There were eerie scenes at Ballybrit on Monday as the Galway Races got underway with no spectators in attendance.
The seven-day meeting usually attracts thousands of punters to the West, but it is being staged behind closed doors this year due to Covid-19.
The Taoiseach, President, numerous other politicians , sports stars and celebrities are among those who usually attend the annual festival.
Only essential staff are permitted on the course this year though, with all race meetings closed to the public since racing resumed in Ireland last month.
Speaking ahead of the opening day's racing, Galway clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer admitted this year's meeting will be "very different", but added that it's "very important" that the action goes ahead.
He told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One: "There’s no doubt it’s strange and we’re very mindful of the people who want to be here and can’t be here, the customers, the owners and the bookies as well.
"We’re mindful of that but I think we have to focus on the positive and the Galway race committee were insistent the that festival go ahead to provide opportunities to allow people to be competitive, so we’ll focus on the positive aspect of that.
"I can only view it from my role and the team on the track. Every year we try to make the track as comfortable for the participants and a good week for us is when horse and rider come home safely.
"We’re focused on that but there’s no question it will be very different.
"I think it’s huge and massive kudos goes to the Galway race committee for buying into it.
"There’s so many strands of the industry that are reliant on racing continuing, from sales to horse food supplies, so many aspects and strands, it’s vitally important.
"It’s great to be racing and it’s very important that we continue to do so."
