Stylish launch to 2017 Fairyhouse Irish Grand National

The great and the good of Irish horseracing were out in force in trendy Dublin bar, House on Leeson Street, last night, to launch the 2017 renewal of the Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Leading the posse was last year's winning jockey, Ger Fox from Ardcath, who was joined by many jockeys and trainers who have won Ireland's biggest steeplechase in the past.
Also in attendance was Leon Blanche of sponsors Boylesports, who increased the National prizefund from €275,000 to €500,000, and Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe.
CEO of Horseracing Ireland, Brian Kavanagh, said that there is such a high amount of entries to the Irish Grand National, they were looking at the possibility of running a high value consolation race at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival in the future, probably also on Easter Monday.
Barry Geraghty revealed he had ridden out that morning, and was hoping to be back in action for the Aintree festival following his fall and injury at Kempton last month.
Trainers Noel Meade, Arthur Moore and Sandra Hughes recalled their National successes, as did jockeys Paul Carberry and his sister Nina, due her first baby in May, while Kate Harrington spoke of her mother, Jessica's recent Cheltenham Gold Cup victory with Sizing John.

There was delight at the news that Robbie Power, Sizing John's jockey, has become retained jockey to its owners, the Potts.

'When he's free,' joked Kate.

Peter Roe acknowledged the support of all sponsors and supporters, welcoming on board Avoca who are opening an outlet in Dunboyne, and who are sponsoring the Grade 2 Avoca Dunboyne Hurdle on Easter Monday.

Also in attendance was TV presenter Jenny Buckley who will judge the Carton House Most Stylish Lady competition at the 2017 festival, model Roz Lipsett, Irish ladies rugby player Fiona Coghlan; former rally driver, Rosemary Smith, Eileen Murphy, LMFM's Brendan Cummins, David Jennings of the Racing Post, Conor Tormey and Jim Mullery of Meath County GAA Board, and Fiona Lawless of Meath County Council.

Guests sipped refreshing Aperol Spritzes and ice cold beers and nibbled on goats’ cheese crostini, and pulled pork sliders and tempura prawn skewers whilst classical guitarist John Mahon serenaded the crowd with his jazzy numbers.

The Easter Festival at Fairyhouse takes place from Easter Sunday, 16th April, to Tuesday 18th April.