The Mystique of Fairyhouse Racecourse

The Mystique of Fairyhouse Racecourse

By Dean Hess
The Daily Twilight
August 31, 2021

Fairyhouse Racecourse is one of Ireland's premier horse racing venues. Situated in the parish of Ratoath in County Meath, on the R155 regional road, 3 km off the N3. It is the home of the Irish Grand National. The first race meet was held in 1848. In 1870, the first Irish Grand National steeplechase was held there.

The racetrack itself is a one mile and 6.5 furlong right-handed circuit, with a 2.5 furlong straight and a slight uphill finish. The main business of Fairyhouse racecourse is betting on the races known traditionally in parts of Ireland as turf accountancy. Admission to Fairyhouse race meetings is free to under-16s along with various other promotions such as concession rates for OAPs and seasonal festivals (i.e. Winter Festival, Easter Festival etc.) It also hosted the first three Witnness festivals from 2000 to 2002 inclusive.

Fairyhouse is the premier horse race meeting hosting both the Irish Grand National and Irish Gold Cup but has always been a fine quality racecourse attracting international racing stars such as Desert Orchid, Prince Regent, and Persian War among others. The course was the training ground for l'Escargot, a winner of the Irish Grand National against famous racer Red Rum to name but a few racing achievements. The Powers Gold Label Stand and Jameson stand were reopened following refurbishment in 1999 and Fairyhouse is boasted by Meath Tourism to be "firmly established as one of the most modern facilities in the country, providing an outstanding level of comfort and service." The Irish Grand National is run every Easter Monday and currently sponsored by Jameson Whiskey.

Fairyhouse is owned by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and was managed by Doneraile man Dick Sheil, a graduate of Warrenstown Agricultural College and UCD from 1999 until October 2006, one year after ownership passed hands from Fairyhouse Club LTD owing to financial difficulties. HRI viewed Dick Sheil as a tremendous asset to the course having brokered considerable sponsorship and managing many major meetings. The course was overseen by a caretaker manager for almost a year and on October 1, 2007 the position was filled by chartered accountant Caroline Gray who had worked for the HRI finance department for five years previously and was described as an "innovator" by HRI. The Powers Whiskey sponsorship is backed up by the Irish branch of Pernod Ricard, a sponsorship existing since 1960 and the longest sponsorship in Irish racing. Fairyhouse General Manager Caroline Gray credits this sponsorship for making the Irish Grand National what it is today but the term is due to end in April 2010 and future sponsor is currently uncertain. Wet weather often affects Fairyhouse and Ireland has been experiencing the worst flooding on record in 2009.

On a Sunday, when there is no race meetings, Fairyhouse opens as a market selling local produce ranging from saddlery and tools to fresh vegetables, arts and crafts products and even electrical goods. The market also accommodates car boot sales. The course is also a premier venue for musical events.