The going was heavy at Dublin Airport last night as serious flight delays slowed the progress of hundreds of Cheltenham-bound race-goers, writes Frank McNally in Cheltenham
There were few complaints, however. The extension of the festival to four days makes this year's event an unprecedented test of stamina, even for veterans, and nobody wanted to go off too early.
As always, the planes could have been fuelled by optimism. But for once the confidence seems justified (and not only because Justified is the name of the Irish-trained favourite in today's opener).
With Ireland saddling the top seven in the betting, the finish of the Champion Hurdle - the big race of festival Tuesday - threatens to be an early St Patrick's Day parade.
The only apparent issue is which of the Irish horses will win. A group of Tipperary men at the airport were bullish about the chances of Back in Front, a local favourite trained by Thurles man Eddie O'Grady.
The Tipp punters were typical of the Irish Cheltenham pilgrimage, including as they did a publican (Jim O'The Mill Ryan from Upperchurch) and a priest (Fr Eugene Everard from Templetuohy), and as always it was hard to gauge just how well informed they were. But since Ryan's tips also included Fr Everard to be the next bishop of Cashel and Emly (Nap), they may well have had inside information.
Cheltenham may need all the Irish priests it can get this year. A licensing committee of the town's borough council has overridden objections by residents to allow lap-dancing in local pubs this week.
"Exotic late-night entertainment" may not rival hard drinking and poker as the favourite post-race diversions here, but four fleshpots - Fez, Thirteen Degrees, Enigma, and Niche - will be adding to race-goers' temptations after the council committee's 11-1 vote.
Liberal Democrat councillor John Webster expressed disgust at the development, calling it "sordid and unnecessary".
Thousands of Irish punters will attend the marathon festival, although many are opting for two and three-day packages.