Big crowds expected at Fairyhouse festival

Over 30,000 patrons are expected to pour through the turnstiles for the three-day Fairyhouse Easter Festival from Sunday, 12th to Tuesday, 14th April. There will be more than €1,000,000 in prizemoney and the highlight will be the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday. Meath trainers and jockeys will be bidding for success in the big race and both Noel Meade and Tony Martin will be optimistic of success. There are top class entries for the three feature races. The €250,000 Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National on Monday has a rich history since the inaugural contest in 1870. Meade has Casey Jones, Parsons Pistol and Toofarback in the frame and is also hopeful that regular jockey Paul Carberry may return to action following injury. Martin"s Royal County Star would be a hugely popular winner for the Dunsany Racing Syndicate while the Dreaper name could be added to the roll of honour again if Notre Pere can carry top weight (11-12) to victory. Meade is also likely to run Aran Concerto in the Powers Gold Cup where Navan businessman Eamonn Duignan could go close with Barker which is now trained by Willie Mullins. Northern Alliance, trained by Tony Martin and the Liam McAteer-trained Tasman which is owned by Marie Cusack are also entered, 'The Powers Irish Whiskey Irish Grand National is the highlight of Easter Monday in Ireland both in terms of sport and the wonderful tradition that this great race encapsulates,' commented Fairyhouse manager Caroline Gray. 'We are running a number of discount offers on both restaurant deals and admission tickets. There will be something for everyone at this year"s festival and we are looking forward to some fantastic quality racing, family entertainment and a wonderful three days,' she concluded. Racing on Sunday is scheduled for 2.15 (admission €20) and the gates will open at 11.0, Monday, 2.10 (€30) and Tuesday, 2.25 (€20), children u-14 will be admitted free and there will be concessions for students and senior citizens. There will also be racing on Wednesday with the first race at 2.30.