Fairyhouse Racecourse

Fairyhouse Racecourse is the home to the Irish Grand National and only 30 minutes away by car. If you've not yet attended the races then it's very different experience to watching it on the telly or listening to the radio.

We asked Gillian, a long time resident of Johnstown and horse enthusiast, about her place of work and this family friendly venue.

What's you connection with the racecourse?

"I'm the Operations Manager which means I look after most of the services that enables the venue to function such as catering, ticket sales, vets, security, stewards....a whole host of activities."

How did you get involved?

Actually it just happens to combine a job I really like with horses that I've grown up with and so it's great combination.

Do you ever gamble?

No.

What is Fairyhouse?

"It's one of the largest and one of the most important racetracks in the country. It hosts the iconic Easter Festival of Racing incorporating the famous 'Race of the People' which is the Boylesports Irish Grand National each Easter Monday as well as the Ryanair Gold Cup on Easter Sunday."

Why is it called ‘The Race of the People’?

"It is the one race where the ordinary man and woman, small-time syndicate, the small or part-time trainer with just a few horses in their yard can beat the racing royalty like Michael O’Leary and his Gigginstown House Stud operation, Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, JP McManus and Rich Ricci et al."

"The Irish Grand National is a Grade A Handicap Steeplechase run over 3 miles and 5 furlongs and 24 fences."

Do the racing royalty still win?

"No, not at all, we have legendary stories like Lion na Bearnai trained by small-time trainer Tom Gibney in Co Meath winning it for a syndicate of tradesmen, 50/1 shot Liberty Counsel a mare for small trainer and former international Danish dressage rider Dot Love, all-female team of Katie Walsh riding on Thunder and Roses for Sandra Hughes, Nina Carberry winning on Organisedconfusion for her trainer uncle Arthur Moore....

....it’s definitely the most beloved race in the Irish racing calendar with the biggest racing viewership on the RTÉ sports schedule."

What prize money do they win?

"This year sees a huge increase in sponsorship at the Fairyhouse Racecourse Easter Festival with the showpiece Irish Grand National becoming the most valuable Irish jumps race and third richest between Ireland and UK with a prize of €500,000."

During the weekend itself there is prize money in excess of €1.36 million."

Prize Money Comparison:

€1,190,000 English Grand National

€685,000 Cheltenham Gold cup

€500,000 BoyleSports Irish Grand National

€476,400 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle

€417,000 Queen Mother Champion Chase

How long has the event been going for?

"Since 1870 and every year except 1919 & 1941 due to the First and then Second World Wars. The very first winner was a horse called Sir Robert Peel, with 167 sovereigns for the winner, in comparison to the €500,000 on offer today"

How many are expected?

"Over 25,000 are expected and The Irish Grand National is the most watched race on Irish terrestrial TV with over 380,000 turning in to watch the 2016 race"

Is it a one day event?

"No, the BoyleSports Irish Grand National is on Easter Monday but the Fairyhouse Easter Festival 2017 runs over the three days from the 16th - 18th April with 223 races."

The Fairyhouse Racecourse website has all the information you need for a great day out including how to get there, what to wear and where to stay.

Is the Tuesday a day of rest?

"No, actually it's busy, noisy and fantastic fun!"

"It's the children's Easter fun day. It's a free entry day full of activities to keep the younger kids entertained for the day."