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Paul Hensey, Curragh Racecourse Manager

Paul Hensey, Curragh Racecourse Manager

Over 30,000 people are expected at the Curragh tomorrow for the Budweiser Irish Derby, but one man hoping to be ignored is the course manager Paul Hensey.

"When nobody is talking about me, then it has been a good meeting!" says the 37-year-old Newbridge native.

Hensey will be in charge of his fourth Derby, having joined the Curragh after six years as a Turf Club steward. He is responsible for all the big races - but the Derby is extra special.

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"A good Derby means a good year," he says. "Our next biggest day is the Oaks, which has a record attendance of 14,000. So, attendance-wise, and financially, the Derby is hugely important."

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column