Soggy, mucky conditions at the racecourse didn't stop a crowd of almost 19,000 attending Grand National day at Fairyhouse in Co Meath yesterday, writes Olivia Kelly at Fairyhouse
Regular downpours soaked racegoers who spilled from the packed stands into the trackside. Only the privileged few, whisked from their cars straight to their sheltered roof-top enclaves, escaped without a drop touching their heads.
Among this year's dry punters were Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, his Fianna Fáil colleagues John O'Donoghue, the Minister for Sport, and Jim McDaid TD, and former taoiseach Albert Reynolds.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and racing enthusiast and owner Michael O'Leary, the Ryanair chief executive, also escaped a soaking while enjoying a prime view at trackside.
The bad weather couldn't have dampened the spirits of those fortunate enough to have had a punt on Point Barrow, the surprise winner of the big race.
With odds of 20-1, the Pat Hughes-trained eight-year-old, ridden by Philip Carberry, took the lead four fences from the finish in the day's main race, just holding off Oulart at the post.
A New Story was third, with American Jennie fourth, but yesterday's favourite, Dun Doire, let a lot of punters down (but pleased the bookies), finishing unplaced.
The cash was flowing freely yesterday with bookmakers' bets of €2,152,626, up €100,000 on last year. Tote bets were up €23,000 at €679,666. The Grand National race saw total bets of €217,760, up €21,000 on last year.
While the rain did not deter diehard racegoers, it did result in an absence of colour, with few women risking their best hats and frocks, but those who did take the chance put on a good show.
First in this field was 23-year-old Nicola Coonan, from Prosperous, Co Kildare, who won the Best Dressed Lady competition.
Ms Coonan bravely wore a cream suit with pale blue detail, cream shoes, matching bag, and a cream hat with large blue ostrich feathers of her own design.
She had considered dropping out when she saw the weather, but bravely tip-toed through the mud, avoiding near-disastrous splashes, to claim first prize of a €1,000 voucher for Marks & Spencer.
"My friend and I sat in the car wondering if it was worth it, but in the end we decided to go for it. I didn't expect to win but I'm delighted I did."
Ms Coonan, who said she loves dressing up, has been coming to Fairyhouse since she was 17 and was previously nominated for a best dressed prize.
Her simple but elegant outfit had an international flair. The materials for her self-designed and made hat came from San Francisco, her cream tights and gloves were bought in Florence, while her handbag had a touch of home as it was borrowed from her Aunt Bunnie.
A radiographer working in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ms Coonan said she intends to spend her winnings in the Marks & Spencer grocery department, on chocolate.
Second prize of a €500 Marks & Spencer voucher went to Aisling Barry from Cavan while third prize of a €250 voucher went to Deirdre Keane from Cork.