STAKES will be high on the track for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, and there is also serious business to be decided in the final moments leading up to the €500,000 feature event.

Race sponsors BoyleSports have given the Fairyhouse highlight the royal treatment by offering a massive €1,000 prize to the groom in charge of the Best Turned Out award winner for the Irish National.

Bound to be an ultra competitive heat, the award will be judged by Irish Olympic eventer Joseph Murphy, who is hoping to make an Olympic return as part of the Irish team in Paris this summer.

“This is a terrific gesture by BoyleSports and I’m glad to see stable staff recognised for the continued care and attention they give their horses,” said Murphy. “They are a very creative bunch so I’m looking forward to seeing their ingenuity showcased on Easter Monday.”

To inspire creativity, BoyleSports has curated a special ‘pamper hamper’ of aids to fuel imagination of stable staff, which includes stencils, blue glitter hoof oil, coloured bands and expert tips and tricks to elevate grooming games in the lead up to the Easter highlight.

Sharon McHugh, head of PR and sponsorship at BoyleSports, said: “We are very proud to celebrate our 10th year sponsoring this legendary race and it’s a privilege to use the occasion to recognise the hard work put in by stable staff year in, year out. We know they’ll have some innovative ideas brewing and we can’t wait to see them come to life on Easter Monday, so may the prettiest horse win!”