If you have a helicopter, you're flying. Otherwise, Shanks's mare - or a good steed - is the only way to travel in Galway over the next week as the annual race meeting opens at Ballybrit.
Business interests estimate that £20 million will be spent on betting alone, and that the local tourism industry will make half that amount again. A new £800,000 underpass, funded by the Irish Horse Racing Authority, aims to ease some of the traffic congestion, by offering drivers "infield" access to the race course from the N6 or main Dublin dual carriageway.
It also aims to keep traffic moving during races. Until now, car movements had to be suspended while races were in progress.
The tunnel isn't the only new development. A two-acre extension to the area on the western side of the enclosure, known as the Mayor's Garden, will provide for terraced viewing, food and drinks, the essential betting and tote outlets and the large television viewing screen. Last year crowds became so dense midweek that some regular racegoers yearned for a quick exit to the television back home.
Turnout may exceed 200,000 this year, when seasoned punters mingle with poseurs, and politicians of all persuasions turn up for the "hospitality" tents. One local politician who won't be seen crossing the Fianna Fail tent threshold is the Galway West TD and Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr Eamon O Cuiv. He doesn't believe in the idea and will be far too busy anyway. Prize money is expected to exceed £1 million, quoted at £1,144,000 to be precise. The Guinness Hurdle is valued at £110,000, and the McDonogh Handicap and Compaq Galway Plate contests are worth £100,000 each. The winner of last year's Plate, Dobaly, may be back to defend the title.
Most local interest will be focused on Quinze, owned by Mr Pat Byrne of Athenry. Quinze won the hurdle two years ago and is aiming for the Plate this year. In the history of Galway Races only one horse, Biancona, got the double when it won the Plate in 1926, and the hurdles a year later.
The advice from the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, is for punters to "pace themselves" over the seven days. Tremendous stamina will be required to get through all 52 races. Mr John Moloney, secretary-manager, has been given a positive long-term weather forecast. A "perfect jumping ground" is promised, at least in the early part of the week.
