When is the Irish Grand National? The date, venue and…

When is the Irish Grand National? The date, venue and odds for the Fairyhouse showpiece

For jump racing fans, the dust will barely be settling on the Aintree Grand National and their attention will turn to the Boylesports Irish Grand National.

The historic race was first established in 1870 and has since become one of the premier events in the sporting calendar.

Always ran on Easter Monday, this year's edition falls on April 18 when huge crowds are expected at Fairyhouse.

Contested over three miles and five furlongs, it is the richest race in Irish national hunt racing.

BoyleSports' Sarah Kinsella said: “Easter Monday at Fairyhouse will mark the 150 ^th running of the race, with BoyleSports offering a prize fund totalling €500,000, the largest on the Irish National Hunt calendar."

Last year 150/1 shot Freewheelin Dylan caused a huge shock when seeing off all challengers from the front under jockey Ricky Doyle for local trainer Dermot McLoughlin.

This time around the Willie-Mullins-trained Stattler has attracted plenty of ante-post support and is the clear 13/2 favourite at the time of writing.

Speaking after a total of 93 entries were confirmed for the 2022 renewal, BoyleSports' Leon Blanche said: “ You only have to look back at the list of previous winners, which includes greats like Arkle and Desert Orchid, to get a flavour of just how iconic the BoyleSports Irish Grand National is.

"We are proud and privileged to sponsor the landmark occasion of the 150 ^th running of the race and with a €500,000 prize pot on offer, the most lucrative on the Irish National Hunt calendar, we are relishing another thrilling renewal at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.”

Peter Roe, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse added: “Last year’s success for Dermot McLoughlin and Sheila Mangan was very much one for the locals and we are delighted to see Freewheelin Dylan among a very strong entry for the 150 ^th running of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.

“The fine tradition of the race and what it means to our neighbouring communities is what makes Easter Monday at Fairyhouse such a special occasion. It will mean so much to the team here to be able to welcome an Irish Grand National crowd back to the racecourse for the first time since 2019 and we can’t wait for Easter Monday to come around.”