18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Power not in favour of running Irish National later this year

Robbie Power salutes the crowd after winning the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Our DukeRobbie Power salutes the crowd after winning the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Our Duke
© Photo Healy Racing

Robbie Power has come out strongly against the proposed plan to reschedule the BoyleSports Irish Grand National to a date later this year.

The Fairyhouse stamina test has always been run on Easter Monday and had total prize-money of €500,000 when Burrows Saint led home a 1-2-3 for champion trainer Willie Mullins last year.

Power, who is Horse Racing Ambassador for the sponsor and partnered Our Duke to win the race three years ago, is a proud County Meath man and hasn’t missed an Irish National in the last 30 years.

Writing in his latest blog for the bookmaking firm he said, “The BoyleSports Irish Grand National belongs to one day and one day only, and that is Easter Monday.

“After Horse Racing Ireland’s announcement to have it rescheduled this winter, I don’t see where it would fit in the calendar between October and December. There are many other major handicap chases and racing festivals on during those months.

“Obviously, it was very disappointing last week to hear of the cancellation of the 150th BoyleSports Irish Grand National, and also the Punchestown Festival. But, considering the situation we’re in at the moment with the outbreak of COVID-19, it was the right decision.

“Ever since 1990 when I went to watch Desert Orchid, I’ve attended every Irish Grand National, as a jockey or a spectator. It’s disappointing to lose it this year, but lets have the 150th running at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday next year.

“I hope that Fairyhouse, as a racecourse, HRI and BoyleSports, as sponsors of the race, will all get their heads together and make the 2021 running a memorable one.”