The BoyleSports Irish Grand National "received a huge boost in prize-money" when it was announced on Tuesday that the value of the race at Fairyhouse Racecourse will rise from €275,000 ($310,000) to €500,000 ($564,000), according to GALWAY BAY FM. Irish bookmaking firm BoyleSports, which has sponsored the race since '14, has "renewed its sponsorship for a further three years." BoyleSports will "also continue to provide an on-course betting shop at the venue." With increased funding from Horse Racing Ireland and Fairyhouse Racecourse itself, the landmark "Race of the People" now becomes the "most valuable Irish Jumps race and the third biggest in terms of prize-money between Ireland and Britain" (GALWAY BAY FM, 8/16). In Dublin, Brian O'Connor reported the move is "designed to bolster the prestige of the race which has faced increased competition for runners from other festivals in recent years while its fluctuating Easter Monday date in the schedule has at times also left it vulnerable." Champion trainer Willie Mullins said, "This might bring back the real class horses. Fairyhouse needs a boost as it has been getting sandwiched between Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown." Noel Meade, an Irish National winner in '02 with The Bunny Boiler, said, "When you're running for half a million you are going to get a better horse, there's no doubt about that" (IRISH TIMES, 8/16).
