Published: Tuesday, 1st December, 2009 12:05pm

Free entry at Fairyhouse

by Conall Collier

All the big-named horses will be in action in the grade one races at Fairyhouse tomorrow where patrons will be admitted free.

Fairyhouse officials are confident that Wednesday's card will get the go-ahead with all the big guns standing their ground.

"Following 34.2mm of rain on Sunday we are delighted that our excellent drainage system has got the water away and we are ready to race. With free admission for all entrants we hope that many national hunt fans will travel to see the best free national hunt card ever staged," said Fairyhouse manager Caroline Gray.

With free entry at the turnstiles, Wednesday's action is arguably the best free card ever run with the Bar One Racing-sponsored Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, Drinmore Novice Chase and Hatton's Grace Hurdle all featuring high quality entries.

Dunguib, owned by Athboy woman Lily Lawlor, remains the star attraction and faces just fiverivals in the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle as he steps up to grade one class over hurdles for the first time.

Recently turned professional Brian O'Connell will be on board last season's grade one bumper winner and he is confident that ground conditions will not deter the son of Presenting.

"He is after winning his maiden and his winners of one, but tomorrow will be his first big test over hurdles going into a grade one," said the jockey.

In the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle there is the clash of the previous two winners with Catch Me and Aitmatov still on course for a second win in the race while dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace is also in the field of seven that will face the starter.

The highly regarded Pesoto will be aiming to continue the terrific form of trainer Edward O'Grady in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase where he will face Noel Meade's Jered and Pandorama as well as Oliver McKiernan's Whatuthink who himself is a graded winner over hurdles.

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