The BoyleSports Irish Grand National has received a huge boost in prize-money with news that the value of the race at Fairyhouse Racecourse next Easter Monday will rise from €275,000 to €500,000.
Irish bookmaking firm, BoyleSports, which has sponsored the iconic race since 2014, has renewed its sponsorship for a further three years. The firm also backs the Irish Greyhound Derby which will this year have expanded TV and online coverage.
With increased funding from Horse Racing Ireland and Fairyhouse Racecourse itself, the landmark ‘Race of the People’ now becomes the most valuable Irish Jumps race and the third biggest in terms of prize-money between Ireland and Britain, behind only the Aintree Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Most watched
Next year’s race will take place on Easter Monday, 17th April 2017. The Fairyhouse Easter Festival, which has been rising in popularity over the last number of years, is RTÉ’S most-watched Irish racing programme of the year.
“We are very happy that this globally renowned race with such a long and illustrious history is now truly a huge rival to the greatest National Hunt races,” said Fairyhouse general Manager Peter Roe announcing the deal.
“The €500,000 prize fund places us up there with the likes of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and will definitely attract more and more of the best horses as well as greater crowds, especially from Britain.”
“We are delighted that an Irish firm like BoyleSports are renewing their sponsorship with us for a further three years and are matching our ambition.”
“We are thrilled to work with a partner who is keen to support our fast paced industry and use this platform as part of their growth strategy over the coming years.”
Step Up
When BoyleSports came on board in 2014 they contributed to a step up in prize money from €250,000 to €275,000. The previous large rise had been as far back as 2005 and racing figures gathered at Fairyhouse were delighted that the race was now resuming its place at the top of the rankings in global terms.
Jenna Boyle, Director of Retail at BoyleSports, said: “We are delighted not only to continue our sponsorship of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National but to help make this the most valuable event in the Irish racing calendar.
“Irish owners do not need any incentive to take part in this iconic event, but the significantly-increased sponsorship will add to the international prestige of the event,” said Jenna Boyle, Director of Retail at BoyleSports.
“In particular it should assist in attracting more UK owners across the Irish Sea in their pursuit of winning the jewel in the crown of the Irish National Hunt calendar, the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.”
Expansion
BoyleSports are currently seeking to buy as many as 360 retail outlets in the UK as part of the terms of the planned merger between Coral and Ladbrokes. This would give them a high street presence in Britain for the first time and would significantly impact on the size and power of the privately owned business.
Ireland hosts five of the fifteen most valuable jump races between Britain and Ireland. In addition to the Boylesports Irish Grand National these include the Guinness Galway Hurdle with a prize fund of €300,000, the Tote.com Galway Plate at €220,000, the Bibby Financial Services Punchestown Gold Cup and the Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle, both at €200,000.
