The Fairyhouse Easter Festival gets underway with a competitive mix of races, featuring top-class horses and trainers. Here’s your guide to the opening day’s action.

Trainer Spotlight
Willie Mullins leads the charge on Day 1 with a strong presence across several races, including the Mares Handicap Chase and Novice Handicap Hurdle. His entries are always well-supported in the market and look primed for success. Gordon Elliott follows closely with several strong contenders, particularly in the Mares INH Flat Race and Handicap Chase, where his horses continue to show promise.

Gavin Cromwell is another trainer to keep an eye on, especially in the Maiden Hurdle and Handicap Hurdle, where he’s well-known for targeting such races. Ross O’Sullivan and S R B Crawford may cause a few surprises, with Crawford’s entries offering good value on the day.

Henry De Bromhead has some solid chances across multiple races, notably in the Mares Handicap Chase, where his horses often fly under the radar. Paul Nolan, Dermot A McLoughlin, and Thomas Gibney bring competitive entries, giving punters plenty of each-way opportunities.

Keep an eye on trainers like Mrs Lorna Fowler and Rebecca Curtis, who will be looking to make a splash and provide a few surprises on the opening day.

Jockey Spotlight
Mark Walsh, with a full book of rides, is one to watch, especially in the competitive handicaps. Paul Townend, a fixture in top-tier racing, has two key rides and will be a serious contender, particularly in big-field events. J J Slevin is riding in several races and enters with strong recent form.

Rachael Blackmore, a fan favorite, has four exciting mounts and is always a force to be reckoned with. Danny Gilligan, a rising star, will look to make his mark with several competitive rides.

Experienced jockeys like Darragh O’Keeffe and Mr L P Shanahan bring valuable tactical nous, while Conor Stone-Walsh and Philip Donovan could feature prominently with their mounts. Miss J Townend and Danny Mullins will also be in action, making this an exciting day for both fans and punters alike.

Race-by-Race Breakdown
Race 1: Tom Quinlan Electrical Maiden Hurdle (2m4f)
Krak has been consistently strong and looks primed to break through. Kainsbourg is improving steadily and could challenge, while Mister Frostie and Locked Box offer each-way value. Sky And Sand at a bigger price is one to keep an eye on.

Race 2: Race Displays Joseph O’Reilly Hunters Chase (3m1f)
Big Interest has the form to contend at the top level, but Ryehill and Balkito are also strong contenders. Step Up Son remains unexposed and could surprise, while Early Doors might come into his own with recent runs under his belt.

Race 3: BoyleSports Mares Handicap Chase (Listed, 2m5f)
Mousey Brown stands out as the one to beat, though Majestic Force and Zenta offer solid opposition. Kiltealy Park is a lively outsider, while Must Be Obeyed remains a consistent performer and deserves respect.

Race 4: Fred Kenny Memorial Ladies National Handicap Chase (2m5f)
Secrecies Of Stone and Vaureal lead the charge in this competitive handicap. The Boola Boss looks solid, while Don’t Talk and So Des Flos could offer a bit of value with more to come.

Race 5: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final (Listed, 2m7½f)
Fishery Lane sets a solid standard, with Fairyland Opera showing enough to be a contender over this trip. Dont Tell Jack and Road To Home also look capable of making an impact, and Ayiko could offer each-way value.

Race 6: RYBO Handicap Hurdle (Listed, 2m)
Kalix Delabarriere looks strong in this competitive race, with Jazzy Matty also bringing solid form. Lord Erskine could surprise, while Serienmond remains a serious contender.

Race 7: Hire2K Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race (2m4f)
Hello Jean is a strong contender, while Lau And Shaz could offer stiff competition. Derryville also has potential, and Soldierstown could cause a surprise with a top performance.

Day 1 at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival promises plenty of excitement, with a range of races that offer opportunities for both seasoned punters and newcomers alike. Keep an eye on the top trainers and jockeys as they battle for early supremacy!