IRISH Derby day lacked a bit of buzz but there was more right than wrong at the Curragh last Sunday.

The weather was mixed. Passing showers topped and tailed the day and there was a strong breeze throughout which you could really feel in the grandstand or when in the shade. Mostly it was fine though, you couldn’t complain after weeks of sunshine.

The official attendance of 10,900 was down slightly on the previous year. You could blame it on the Dublin-Mayo match but the Derby is always going to clash with a fairly important GAA game, even if the big race moved to Saturday evening.

Betting hall

A couple of screens in the betting hall were showing the game which turned out to be very one-sided so you didn’t feel you’d missed much. The racing was more competitive than the football.

There was plenty of space wherever you went. Time was when you’d have to fight your way into the grandstand once the Derby runners had left the parade ring. Now you can quite easily stroll into a prime position seconds before the off and have a seat if you like, though it looked full once you were in there.

The new Derby anthem got its first airing and, in fairness, it’s not bad and was performed with admirable gusto by Paul Linehan, accompanied by the Newbridge Gospel Choir. I couldn’t hum it for you yet but the most memorable line is something like ‘We’ll put you through your paces at the famous Curragh Races’.

Auguste Rodin got a decent reception passing the post without bringing the house down.

Staffing was no issue. Plenty working behind the bars and on the Tote. Security were non-threatening and you could walk (or sit) just about anywhere without being hassled. There’s plenty of seating indoors too and they were all being used.

Having walked through all the enclosures, the champagne bar was arguably the nicest spot with the best atmosphere. Mind you, the prices were eye-watering (€24 for a glass of bubbly and €110 minimum for a bottle) but that’s well-flagged.

Overall, there wasn’t much to fault. Facilities are now what they should be and certainly capable of holding 10,000 racegoers comfortably. Getting the numbers to another level is the tricky bit. English runners won’t do it and I don’t think cheaper tickets will either. It might just be a case of having to roll up your sleeves and sign up groups and clubs, one by one.