Horse Racing World’s Winter Festival Gallops Back into Christmas- Unveil the Event’s Rich History

The horse racing community has seldom witnessed a void of thrill and excitement on the racing calendar. Be it the Kentucky Derby and Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris in May or the Breeders’ and Japan Cup by year-end, the enthusiasts have always found something to look forward to. Now, with winter and year-end on the brink, yet another occasion awaits horses and enthusiasts alike; Fairyhouse Winter Festival.

The Fairyhouse grounds have stood for over a century to gain the prestige of Irish races. The racecourse adds both the Irish Grand National and Irish Gold Cup to its calendar annually; welcoming recognition. However, this time around, with the Winter festival, the track is all ready to highlight the Winter racing calendar.

Fairyhouse gears up for a countdown

The awaited first race of the season, the winter festival is nearing its arrival dates and it’s not just the enthusiasts carrying the excitement. The racecourse provided a reminder for the community, welcoming them to join in on the festivities over the weekend. “The Fairyhouse Winter Festival is back and it’s not to be missed,” Horse Racing Ireland wrote, while the tracks sent an invitation. “Gather The Gang And Join Us This Weekend For Winter Racing,” the celebratory post read.

The event is scheduled for 2 days and will mark a beginning at 11.45 am on Saturday. For the course of 16 races, the occasion will entail live entertainment, food and drinks, family activities, and more. While in the backdrop, the best of the nation’s horses will partake in National Hunt horse training and multiple races worth a massive prize purse.

Horse Racing events to look forward to

The festival will mark a start with Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Beginners Steeplechase. It will further be taken over by Grade B EasyFix Handicap Chase worth €50,000. Tony Martin with Sil Ver Klass took home the latter title last year  Facile Vega won the Fingal Ravens Raceday Maiden. Day 2 will take the crown of the event with 3 bac-to-back Grade 1 races a €100,000 Handicap Hurdle.

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Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle will be the initial highlight. Previous winners include Hurricane Fly, Apples Jade, Honeysuckle (with 3 consecutive titles), and Teahupoo. This year around, the latter of the lot will look to defend his title while facing strong competition from Impaire Et Passe. Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle and Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase will be other races to keep an eye out for. Currently, the former has received a total of 18 entries with domination from Gordon Elliott.

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