Fairyhouse have announced a 2pm inspection to assess the prospects for their four-day fixture which commences on Sunday. Although the possibility of waterlogging is threatening the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National meeting, course officials remain upbeat.
Extensive rain left Fairyhouse unraceable yesterday and deepened fears for the holiday weekend when racing begins on Sunday, with the €250,000 Irish National run on its traditional Easter Monday date.
Course staff have been pumping surface water off the track over the last 24 hours and this afternoon’s inspection will give a clearer indication of the course condition.
General manager Caroline Gray said: “At the moment there is still water in places, and we’ve been using pumps over the last 24 hours to try to get rid of it.
“Today is due to be a largely drying day with occasional passing showers and quite a strong wind, which obviously plays to our advantage. Joe Collins (clerk of the course) is coming in at 2pm to have another look at the track, so we’ll get a clearer idea by then.”
