LAST week’s rain was just what the doctor ordered for Fairyhouse ahead of next weekend’s Winter Festival.

The track’s general manager Peter Roe reported last Thursday: “I’m calling it good to yielding on the chase course and yielding on the hurdle track. There is an unsettled forecast for this weekend and then dry again for next week.”

Eagle-eyed racegoers may notice that the hurdle track in use next weekend is different to that normally used for this meeting. Roe explained: “Normally, we are searching for the driest ground available for this meeting and last year we raced on the inside of the course. But following the recent dry spell, we are looking for the slowest track we can provide and that means using the summer flat track, which is right on the outside perimeter.”

As a result, the runners in the Bar One Racing Hurdle will appear to start from a much more forward position than usual, but Roe has reassured The Irish Field that the race distance will be exactly two and a half miles.

“We’ve only had 115ml of rain since the start of September. Last year, for the same period, we had 313ml,” Roe added.

Fairyhouse recently trialled the plastic Easyfix traditional hurdles and, while that trial went well, those obstacles won’t be used next weekend. “We only ever planned to use the Easyfix hurdles on the inside track,” Roe said. “So we will be running over the traditional hurdles next weekend and, if the Easyfix trials continue to go well, it could be a different story for 2025.”

Roe is hopeful that both Harry Derham and Dan Skelton could send runners to Fairyhouse next weekend. Both trainers have entries in Sunday’s €100,000 handicap hurdle, while Derham has indicated he is considering the WillowWarm Hurdle for his improving four-year-old Givemefive.

Farren Glory won the Royal Bond last year and, if he wins the Drinmore next Sunday, he will be completing a double not previously achieved since Envoi Allen in 2019-’20.

Another piece of racing history could be made in the Hatton’s Grace. If Teahupoo manages to win the race for a third time, it will mean the race has had three hat-trick winners in a row following the triple victories of Apple’s Jade and Honeysuckle.

“The Porterstown Handicap Chase also looked likely to be a very competitive race, so the whole card is one to look forward to,” Roe said.

“Advance bookings are very strong. The Bobbyjo Restaurant has been sold out for a month and there is just limited availability for our other packages. The marketing team has done a great job.”

Save money online

The cheapest tickets are available online for the Fairyhouse Winter Festival.

These offers expire at midnight prior to each raceday.

Walk the Line package

FAIRYHOUSE loves a party – especially with a tribute act! Treat yourself, your friends and family to a day at the races with a difference and try the Walk the Line Party Package, available on Saturday 30th for only €75 per person. It includes admission, welcome drink, one-course meal, racecard, table for the day and exclusive access to a Johnny Cash tribute band after racing.

Christmas Jumpers!

GIVE your Christmas Jumper its first outing of the festive season at Fairyhouse on Saturday, when the track runs its annual Christmas Jumper Competition. Prizes on offer include tickets to the Fairyhouse Easter Festival and signed merchandise. Judging will take place at 1pm on Saturday in the Festival Marquee and all are welcome to participate.

Transport options

THERE will be a free shuttle service operating next weekend between Fairyhouse and the M3 Parkway train station. Dublin racegoers can take the train to M3 Parkway from Connolly Station and jump on a complimentary shuttle bus to the track from 9.30am on both days. There is also a free return to M3 Parkway after racing. Locals can avail of a free return shuttle bus, which connects towns and villages in the local area with the track.

Dublin Bus partners Marathon Coaches will be operating return services from Dublin City Centre (Wellington Quay) to Fairyhouse too. See marathongroup.ie for details.

Irish Racing Yearbook

Performance of the Weekend

FAIRYHOUSE has teamed up with the Irish Racing Yearbook to sponsor a Performance of the Weekend award for one of the participants. The prize is an overnight stay in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and it could be won by a jockey, trainer, owner or groom.

Music on track

THE fun does not stop once the racing has finished, as the Fairyhouse Festival Marquee will be bouncing with Spin DJ Marty Guilfoyle in residence on Saturday and local band Viva Manila taking to the stage on Sunday.

Kids Club

THE Fairyhouse Kids Club will be open on Saturday and Sunday. Situated at the bottom of the parade ring, it is located in a purpose-built building that operates as Forever Friends Montessor on weekdays. The Club is filled with toys and activities for children of all ages and also has a convenient changing area and small persons’ bathroom. It’s open from 12pm until the second last race. Parents must accompany their children at all times at the facility.

Saturday, November 30th

11.35 Winter Festival Beginners Chase of €13,000. 2m 5f 110yds.

12.12 Race and Stay Ladies Handicap Chase of €15,000. 2m 5f 110yds.

12.45 Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase (Listed) of €45,000. 2m 1f.

1.20 Kettles County House Hotel Supporting Fingal Ravens GFC Raceday Maiden Hurdle of €12,000. 2m.

1.55 WillowWarm 4YO Hurdle (Grade 3) of €30,000. 2m.

2.30 Close Brothers Rated Novice Hurdle of €15,000. 2m 3f 165yds.

3.05 Roganstown Hotel & Country Club 20th Anniversary Handicap Hurdle of €16,500. 2m 3f 165yds.

3.40 Willie Elliott Memorial Flat Race of €10,500. 2m.

Sunday, December 1st

12.00 Bar One Racing 2Bet €10 Get €50 Sign up Offer Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase of €27,000. 2m 4f.

12.30 Bar One Racing “Price Boosts Across All Channels” 3YO Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 3) of €27,000. 2m.

1.05 Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Porterstown Handicap Chase (Listed) of €45,000. 3m 5f 130yds.

1.35 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) of €85,000. 2m.

2.05 Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase (Grade 1) of €85,000. 2m 4f.

2.40 Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) of €120,000. 2m 4f 70yds.

3.10 Bar One Racing “100% Football Acca Boost on Self Service Betting Terminals” Handicap Hurdle (Listed) of €100,000. 2m

3.40 Bar One Racing ‘Bet Builder on Self Service Betting Terminals’ (Pro/Am) Flat Race of €10,000. 2m.