The 2014 Irish Grand National is to be sponsored by Boylesports who will also take over the running of the racecourse betting shop from Ladbrokes. The race, watched by an enormous TV audience of 450,000 last year takes place at Fairyhouse in County Meath on Easter Monday, April 21st 2014.
With a prize-fund of €250,000, the Boylesports Irish Grand National is the most valuable steeplechase race in Ireland.
The race has been run at Fairyhouse since 1870 and is without doubt the biggest race of the year in Ireland for racing fans and casual watchers alike. Research compiled earlier this year showed that the race attracted three times the mainstream and social media coverage of any other race in the country.
“It’s fantastic for us to welcome such a prestigious brand as Boylesports, who already have a great relationship with Irish racing, as the new sponsor of the Irish Grand National,” said Fairyhouse General Manager, Peter Roe.
“It’s always been the ‘Race of the People’ which captures the imagination of every man, woman and child in the country. This is also the race where the syndicate, small owner and trainer have the opportunity to come and take on the most famous names in the sport.”
“The last two winners were big outsiders and came from small family yards in Meath and Westmeath, proving that the dream of winning the Irish Grand National can be realised. We’re now looking forward to building on our new relationship with Boylesports to make this great Easter event a classic to remember.”
“Boylesports are absolutely delighted to announce our sponsorship of the Irish Grand National,” added John Boyle speaking from Fairyhouse.
“This is the most iconic race of the year and is one of the biggest events in Ireland’s sporting and social calendar. We’re looking forward to attracting some strong challengers from Britain, as has been the case in previous years. The impressive roll of honour for this race, which is the highlight of the Easter celebrations, includes many greats such as the legendary Arkle who won the race 50 years ago.”
We’re looking forward to working with our partners at Fairyhouse in making the 2014 Boylesports Irish Grand National an unforgettable race – a race for the people.”
Barry Geraghty has also been unveiled as the ambassador for the 2014 Boylesports Irish Grand National.
Geraghty is fresh from a very successful Cheltenham Festival where he rode the winners of three races including the Champion Hurdle on Jezki for owner JP McManus.
As part of his role as ambassador, Barry will help promote the Boylesports Irish Grand National to the wider audience through social networks and various media channels.
“With Fairyhouse being my local track, it’s brilliant to be the Boylesports Irish Grand National Ambassador. It’s a race I’ve been going to since a very young age with my family. I’ve dreamt of winning the Boylesports Irish Grand National since I was a child and I’m still dreaming. Hopefully 2014 will be my year!”
