Listowel hopeful government will allow greater crowds for harvest festival

Officials at Listowel are optimistic that greater numbers of spectators will be permitted at Irish tracks by the time this year's September harvest festival takes place, although the recent decision to allow just 1,000 spectators a day at Galway is a major concern.

Listowel Race Company chairman Pat Healy is hopeful an announcement on plans for the extremely popular seven-day festival will be made in the next week, attempting to provide clarity for potential racegoers.

"We have a board meeting on Wednesday night and have to discuss where we're going, looking at what we'll be allowed to do," he said.