FAIRYHOUSE Racecourse will host the 150th running of the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, April 18th, sponsored by BoyleSports.

The race’s roll of honour includes many wonderful racehorses such as the 1964 winner Arkle, trained by Tom Dreaper, Brown Lad, a three-time winner for trainer Jim Dreaper, the legendary chaser Dessert Orchid, Bobbyjo, trained by Tommy Carberry and ridden by his son Paul, Commanche Court, ridden for trainer Ted Walsh by his son Ruby and Organisedconfusion, trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by his niece, Nina Carberry, one of the greatest amateur riders Ireland has ever produced and now a dancing queen.

Over the three-day Easter meeting, there will be a selection of Irish Grand National memorabilia and photos will be on display throughout the racecourse enclosures.

There will be a parade of previous Irish Grand National champions, interviews and meet and greet opportunities with previous winning jockeys and trainers and a special commemorative race card to mark the 150th running of the race.

The party at Fairyhouse begins on Easter Saturday, April 16th with seven jump races on the card and live music and entertainment.

Live music

Family fun day on Easter Sunday promises a thrilling combination of top-class jump racing, featuring the Grade 1 Gold Cup, and free entertainment for children with face painters, balloon modelling and bubble fun. Roll-up with the family for the children’s theatre shows with interactive pantomime puppets, a magic ventriloquism show, and grand finale starring the Easter bunny.

On Easter Monday, the Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa Most Stylish Lady takes centre stage with 2011 Irish Grand National winning jockey and Dancing with the Stars front-runner Nina Carberry joining style sponsor Gráinne Ross, managing director of Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, to do the tough job of choosing the most stylish lady on the day. Appropriately the theme is ‘vintage sparkle’.

Champagne

The winner will walk away with a luxurious trip to Champagne, France, which includes an overnight in Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, along with three nights in a luxury hotel in Champagne, as well as being treated to a tour of a premium champagne house.

The winner will also receive €500 spending money to round off a wonderful weekend. The two runners-up will receive a spa day for two at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa.

Early bird tickets are available until midnight tomorrow Sunday, March 20th at www.fairyhouse.ie