They had been under starter's orders for some time, and the inevitable speculation was intense at Fairyhouse yesterday about when the race would finally get under way. Michael O'Regan reports from Fairyhouse
Dedicated punters joined with the chattering classes in making predictions. The form was studied. Who would be first past the post?
But the only man who knew was giving nothing away. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was prepared to talk only about equine form as he rightly predicted to The Irish Timesthat Essex would win the third race, the Sherry FitzGerald hurdle.
But what about the official start of the most unpredictable race of them all, the general election? "It will be held before July 4th," said Mr Ahern, wearing a broad smile. "I heard that they all thought I had gone to the park the other day. They have little to be doing."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny arrived with his wife, Fionnuala Kelly, and children, Aoibhinn, Ferdia and Naoise, to attend a party fundraising lunch for local TD Shane McEntee and running mate Regina Doherty. Refusing to speculate about an election date, Mr Kenny remarked: "It's the Taoiseach's business to call the election. Mine is to win it. Mr Ahern can exercise his prerogative for the last time."
Meanwhile, PD Minister of State Tom Parlon, who said he would not "dream"of advising Mr Ahern on an election date, was predicting May 31st. "Mind you, I'm not taking any chances. I have taken a few hours off today, but I'll be back in action this evening," he said.
Early morning clouds and light rain gave way to bright sunshine for the feature race, the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National Steeplechase. Mr Ahern was on hand to make the presentation when the JP McManus-owned gelding, Butler's Cabin, a 14-1 chance ridden by Tony McCoy, was first past the post.
The general election date was far from the mind of delighted trainer, Jonjo O'Neill. "It was lovely to win the Irish national," he said. "It is everybody's dream. He is a gutsy horse who gives everything. "
Women punters braved goosepimples and cold, pinched faces for the "most stylish lady" competition which was judged by actor Lorraine Pilkington, who walked the grounds between 12.30 and 2pm. The winner of the €10,000 diamond pendant first prize was Paula Clerkin from Navan, an IT manager who revealed she had bought her cream and beige outfit "all over the place".
Yesterday's attendance of 18,047 was about 700 down on last year. The crowds swelled from lunchtime on, and there were the inevitable queues for drinks, chips and burgers. A Fianna Fáil punter suggested the Taoiseach pay particular attention to the fortunes of Grand National outsider Whyso Mayo, given the county of birth of Mr Kenny and his putative tánaiste, Pat Rabbitte. "He will be saying Whyso Mayo a lot during the election," said the punter.