McGrath believes Irish Oaks fixture will prove popular

Curragh chief executive Derek McGrath is hoping those who attended last month's Irish Derby enjoyed themselves enough to return for the Darley Irish Oaks on Saturday, when he is expecting a crowd of close to 4,000.

Not only has the Curragh faced criticism over the decision to race on despite redevelopment work restricting the attendance to 6,000 and necessitating use of temporary facilities, but Irish Oaks day clashes with the July Cup on what is dubbed 'Super Saturday' in Britain – meaning Ryan Moore, among others, will be a star name missing from the Curragh cast.

McGrath is feeling positive about the fixture, however, and is confident those who attended the Irish Derby will come back, especially with the 'Frankie factor' surrounding hot favourite Enable in the feature event.

"I hope people who came to the Derby will begin to believe the Curragh is still able to provide a good day out and some top-class racing," said McGrath.

"It's not ideal the Irish Oaks will clash with the July Cup and it's disappointing we'll not have stars like Ryan Moore here, but that's the way the fixtures have fallen this year and it's our job to provide a great day's racing.

Ryan Moore (left) will not be in attendance at the Curragh on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"One of our main objectives is to entice more and more international visitors to the Curragh and to have Frankie Dettori and John Gosden here with Enable is a big boost.

"As regards the crowd, the weather will play a big part but I'd like to think we'll get close to 4,000. I'd imagine it will be somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 on both Saturday and Sunday."

McGrath said Curragh staff are on a learning curve about how to provide racegoers with the best possible experience, and continued: "We've staged nine meetings now with the temporary facilities and are learning all the time. We learn something new after each one.

"We did a lot of things right for the Irish Derby. That was a huge operation for us as a lot of eyes were on the Curragh. We got very positive feedback from all our sponsors, including our main sponsor Dubai Duty Free.

"Oaks weekend is a different challenge and, while it's on a smaller scale, it's all about our attention to detail. Our parking system has improved a lot and we have come a long way overall. I genuinely believe those who come to the Curragh this weekend will enjoy it."

Enable, who will be attempting to become the first filly since Snow Fairy in 2010 to double up at the Curragh after winning the Oaks at Epsom, heads a remaining entry of 14 for the Irish Oaks after the five-day forfeit stage.

Aidan O'Brien whittled down his possibles to five from 16, with Rain Goddess and Alluringly the chief contenders.

He said: "It's looking like Rain Goddess will run in the Irish Oaks. We haven't done much with her since the Pretty Polly but were pleased with that run and hopefully the trip will suit her. Alluringly is also on course to run."

It is 20 years since John Oxx won the first of his two Irish Oaks and the trainer could be double-handed.

"We'll see how the week goes but the plan is to run Bengala and Naughty Or Nice," he said.

"Bengala could do with some rain so we'd be tempted to run her if we get some comfort in the ground for her.

"Naughty Or Nice had a bit of a disaster when she ran at Royal Ascot and the saddle slipped.

"The intention was to run in the Ribblesdale and find out where she stood in the scheme of things but we didn't learn anything. She's in the Oaks so we're tempted to run and see what happens."

Irish Oaks card