Sunday, 8 April 2012 - Tuesday, 10 April 2012
The Irish Grand National on Easter Monday is the highlight of this three-day festival starting on Easter Sunday and ending on the following Tuesday. The Grand National is one of the biggest days in the Irish racing calendar; first run in 1870 and it is still the most valuable race in Irish jump racing, with a prize fund of €250,000. Meath comes alive for the duration for the festival and every night is a lively one in the locality.
The main event on the opening day of proceedings on Easter Sunday is the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup and it has been won by some top-class performers, namely Captain Christy, Carvill’s Hill, Merry Gale, Dorans Pride and Like-A-Butterfly.
The middle day of the festivities is the highlight, with the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National Handicap taking centre stage. The race has been won by such icons as Arkle, Flyingbolt, Brown Lad and Desert Orchid and it invariably produces an exciting conclusion. The 2011 renewal was no different with the Arthur Moore-trained Organisedconfusion running out the brave winner at 20/1 under the hands of Nina Carberry.
The final day of the festival is another strong day of competition, with races such as the valuable Ladbrokes.com Handicap Hurdle and the Dan Moore Handicap Chase always producing exciting conclusions. The Grade 2 Bobbyjo Bar Festival Novice Hurdle also tends to produce a high-class winner.
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For more information about this years Ladbrokes Irish Grand National visitwww.fairyhouse.ie
