Meath is a proud sporting county with Gaelic football leading the way. Many might say that soccer or rugby are a close second, but for many Royals, it's the sport of Kings that leads the pack. One of the proudest arenas that Meath lays claim too is Fairyhouse Racecourse, which is arguably the best track in the country, and certainly hosts some of the country's biggest races including the Irish Grand National. Based in Ratoath, Fairyhouse Racecourse is one of the oldest courses in the country with its origins dating back to 1848 when the first recorded race was run. These days the overseeing of the course is left to General Manager Caroline Gray who is a native of the Royal County and indeed is a first cousin of former Meath footballer Donal Curtis. She spoke to us about the course and what is entailed in the successful running of such an operation, while Caroline also pointed out the many links and benefits that the GAA has with horse racing. For anyone to think that there is not much to do in the managing of a race course apart from a race day, then think again as it is far from a mundane existence. Caroline is a Chartered accountant and began her working career with PricewaterhouseCoopers before moving on to firstly become Financial Controller for Horse Racing Ireland before managing the betting division there and then last year, she took up the reins as General Manager of the course. "I've enjoyed the last year very much, but must admit that I didn't realise there would be such a variety of work involved in running the course as there is. Every day there is something different, which is great," said Caroline. "My family have a background in horses in that my father trained a bit and I've always had an interest in them, which has helped and I'm fortunate to have an excellent staff here to help me. The work they do is integral to the successful running of the course." Of course, the Irish weather plays a huge part in race meetings and Caroline admitted that checking the forecast is an important daily exercise. "The weather here hasn't been too kind to us over the past few years, but fortunately for us, we have only had to cancel one meeting due to bad weather in 2008. We have an account with Met Eireann and try to keep up to date with the forecast. Our primary concern is that the track is in the best possible order for each meeting." After every race day, the track has to be repaired and every divot has to be filled with sand, while the hurdles have to be repaired by hand and the track railing moved after every meet. "We have to ensure the ground is right for the next meeting and there is a lot of tedious work that has to be carried out. Noel Fanning and his staff are excellent in that regard and the amount of work they get through is unreal." Throughout 2009, there will be 24 race meetings at Fairyhouse Racecourse and plenty of action for all racing fans, and following the opening of a new stand in 2000, the venue caters for many functions including the GAA. "We had seven or eight GAA functions here last year alone and they proved to be very successful. Meath clubs Moynalvey and Ratoath held them here, while some Dublin clubs including Castleknock and St Margaret's, also had events with us. The latter was a huge event with over 900 people here that day. Clubs from Cavan have also held functions and this is something that we are looking to expand. "We cater for groups ranging from 200 up to 900. Fairyhouse offer a cost effective package ideal for clubs/groups aiming to raise funds for their organisations. The Package includes admission, private facility badges, racecards, buffet lunch and more "We have the facilities here to cater for all and our rates are very competitive, so any clubs or counties interested should get in touch with us. With 24 meetings next year, there are plenty of options available." Caroline admits that the last year has been a learning curve and following a restructuring of the staff, she is looking forward to her second year in charge and a busy year on the track. "These days a day at the races is a lot more attractive than it was years ago and there is something for everyone. The numbers of those going to the races who do not have specific interest in the horses has increased significantly in the last number of years with the emphasis now switching to a great day out for all the family to include children's entertainment, fine dining and high fashion. "It is our aim to maintain the standard that has been set and ensure that race meetings remain an attractive day out. With the recent downturn in the economy we have to work that bit harder to do so." Fairyhouse is also available for functions on non race days and they have the professional staff to cater for any event, while the various rooms can cater for functions of all sizes. "Our range of bright, spacious rooms and acres of outdoor space have played host to a stage of the World Motocross Championships, auctions, product launches, concerts, conferences, seminars, team building events, wedding receptions, 21st parties, Christmas parties, summer BBQ's, trade fairs, craft and antique fairs and location shoots." This year has seen the opening of a schooling track at Fairyhouse, to further enhance its reputation as one of the finest tracks in the world and with the ever helpful Caroline and her staff at the helm, the future looks bright for one of Meath's premier venues. Tweet

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