More than 18,000 roar Point Barrow to victory
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, fresh from his Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph, and TV3's Síle Seoige were among the racegoers enjoying the best of Irish racing.
Over €217,000 was wagered on the National alone with the Fairyhouse on-course bookies and the Tote up €21,000 on last year's race.
Attendance was up 2,500 on last year and stood at 18,703 with course officials pointing to Irish Cheltenham and British Grand National successes for bolstering the crowds.
Fairyhouse spokeswoman Mary Fitzgerald said: "It has been a great day weather-wise it hasn't been, but the crowds were not put off. There seems to be a feel-good factor at the moment because more people have money in their pocket and Irish horses are doing so well.
"It really bodes well for the future of the sport."
Fairyhouse's Easter programme, which was due to continue today, saw a total of €2.2 million placed with on-course bookmakers and almost €680,000 with the Tote by close of racing yesterday.
Among the racing enthusiasts at yesterday's meeting was former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and ex-minister Jim McDaid, whose horse Some Legend was running.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary was at Fairyhouse to watch his horses in action, but had no winners yesterday, Ms Fitzgerald said.
TV3 host Síle Seoige presented a best-dressed woman award to Tallaght Hospital radiographer Nicola Coonan. Ms Coonan, of Prosperous, Co Kildare, was wearing a cream-coloured outfit and a hat she made herself in between her hospital shifts.
More than 20,000 racegoers flocked to Cork Racecourse Mallow for a three-day Easter extravaganza which ended yesterday.
Manager Michael O'Neill said: "We've had three great days of racing here and some very tight finishes which have added to the excitement."
Yesterday's feature race, the Siucra Handicap, was won by Bawaader.
