THE spirit of Pat Smullen was in the air at the Curragh on Sunday.

Whenever the Moyglare Stud silks are in the winner’s enclosure at the Curragh, thoughts of the late great champion jockey are never far away.

Moyglare winners are popular anyway, as owner Eva-Maria Bucher-Haefner and her family have been so generous to Irish racing – and the Curragh in particular – for so many years.

Eva-Maria, advisor Fiona Craig and stud manager Malachy Ryan were inundated with well-wishers after the race. It was a great result too for Dermot Weld and family, on this the 40th anniversary of the master trainer’s first win in the race with Prince’s Polly.

It wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to say half of those in attendance paid their respects as the raceday crowd of 4,800 was a little lighter than you’d like for such a good card. Throughout the enclosures, bar staff were not too busy. It’s card-only, by the way.

Bookmakers and fruit sellers were unable to hide their disappointment at the footfall. A few bookies who were based on the plinth at the end of the grandstand, outside the Derby Bar, finished up early. The general admission fee of €35 came in for some criticism, as did the €30 price charged to seniors. There was 20% discount if booked in advance.

There was a gentle hum of activity in the Champions Hall, where there was a good number of racegoers eating and betting throughout the afternoon. Sausages and chips will set you back €9.50 which is not too bad these days.

Nine of the 10 large television screens here were devoted to the Curragh action, with one showing the Liverpool match in between races. City didn’t get a look-in and don’t even ask about the GAA.

Kids were entertained by a Junior Einsteins science demonstration and a magic show in the hall, while the playground close to the parade ring was busy. Wayne Lordan’s wife Carey Ann was there with children Ella and Jack, and appreciated being able to keep an eye on the racing at the same time.

It was a breezy day but not cold and the rain just about stayed away. Horse Racing Ireland took advantage of the pleasant conditions to film an advertisement at various locations around the track. With a cast of at least 25 and a crew of around 12, they at least added to the numbers present.

Up in the stand, the security staff were refreshingly light-touch. You could go where you liked within reason without being asked for your birth certificate and bank statement. And of course the whistling roof has been silenced. The challenge now is to replace that noise with racegoers. On paper the Curragh has everything - top-class racing and great facilities.

Any ideas on how to get more people through the gates?

Curragh attendances

Friday: 2,500

Saturday: 5,200

Sunday: 4,800