Fairyhouse Racecourse
 Horse Racing at Fairyhouse, 2013 | |
| Location | Ratoath, County Meath, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Date opened | 1848 |
| Course type | Mixed |
| Notable races | Irish Grand National |
| Official website | |
Fairyhouse Racecourse is a
R155 regional road, 3 kilometres (2 mi) off the N3. It hosted its first race in 1848 and since 1870 has been the home of the Irish Grand National steeplechase.[1]
The racetrack itself is a one-mile and 6.5
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.)[2] 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
Jameson Whiskey.[4]
Managerial
Fairyhouse is owned by
worst flooding on record
in 2009.
Notable races
| Month | DOW | Race Name | Type | Grade | Distance | Age/Sex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sunday | Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 3 | 2m 2f | 4yo + m |
| February | Saturday | Bobbyjo Chase | Chase | Grade 2 | 3m 1f | 5yo + |
| February | Saturday | Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m | 4yo only |
| Easter | Sunday | WillowWarm Gold Cup | Chase | Grade 1 | 2m 4f | 5yo + |
| Easter | Sunday | Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final
|
Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 4f | 4yo + m |
| Easter | Sunday | Festival Novice Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m 4f | 4yo + |
| Easter | Monday | Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m 4f | 5yo + |
| Easter | Monday | Dunboyne Castle Novice Hurdle
|
Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m | 4yo + |
| Easter | Monday | John and Chich Fowler Memorial Mares Chase | Chase | Grade 3 | 2m 4f | 5yo + m |
| Easter | Monday | Donohue Marquees Juvenile Hurdle
|
Hurdle | Grade 3 | 2m | 4yo only |
| Easter | Monday | Irish Grand National | Chase | Handicap | 3m 5f | 5yo + |
| July | Wednesday | Brownstown Stakes | Flat | Group 3 | 7f | 3yo + f |
| December | Sunday | Royal Bond Novice Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m | 4yo + |
| December | Sunday | Hatton's Grace Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 4f | 4yo + |
| December | Sunday | Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 3 | 2m | 3yo only |
| December | Sunday | Drinmore Novice Chase | Chase | Grade 1 | 2m 4f | 4yo + |
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.[8]
The course is also a premier venue for musical events and festivals.
References
- ^ a b c Fairyhouse Racecourse Meath Tourism website
- ^ Fairyhouse reduces admission costs RTÉ website
- ^ New sponsor for Dan Moore Chase RTÉ website
- ^ Fairyhouse Racecourse The Association of Irish Racecourses
- ^ Sheil to leave Fairyhouse position RTÉ website
- ^ Fairyhouse position goes to Caroline Gray RTÉ website
- ^ Fairyhouse seek new sponsor, Go Racing website
- ^ Fairyhouse Market Archived 27 November 2009 at the Wayback Machine Fairyhouse Racecourse website