National Hunt Irish Racing
Although most regard the English Grand National at Aintree racecourse as the highlight of the National Hunt racing calendar, National Hunt racing was born in Ireland. Many of the winners of the most prestigious National Hunt events – including the Grand National at Aintree – are trained and bred in the Emerald Isle. And true to its history, National Hunt jump racing continues to be more popular than flat racing with Irish racing fans. For a full history of Irish jump racing, which goes back all the way to the 1700s, visit our Irish Grand National history page.
Highlight of the National Hunt Irish racing calendar is the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National, traditionally run as the chief feature race of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival on Easter Monday. The Irish Grand National attracts as many as 20,000 spectators and huge television audiences, as well as some of the top horses, jockeys, and trainers in National Hunt racing. The 2009 Irish Grand National is due to be run on Monday 13th April.
Format of National Hunt Races
National Hunt jump races include fence or hurdle jumps. Chase races are run over distances between 2 and 4½ miles, with fences or hurdles at a minimum height of 4½ feet. Hurdling races occur over distances between 2 and 3½ miles, and include hurdles at a minimum height of 3½ feet. With these obstacles taken on at high speed, events like the Irish Grand National offer unparalleled excitement and spectacle.
Another characteristic of National Hunt racing is that many events are limited to horses older than four or five years. In the early days of National Hunt racing, most races were contested only by thoroughbreds. In modern times, many National Hunt racing champions have had mixed ancestry.
Visit our Irish Grand National odds page for details of the current top National Hunt horses, jockeys, and trainers before picking your favourites in 2009 National Hunt Irish racing.
For up-to-date odds, daily specials, and live horse racing betting, we recommend William Hill.
