last week and once again really enjoyed the festival.

On Wednesday my 18-year-old son attended with five of his friends, all having completed their Leaving Certificate this summer. All of the lads had ID cards with dates of birth but unfortunately one of the guys, he is 6ft 4in, was asked to go to the adult window and was asked for €25.

I felt that this was unfair and went to the front office with this chap. We were lucky enough to encounter a very helpful lady who, having heard his story, agreed to refund him €10. She did tell us that the instruction issued was to take young people at their word.

The following day the lads rocked up to the turnstiles, their numbers now swelled to a dozen 18-year-olds, only to be asked for €20 student admission. I must say that I find these prices to be excessive given the fact that very few 18-year-olds are regular wage-earners in Ireland at the moment.

I would love to gauge how others feel about the admission prices, especially for under 18/21-year-olds when we are trying to attract young people to the racetrack. I know that I will be told crowd numbers are up and that we are all delighted with attendances.

Maybe we should look at the longer term and make an attempt to attract 18 to 21-year-olds now, so that they become regular racegoers. Can I suggest a blanket €10 youth admission fee on the basis that, once they are on course they will spend, have a bet, a drink or some food? – Yours etc.,

TOM KEANE

Ashford,

Co Wicklow

Give juniors a chance

Sir, - Well done to everyone who make the Galway Races a unique event in the Irish racing calendar. However, I do think there should be a junior section for girls between 16-21 years of age in the best dressed competition on Ladies Day.

There is no compensation for the youth and I believe that lots of horse trainers, individuals and chain stores would sponsor the prize to the tune of €50 for first, €30 for second and €20 for third.

The winner could also have her picture taken with the feature winning horse on the day. A lot more young people are attending the big race meetings comparing to the years gone by. I think more would attend the races if there was a simple prize for dressing up on offer.

I have two sons that are horse trainers. One is based in America while the other is based here in Ireland, therefore I have an vested interest in horse racing.

Perhaps not everybody will go along with my fancy idea. It is just an observation that I have made, and it could be worth exploring. Keep up the good work. - Yours etc.,

BETHY DUGGAN,

Birdhill,

Co Tipperary.

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