Racing Brides Take to the Galway Race Track, All in the Name of Charity

The Galway Races have begun and what better way to celebrate than to don the white dress and race along the track barefoot?

The annual races were kicked off in style yesterday as 25 brides whipped the dresses out from the attic and ran the track as part of a novel fundraiser in aid of the Special Olympics. The ladies ran the 200 metres to cheers and whistles from the punters as plays on the word 'filly' were chuckled about that one time to many.

TV3's 'The Apprentice' star Susanne Short-Kerins, a keen horsewoman herself, was endorsing the unique event beforehand and said she was delighted to support it and get involved.

The ladies certainly looked like they were having the craic as they stumbled and pushed ahead of one another in a bid for the finishing line. All in the name of charity of course!

The 25 ladies, as well as taking part in the unique spectacle, enjoyed a day of luxury in Galway. The women received admission to the race meeting, enjoyed a champagne reception (let's hope it was before the race), and were treated to a four-course meal afterwards.

A flutter had to be had, and so the ladies were presented with a racecard and had access to a racing tipster for the day, and all while enjoying the racing action from a reserved table in the Killanin stand.

The running bride who raised the most money received an exclusive pamper package with Spirit One Spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel. And the lady who was first past the post earned a pair of tickets to the Galway Races Ladies Day this Thursday.

You don't have to have said 'I do' to participate, as marriage certificates aren't compulsory.

A definite date for next year's diary...now, something old, something new...