Fairyhouse Racecourse, Winter Festival
28th - 29th November
Home of the Irish Grand National, they have been racing at Fairyhouse since 1848, and their Winter Festival on 28th and 29th November is an immersion in top quality National Hunt racing. With three Grade 1 contests, the Royal Bond Hurdle for novice hurdlers, the Drinmore Chase for novice chasers and the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle for the best two-and-a-half-mile hurdlers in the business, it is an early opportunity to establish the relative abilities of the season’s very best National Hunt horses.
The Bowe family from Gathabawn, with a mere handful of horses, have dominated the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle of late, sending out Limestone Lad to win it three times, defeating the great Istabraq, who was himself going for a hat-trick in the race, for the first of his victories in 1999, and then sending out Solerina to win it three more times from 2003 to 2005. Indeed, the Bowes nearly won it again in 2007, with Sweet Kiln just going down by a short head to the Noel Meade-trained Aitmatov.
The Drinmore Chase has been won in the past by subsequent top class chasers like Dorans Pride and Harbour Pilot, while the Royal Bond Hurdle boasts a roll of honour that includes Istabraq, Moscow Flyer and Hardy Eustace, as well as last year’s winner Hurricane Fly, who could prove to be as good as any of his predecessors.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE - (FOR RACECOURSE ADMISSION)
ACCOMMODATION OFFERS:
Ashbourne Marriott Hotel
2 nights B&B and 1 evening meal, transfers to and from the racecourse and admission to Fairyhouse on both race days 28th & 29th November for €135/£120 per person sharing.
Ashbourne Marriott Hotel is a 4 star hotel located in Ashbourne County Meath in close proximity to Fairyhouse racecourse. Designed to an exceptionally high standard it boasts 148 tastefully designed rooms and offers the contemporary grill 'Twenty One' Restaurant and funky upbeat 'Red Bar' with Clann Fitness and Leisure Club.
Ashbourne Marriott Hotel, The Rath, Ashbourne, Co Meath. Call 00 353 1 8356800
Email: marion.tims@marriottashbourne.com
Web: www.mariottashbourne.com
Carton House Hotel
2 nights B&B and 1 evening meal, transfers to and from the racecourse and admission to Fairyhouse on both race days 28th & 29th November for €210/ £189 per person sharing.
Carton House is one of Irelands most historic Palladian houses, offering two world class championship eighteen hole golf courses and a luxury spa. Carton House has many dining options, something to suit all tastes.Queen Victoria knew it well, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier came for a holiday, Peter Sellars and Marianne Faithfull lived at Carton House for years. Country Seat of the 1st Duke of Leinster, built in 1739, Carton House offers contemporary elegance and opulent modern luxury. It's a mere 20-minute drive from Carton House to Fairyhouse Racecourse.
Carton House Hotel, Maynooth, Co Kildare. Call 01 65177018.
Email: sales@cartonhouse.com
Web: www.cartonhouse.com
Roganstown Hotel & Country Club
2 nighs B&B and 1 evening meal, transport to and from the races and admission to Fairyhouse on both race days 28th & 29th November for €145 / £130 stg per person sharing.
Roganstown Hotel is a 52 bedroom hotel converted from the original 19th Century Roganstown House, near Dublin Airport , Swords. Luxury 4 star hotel , a superb restaurant and a vibrant bar. Full Leisure Centre and Spa on an 18 Hole champiionship golf course designed by Christy O'Connor Junior. The hotel offers free transport to and from the airport & the races.
Roganstown Hotel & Country Club, Naul Road, Swords, Co. Dublin. Call 01-8433118
Email: meaves@roganstown.com
Web: www.roganstown.com
For more information on racing at Fairyhouse contact:
Fairyhouse Racecourse
Tel: 00353 (0)1 825 6167
Email: info@fairyhouseracecourse.ie
www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie
* Offer valid until 7th November 2009.
** Prices may vary due to exchange rate changes.