BY all accounts there was a great atmosphere at the Curragh last weekend, helped in part by the weather but it has to be acknowledged that the racecourse has made great strides in improving the racegoer experience.

One feature which has gone down well with the public on big racedays is the series of interviews with racing personalities on the stage in the Champions Hall before and during racing.

Questions and answers

On Saturday and Sunday, Brian Fleming was nabbing jockeys and trainers from the weighroom and delivering them to the stage where Robbie Irwin and Daragh Ó Conchúir were asking the questions on behalf of racegoers.

We overheard Brian on Sunday saying he tried to get Ryan Moore but the top jockey politely declined as he was sweating to get down to a light weight. It was probably for the best. Interviewing a hungry Ryan Moore would be a tough job.