GALWAY Races, since its inception, is in many ways like a soap opera as it has produced drama, tragedy, humour, beloved characters, a few villains, surprises, tears, romance, and a huge audience. From Captain Boycott in the 19th century to Dermot Weld, many notable characters have made a permanent imprint on the history of Galway.

One of those was Paddy Sleator, Grangecon, Co Wicklow, who had so much success on the course, and in racing in general, that he brought about changes in the rules of racing in both Ireland and Britain.