Loughrea-based pharmaceutical giant Chanelle Pharma has officially announced the renewal of its historic partnership with the Galway Races Summer Festival for the upcoming 2026 season. The agreement consolidates one of the most enduring commercial relationships in Irish sports, bringing Chanelle Pharma's headline sponsorship of the festival's prestigious Leading Trainer Award to its 41st consecutive year.
The Summer Festival, scheduled to run from Monday, July 27th to Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, will also see the continuation of the Best Turned Out Series, sponsored by Chanelle Pharma for the second year. This initiative highlights the work of stable staff, grooms, and handlers, recognizing their dedication to equine presentation and preparation behind the scenes.
A Partnership Rooted in Galway's Heritage
For Chanelle Pharma, which has its headquarters and global manufacturing hub in Loughrea, Co. Galway, the partnership is a natural celebration of its local roots and global ambitions. Founded by industry veteran Michael Burke, who transitioned to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and board member in March 2026, the company has grown from a local startup into a major manufacturer of human and veterinary generic pharmaceuticals, exporting to over 90 countries.
Commenting on the renewal, Chanelle Pharma's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Angelo Gatto highlighted the deep alignment between the company's local team in Ireland and the iconic sporting event:
"Renewing this partnership, and deepening it through the Best Turned Out Series, feels entirely natural to us. We are proud sponsors, proud Galwegians, and proud of what this festival represents. It is a celebration of Irish excellence, resilience, and teamwork — values that our team in Loughrea embodies every day as we manufacture life-changing medicines."
The operational management of Chanelle Pharma's expansive Irish facilities is overseen by General Manager Pat McLoughlin, who was appointed in January 2025 to steer the company's local operations. Under this leadership, the Irish team continues to work in close collaboration with the local community, emphasizing that local investment is a core pillar of Chanelle Pharma's corporate strategy.
Recognizing the Giants of Racing
The Leading Trainer Award remains the crown jewel of the sponsorship. Decided over the seven days of the summer festival, it honors the trainer who achieves the highest number of wins. Legendary trainer W. P. (Willie) Mullins has been a frequent recipient of this accolade, reflecting the elite caliber of competition that the award celebrates.
Michael Moloney, Chief Executive of the Galway Racecourse, welcomed the sponsorship renewal:
"We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Chanelle Pharma. To reach 41 years of sponsorship is a remarkable milestone and a testament to their unwavering support of Irish racing and the Galway community. Partnerships like this are what make the Summer Festival a highlight of the national sporting calendar."
Focusing on the Backbone of the Industry
The renewal also places a special emphasis on the Best Turned Out Series. While jockeys and trainers frequently stand in the winner's enclosure, the stable staff are the unsung heroes of the racing industry. By continuing this sponsorship, Chanelle Pharma ensures that grooms and handlers receive recognition and cash prizes for their meticulous care and presentation of the horses throughout the week.
With the 2026 Summer Festival just weeks away, preparations are reaching their peak at Ballybrit. Both Chanelle Pharma's Loughrea team and the Galway Races management are looking forward to welcoming thousands of racing fans to the West of Ireland for a week of world-class sport, fashion, and community celebration.
