With racing paused and the Irish Grand National meeting postponed, we thought it would be an good opportunity to take a look back at some famous renewals over the last 30, 20 and 10 years.

1990 In 1990, Fairyhouse pulled off a major coup in getting David Elsworth to bring over his Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and outstanding chaser Desert Orchid. The famous grey regularly ran in handicaps and he carried 12 stone to Barney Burnett’s 10 stone. Sent off at evens under Richard Dunwoody, he produced his usual flamboyant display and despite a scare, diving at the fence when clear at the last, he came home 12 lengths clear to a tremendous reception.

2000Ruby Walsh senior had trained Barney Burnett to finish second to Desert Orchid 10 years previously. In 2000, his son Ted Walsh had taken over the licence and trained the novice Commanche Court for the Irish Grand National. Sent off at 14/1 under his son Ruby following a brought-down run in the Arkle at Cheltenham, the former Triumph Hurdle winner in the colours of Dermot Desmond, found the extended three miles and five furlongs no problem as he stayed on well to beat Foxchapel King by 10 lengths in a memorable success for one of the most famous families in Irish jump racing.

2010Winners of the Irish Grand National have come from far and wide and many smaller stables have enjoyed great days in Fairyhouse. Ten years ago, it was the turn of the Motherway family from Cork who took home the big prize with the mare Bluesea Cracker springing a surprise at 25/1.

Ridden by Andrew McNamara, she was owned by the Note The Link Syndicate, and leading to the last, she stayed on despite hanging to beat Oscar Time and Robbie Power by four lengths.