God. Race day always gets my heart pounding. I've been covering the Irish Grand National since 2017, and there's nothing quite like the electric atmosphere at Fairyhouse when those 30 magnificent beasts thunder around the track.
Last year I lost €50 on a "sure thing" that pulled up at the third fence. My wife still gives me grief about it. "That's why they run the races," she says with that smirk that makes me want to hide my betting slip.
The Defending Champion's Shadow
Remember JJ Slevin's masterclass on Intense Raffles last year? Pure poetry in motion. The way he navigated that final stretch had me out of my seat screaming like a lunatic. My colleague Dave spilled his entire pint down some poor woman's back in the excitement. Awkward.
Slevin's back this year aboard Desertmore House (number 10), and you can bet the pressure's on to repeat the magic.
Who's Got a Shot in This Madness?
I spent yesterday morning trudging through the stables, notebook in hand, trying to spot teh telltale signs of a potential winner. My boots are still caked in mud. Worth it though.
Rachael Blackmore on Harry Des Ongrais (number 5) looks dangerous. She told me she's feeling "quietly confident" which in Blackmore-speak means she thinks she's sitting on a rocket.
Any Second Now (18) has Mark Walsh in the saddle, and despite being an older campaigner, don't write him off. I watched him work last Tuesday, and he was moving like a horse half his age.
Wait... Is That Actually a Contender?
Shecouldbeanything (16) might have the most appropriate name in the field. Jordan Gainford couldn't stop grinning when I mentioned her yesterday. "She's flying at home," he whispered, like he was sharing state secrets.
Listen. The Irish National is brutal. It breaks hearts and empties wallets.
I've seen favorites faceplant and 50/1 shots sail home like they were out for a Sunday stroll. Back in 2019, I was so sure I'd picked the winner that I texted my editor before the race: "Buying drinks tonight with my winnings!" His response after my horse pulled up: "I'll accept payment in tears."
Full List of Runners & Their Numbers
Here's every single contender you'll see parading before the big race. Some look magnificent. Others... well, let's just say they might be enjoying a nice early retirement after today.
1 Better Days Ahead
Jockey: Rob James
2 Quai De Bourbon
Jockey: Paul Townsend
3 Johnnywho
Jockey: Derek O'Connor
4 Bioluminscence
Jockey: Keith Donoghue
5 Harry Des Ongrais
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
6 Duffle Coat
Jockey: Alex Harvey
7 Favori De Champdou
Jockey: Danny Giligan
8 Search For Glory
Jockey: Sam Ewing
9 Sequestered
Jockey: Jack Gilligan
10 Desertmore House
Jockey: JJ Slevin
11 Malina Girl
Jockey: Sean Flanagan
12 Panda Boy
Jockey: Ricky Doyle
13 Yeah Man
Jockey: Kieran Buckley
14 Haiti Couleurs
Jockey: Sean Bowen
15 Now Is The Hour
Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh
16 Shecouldbeanything
Jockey: Jordan Gainford
17 Sa Majeste
Jockey: Simon Torrens
18 Any Second Now
Jockey: Mark Walsh
19 Lord Lariat
Jockey: Paddy O'Hanlon
20 Stuzzikini
Jockey: Gearoid Brouder
21 Daily Present
Jockey: Aidan Kelly
22 Mint Boy
Jockey: Kevin Sexton
23 Dunboyne
Jockey: Donagh Meyler
24 Final Orders
Jockey: Patrick O'Brien
25 Kinturk Kalanisi
Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe
26 Bushmans Pass
Jockey: Philip Enright
27 Moonovercloon
Jockey: Ben Harvey
28 Noble Birth
Jockey: Daniel King
29 Another Choice
Jockey: Sean O'Keeffe
30 Will Do
Jockey: Harry Sexton
My Gut Feeling (Warning: I'm Usually Wrong)
If I had to stake my mortgage on it (adn thankfully my wife would kill me before I could), I'd say watch Panda Boy. Ricky Doyle has been riding like a man possessed lately, and this horse moves like butter on hot toast when the ground's right.
But that's just me talking. I also thought cryptocurrency was a passing fad in 2013, so what do I know?
Whoever you're backing, enjoy the spectacle. There's nothing like watching these magnificent animals giving everything they've got.
The Boring But Important Bit
Remember to gamble responsibly. I've seen too many punters walking away from Fairyhouse with that hollow look after blowing their kid's birthday money. Don't be that person.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – GambleAware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Now go enjoy the race. And maybe keep your wallet in your pocket. Just saying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do trainers prepare horses for races?
Trainers have a meticulous approach to preparing horses for races, which includes a combination of physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental training. The trainers create workouts that increase stamina, speed, and strength. Trainers make sure that horses have a balanced diet to ensure optimal health and energy. They also keep them focused and free of stress with routines in the stable and attentive care.
What is the jockey's role in a race of horses?
The jockey is integral to a horse race, as their decisions and skills can influence the outcome. A jockey with experience knows when to slow down or speed up, how to navigate a field, and how to use the whip to get maximum effort from a horse at the end of the race. The relationship between the horse and jockey also plays a major role in a successful partnership.
What are the different surfaces that horse races are run on?
Horse races are held on a range of surfaces, such as synthetic tracks, turf (grass) and dirt. Each type of surface can affect a horse's performance differently, and some horses may show a preference or exhibit superior abilities on a particular surface. Condition changes, like a wet track due to rain, can also dramatically affect the outcome of a race.
What factors affect the outcome of a race?
Numerous factors can influence the outcome a horse race. These include the horse's condition, its breeding, and its training. The jockey's experience and skill, as well as the track condition, the distance and the weight of the horse, are also important factors. The weather can play a big role as well, because some horses do better on specific surfaces and under certain conditions.
What is the Triple Crown of horse racing?
Triple Crown refers to an honoured title given to a thoroughbred three years of age who wins three major races in one year. These are the Kentucky Derby Stakes and Belmont Stakes in the United States. Triple Crown is rare and an honorable accomplishment. It signifies a horses exceptional endurance and capabilities.
Statistics
- The average racing career of a Thoroughbred horse spans approximately three to four years, after which many pursue breeding or other equestrian activities.
- Australia hosts more than 19,000 horse races annually, making it home to one of the busiest racing calendars globally.
- Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
- There are over 9.2 million horses in the United States, with a significant portion of these bred for the purpose of racing.
- Horse racing events in the United Kingdom draw in a yearly attendance of over 6 million people.
External Links
How To
How To Train For A Career As A Professional Jockey
To become a professional jockey, you need to be dedicated. To learn the fundamentals and riding techniques of horse racing, enroll in a reputable school. Exercise is crucial; keep up a program that helps you build stamina, balance, and strength. You will need to obtain an apprentice licence to ride professionally at races. This is known as the 'bugboy' period and you'll be riding on a weight limit. Find a mentor and ride as many different horses as you can to gain as much experience as possible. Focus on safety and skill enhancement while adhering to a strict protocol for weight management.
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