JIM Galway (now 52) and his brothers Paul and Stephen have been around harness racing since the age of 10. Known in the sprawling Twinbrook estate outside Belfast as “the horsey family”, the brothers learned the hard way with journeymen types such as Wee Jimmy, Glen Star and Integrity. Their breakthrough animal was Miss Ayr, bought as the name would suggest in Scotland. The mare was a success on the track and in breeding.

An older brother Jackie passed away some four years ago, but he is remembered in the Jack Galway Memorial, coincidentally won by the Duggans in 2022. Jack’s son Gareth carries on the family love of the game and owns one of the most exciting prospects on the scene.

Geraldine Galway’s son, Eamon Griffin, is in the thick of all the family’s plans.

“Just to get racing at all was a highlight in 2022,” states Jim. “We couldn’t race for a few seasons while we waited for young stock to grow up. A win with my own two and four wins by Gareth’s horse made it all worthwhile.

“Both Long Island Art and Forever At It have been brought along slowly, they have the right foundation.

“Make sure to thank Christy ‘Hopper’ Foran for us. He is a big part of any success. We like Jonny Cowden driving for us also.”

Horses

Long Island Art

4yo g Art Professor – Long Island Artist.

Hopper Foran gave him to my daughter Ciara as a yearling. He has won in 2.03. We put an ear hood on him to keep him calm. He doesn’t seem to need the head pole any more and he is training down nicely.

Forever At It

6yo m Foreclosure – Keep Her At It

She takes a bit of settling but she has ability. Her only bad habit is ‘an eating habit’ - she is a really good doer.

We’re all involved with her, it’s a real family operation.

Hilltop Art

11yo g Southwest Art – Hilltop Rose

I bought him from Thomas Bennett. He is easy to train but it’s hard to keep weight on him.

He gets nervous on race days. I’ll work away with him, until I find a buyer. (Eamonn Griffin speaking).

Stateside Cody

5yo g Armbro Deuce – Secret Code

He has been a horse in a lifetime for me. I have turned down some nice offers. I have a lot of people to thank. Gavin Murdock pushed me to buy him out of Vicky Gill’s. Jonny Cowden (driver) and his dad Noel have given great advice. He has wintered well and I might even take a chance in England with him this year. (Gareth Galway speaking)

The first official Irish Harness Racing Association fixture of 2023 is likely to take place on the beach at Kilbrittain, West Cork on May 7th. The original opening meeting planned for tomorrow at Annaghmore was cancelled due to lack of entries.