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Thousand Stars leads Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Field

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

The waiting is nearly over. The Premier Jump Racing Weekend takes place this coming Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December. With 9 Graded Races including three Grade Ones this is your opportunity to see the top horses in the country battling it out at Fairyhouse Racecourse.

Saturday’s feature race is the Grade B, Bar One Racing Ballyhack Chase, over 2 miles 1 furlong. The race has attracted last year’s popular winner Peak Raider trained by local trainer Tommy Carberry. He is likely to be opposed by top performers Salulous and Sweeps Hill while Willie Mullin’s Quiscover Fontaine tops the weights.

7 horses remain in The Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on Sunday after the final forfeit stage. They are headed by recent Morgina and French Champion Hurdle winner Thousand Stars and his stablemates Mourad, Final Approach and Mikael D’Haguenet. They will face stern opposition from the mares Voler La Vadette and Unaccompanied along with Down Royal WKD Hurdle winner The Real Article.

The Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase has attracted 8 horses headed by Cheltenham winner First Lieutenant and fellow Gigginstown Stud owned winners Bog Warrior, Final Instalment, Rivage D’or and Gift of Dgab. Paul Nolan is represented by Alpha Ridge and Shinrock Paddy. However the roof will be raised at Fairyhouse if Imperial Shabra wins for the every popular Oliver Brady.

The Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle field of 7 is led by Fairyhouse course winners Dylan Ross and Sous Les Ciuex. Impressive Navan winner Il Fenomeno will be bidding to give Noel Meade his fourth winner in eight years while Dermot Weld will be aiming for his first win in the race with Group 3 Flat winner Galileo’s Choice. Tipperary trainer, Edward O’Grady is represented by Down Royal Grade 3 winning mare Miss Nomer.

Peter Roe, General Manager, Fairyhouse Racecourse commented; “We had 10mm of rain this morning and the ground is currently soft. While the forecast is unsettled, the worst of the rain is meant to be behind us. There will be fresh ground both days. It is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend. The racing combined with the Irish Field Betting Forum and non-racing activity should appeal to racing and countryside fans and families looking for a great day out. We would encourage those with a passion for the countryside and a love of top class racing to come to Fairyhouse and support the Premier Jump Racing Weekend.”

BBC Racing’s betting expert Gary Wiltshire will be among the guests at The Irish Field Betting Forum at 11am in the Ground Floor Jameson Stand. Taking place before racing, the event is open to all race goers and promises to help them improve their punting techniques. Joining Gary on the panel will be on-course bookmakers Barney O’Hare, David Hyland and Luke McMahon. The Irish Field will also host a racing “Meet and Greet” throughout the day and Gary Wiltshire will be on hand to sign his new book “Winning it Back”.

There is plenty of non racing activity at the meeting. Grade One Sunday will celebrate the countryside with a spectacular falconry display and a hound parade by the Meath Foxhounds. Bring your children as there is plenty to keep them amused with face painters, balloon modelling and the kids club ‘Front Runner’. Front Runner gives children a chance to find out a little more about racing, learn about the equipment used in the sport and have some fun.

One of the day’s highlights is the Movember Shave Off. Jockeys and trainers have been cultivating their ‘tashes’ for the month of November. The “Movember Shave Off” will take place in the parade ring and the ground floor Jameson Stand. Bar One Racing will donate €500 to the charity to kick start the fundraising on the day. HRI’s National Hunt Ambassador Davy Russell will have his Mo shaved off by Michael O’Leary in the Fairyhouse parade ring.This is your chance to see your favourite racing personalities in the barber’s chair!

First Race each day: 12.20

Admission