Convoys of white limousines and helicopters are not things normally found abandoned in the muddy country fields of Kildare. But Budweiser Irish Derby day is an exception to many rules and is certainly one of the most colourful days on the Irish sporting calendar.
A crowd of about 30,000 converged in their finery on the Curragh yesterday afternoon and in spite of adverse weather conditions the punters seemed to be enjoying themselves. Over the course of the day a combination of stiletto heels and heavy horse hooves tore through the rain-sodden terrain.
Two of the winners early in the day were Denise O'Dwyer and Mike Tonery from Galway, who were awarded the title of Best Dressed Couple. They were not the only stylish couple present at an event which is almost as much about fashion as it is about racing.
Nikki Walsh from Donnybrook, Dublin 4, told The Irish Times that preparations for a day like yesterday aren't as time-consuming as some might think.
"A nice dress and a small bit of tan in the morning is all that it really takes," she said. And was she at the Curragh for the racing? "Absolutely not. Today is about having fun with my friends, enjoying the atmosphere and a few glasses of champagne."
Among the stylish punters were television personalities Gráinne Seoige, Katherine Thomas and RTÉ rugby pundit Brent Pope, who was quick to admit that racing was not his forte.
"I know the front end of a horse from the back and that's about it," Pope said. "I received a number of tips today but in the time it took me to walk from the gate to the track they'd changed about 10 times so I won't be betting too much."
Throughout the day the betting halls were chaotic as punters eagerly wagered. The action at the Curragh alone wasn't enough for some and about 50 enthusiasts filled the time between races by betting on the cross-channel action from Oxford and Uttoxeter.
As the proceedings moved on the nerves of some punters were visibly wearing thin. Betting slips were being scrunched up and discarded like unwanted solicitors' letters.
"There's been some decent action so far today and the results in the first and second races were quite good from our point of view," said William Power of Richard Power Bookmakers. "There's a while to go yet but if Eagle Mountain is beaten in the Derby it will have been a good day for us," he said.
Luckily for Mr Power and not so for many punters, Soldier of Fortune revelled in the soft conditions and scooped the prize of €847,500 for finishing first in the Derby. The bookies had a good day, as did most of those present.
