News
Full Field of 30 Declared for the Ladbrokes.com Irish Grand National
Monday, 1 January 1
Full Field of 30 Declared for the Ladbrokes.com Irish Grand National
A full field of 30 are set to line up for the Ladbrokes Irish Grand National on Easter Monday 9th after declarations this morning. Cross Appeal and Groody Hill, joint favourites at 9/1with the sponsors are followed closely in the betting by Four Commanders and Alfie Sherrin at 10/1, the latter being one of two raiders from the UK with Aigle D’Or also declared. Richie McLernon will continue his successful association with Alfie Sherrin having won on him at Cheltenham, and AP McCoy will be on board Groody Hill.
Smoking Aces was the most notable horse not to make the cut, while nearer the top of the weights The Midnight Club and Quiscover Fontaine for Willie Mullins have not been declared. Mullins will still have Allez Garde, who will be ridden by Ruby Walsh, Shakervilz, Raptor and Some Target.
Arthur Moore and Nina Carberry who were successful with Organsiedconfusion last year, team up again with Lastoftheleaders.
It is expected to be a very competitive renewal of this famous race with only 15lbs separating the top weight Roi Du Mee (11st 7lb) and bottom weight Glam Gerry (10st 2lb). The top five contenders in the betting have only two pounds separating them in the weights.
The Powers Gold Cup, the highlight on Sunday’s card has seven declared with key protagonist Flemenstar remaining in the line up. He has thoroughly deserved the plaudits his racecourse performances have received, and he bids for his fifth consecutive win. Rathlin, also a very smart performer and unbeaten in his last three starts will take him on.
The Coolmore National Hunt Sires Ask & Getaway Novice Hurdle has 14 declarations, including Lord Windermere and Lyreen Legend.
Peter Roe, Racecourse Manager at Fairyhouse has had to implement a watering strategy throughout the week with very little rain being delivered; “The forecast is for no further rain between now and Sunday, but we are expecting rain on Sunday evening. We will keep a close eye on the weather forecasts before any further watering takes place. The ground is currently good.”
The three days of the Easter Festival has plenty going on for all the family. Children under 18 get in for free and there is entertainment for them on each day, there is also the shopping Village on all three days. Appropriately on Easter Sunday there is to be an Easter Bonnet competition sponsored by La Bucca Restaurant. Also, on Sunday there is the Carton House Most Stylish Lady Competition which will be judged by Brendan Courtney of RTE and Rosanna Davison. All entrants will be bidding for a winning package worth over €8,000 from Carton House. You can pre-register on the Carton House Facebook Page.
Peter Roe is very much looking forward to the Festival: “We are all set for a great weekend with top quality racing and with the shopping village, music by bands like Na Fianna and the Kilkennys, Carton House Most Stylish lady competition there will be plenty to entertain everyone.”
For further information contact:
Tamarisk Doyle, PR Manager, Ph: 045 455685/0872936357
Peter Roe, Racecourse Manager Fairyhouse, Ph: 01 825 6167/086 8208870
.jpg "Fairyhouse_winner")
