How did the Curragh stand the test of Irish Derby day?

Critics have had their say about the Curragh continuing to host the Irish Derby while the €70 million revamp was taking place so we asked representatives of some of the key sectors of the industry how the temporary facilities coped on Saturday

Jockey Declan McDonogh

It was adequate, we just about got by. The temporary weighing room is very tight and the valets don't have much space in which to operate.

It is a long way from the weighing room to the paddock and, if you were lucky enough to have a winner, it is a rush to get back out for the presentation.

I suggested to officials that perhaps a golf buggy should be used for that but that fell on deaf ears. The course itself was very quick at the weekend and I thought Friday night was definitely the kindest the ground was for the three days.

Declan McDonogh: said facilities were only adequate for jockeys at the Curragh on SaturdayCredit: Alain Barr

Trainer Richard O'Brien

I thought the course did a terrific job. The task they were faced with was not easy but they coped brilliantly in the circumstances.

I was there with owners on Derby day on Saturday and we couldn't have been catered for better. There was lots of space and it was very enjoyable.

We had six runners over the weekend and not one of them came back with a lump or a bump or a bruise, they were all perfect, and that tells you that the Curragh did a tremendous job with the ground given the way the weather is at the moment.

There was any amount of water available for stable staff and I have no complaints about anything.

Richard O'Brien: 'If he's going to achieve all he is capable of, he will do it for Willie; there won't be any questions left unanswered down there.'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Racegoer Brendan Duke jnr

I was not in favour of continuing to host the Irish Derby at the Curragh while it was being renovated. It was simply a case of not listening to your customers. There should be 25,000 people at the Irish Derby, not 6,000.

In saying that, I thoroughly enjoyed all three days last weekend. The temporary facilities coped really well with the crowds and I don't think racegoers had too much to complain about. It was very comfortable and catered well for racegoers.

The only real complaint I could make is having to wait for the horses to come into the parade ring before you can get across towards the front of the enclosures. That was a bit frustrating.

Boomaker Ray Mulvaney

I have to hand it to Derek McGrath and all the staff at the Curragh, I thought they did a a commendable job with what they had to work with. The Curragh looked much better for this year's Derby than it did for last year's one that's for sure.

From a bookmaker's point of view, we can't have too many complaints. The betting ring was easily accessible from the parade ring and the place was very attractive.

It is a very difficult process to be hosting a Derby while renovations are taking place but they've done very well. Six of the eight races on Saturday were losing ones for us, but at least we got a result in the Derby with Saxon Warrior getting beaten and Latrobe winning.

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