THERE was a good atmosphere at the Curragh over the whole weekend, just as there had been on the opening day. As then, the weather was good and there was a feelgood air about the place. In the intervening three weeks, it was evident that a lot of work had gone on to address some of the issues that were encountered on the opening day. It’s a process.

Fundamentally, this is a seriously impressive racecourse. It is a facility that the quality of the racing surface, and the quality of the horses that compete on it, deserves, one that fits in with the moniker of ‘Home of all Five Classics’ in Ireland, one of the leading countries in the world of thoroughbred racing.

What it needs now is lots of people. Racegoers. It was difficult to get a feel for the levels of attendance over the course of the weekend, it felt like it was densely populated and sparsely populated at different removes. An overall figure of 15,495 for the weekend is just a start.

It is understandable that the primary goal was to get the facility finished, that all resources were channelled in that direction. That said, now the communications strategy that will get people to come, or to come back, needs to be fired up.

It was interesting to read in Thoroughbred Racing Commentary during the week that it is free in to Chantilly this Sunday for Prix du Jockey Club day. It would cost a few quid, but it is difficult to quantify the magnitude of the long-term benefit that a similar move by the Curragh would bring.

Tell the locals. Give people as many reasons as you can to come, or to come back. See how impressive the facility is now. Curry goodwill. A really positive feeling towards the Curragh.

Get the Irish Derby back on people’s radars and in people’s calendars. And if not free in on Irish Derby day, then on the Thursday evening or on the Friday of Irish Derby weekend. Maybe make it an annual thing. It could have a lasting impact.