Fairyhouse Racecourse is a horse racing venue in Ireland. It is situated in the parish of Ratoath in County Meath, on the R155 regional road, off the N3. It hosted its first race in 1848 and since 1870 has been the home of the Irish Grand National steeplechase.Fairyhouse Racecourse Meath Tourism website
The racetrack itself is a one-mile and 6.5 furlong right-handed circuit, with a 2.5 furlong straight and a slight uphill finish. The main business of Fairyhouse racecourse is betting on the races known traditionally in parts of Ireland as turf accountancy. Admission to Fairyhouse race meetings is free to under-16s along with various other promotions such as concession rates for OAPs and seasonal festivals (i.e. Winter Festival, Easter Festival etc.) RTÉ website It also hosted the first three Witnness music festivals from 2000 to 2002 inclusive.
Significance
Fairyhouse hosts both the Irish Grand National and Irish Gold Cup and races have featured Desert Orchid, Prince Regent, and Persian War among others. The course was the training ground for l'Escargot, a winner of the Irish Grand National against famous racer Red Rum.New sponsor for Dan Moore Chase RTÉ website The Powers Gold Label Stand and Jameson stand were reopened following refurbishment in 1999 and Fairyhouse is described by Meath Tourism to be "firmly established as one of the most modern facilities in the country, providing an outstanding level of comfort and service." The Irish Grand National is run every Easter Monday and currently sponsored by Jameson Whiskey.Fairyhouse Racecourse The Association of Irish Racecourses
Managerial Fairyhouse is owned by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and was managed by Doneraile man Dick Sheil, a graduate of Warrenstown Agricultural College and UCD from 1999 until October 2006, one year after ownership passed hands from Fairyhouse Club LTD owing to financial difficulties. HRI viewed Dick Sheil as a tremendous asset to the course having brokered considerable sponsorship and managing many major meetings.Sheil to leave Fairyhouse position RTÉ website The course was overseen by a caretaker manager for almost a year and on 1 October 2007 the position was filled by chartered accountant Caroline Gray who had worked for the HRI finance department for five years previously and was described as an "innovator" by HRI. RTÉ website The Powers Whiskey sponsorship is backed up by the Irish branch of Pernod Ricard, a sponsorship existing since 1960 and the longest sponsorship in Irish racing. Fairyhouse General Manager Caroline Gray credits this sponsorship for making the Irish Grand National what it is today but the term is due to end in April 2010 and future sponsor is currently uncertain.Fairyhouse seek new sponsor, Go Racing website Wet weather often affects Fairyhouse and Ireland had been experiencing the worst flooding on record in 2009.
Notable races MonthDOW Race NameType GradeDistanceAge/SexSunday Solerina Mares Novice HurdleHurdle Grade 34yo + mSaturday Bobbyjo ChaseChase Grade 25yo +Saturday Winning Fair Juvenile HurdleHurdle Grade 24yo onlySunday WillowWarm Gold CupChase Grade 15yo +Sunday Mares Novice Hurdle Championship FinalHurdle Grade 14yo + mSunday Festival Novice HurdleHurdle Grade 24yo +Monday Rathbarry & Glenview Studs HurdleHurdle Grade 25yo +Monday Dunboyne Castle Novice HurdleHurdle Grade 24yo +Monday John and Chich Fowler Memorial Mares ChaseChase Grade 35yo + mMonday Donohue Marquees Juvenile HurdleHurdle Grade 34yo onlyMonday Irish Grand NationalChase Handicap5yo +Wednesday Brownstown StakesFlat Group 33yo + fSunday Royal Bond Novice HurdleHurdle Grade 14yo +Sunday Hatton's Grace HurdleHurdle Grade 14yo +Sunday Bar One Racing Juvenile HurdleHurdle Grade 33yo onlySunday Drinmore Novice ChaseChase Grade 14yo +
Non-racing events On a Sunday, when there are no race meetings, Fairyhouse opens as a market selling local produce ranging from saddlery and tools to fresh vegetables, arts and crafts products and even electrical goods. The market also accommodates car boot sales.Fairyhouse Market Fairyhouse Racecourse website The course is also a premier venue for musical events and festivals.
References
External links Official Site