The three-day National Hunt Festival at Punchestown put in a good audition this week for the role to which it has been aspiring of late - the Cheltenham of Ireland. The rain was heavy, the going was heavy and the betting was heavy, but the mood was one of elation, as racing enthusiasts and socialites turned out in force to sample the gleaming new facilities.
It's only a miracle, Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy had declared on Sunday as he opened the revamped course and new equestrian centre - the fruits of an £8.75 million investment. The Minister returned midweek along with other members of the political fraternity: Tanaiste Mary Harney; Minister for Tourism, Leisure and Sport Jim McDaid, former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and former PD leader Dessie O'Malley.
Jockey Lester Piggot was uncharacteristically jovial, but wasn't giving out any tips. That task fell to Father Sean Breen, who played the role of celebrity tipster in the exclusive Punchestown Pavilion marquee.
The sudden upturn in the weather on Wednesday ensured Ladies' Day was a typically bright and colourful affair. Avril Ahern from Killiney scooped the Best Dressed Lady award and £3,000 to spend at Brown Thomas. A popular choice for runner-up was septuagenarian Vi Lawlor of Lawlor's Hotel in Naas.
Actors Oliver Reed and Stephen Rea and were easily spotted, while from the Formula One world, Jordan Mugen-Honda team manager Eddie Jordan and former GAA president Jack Boothman both put in appearances. Eddie was a guest of Frank Keane, chairman of Motor Import, which imports BMW into Ireland.
But it was the business community which turned out in truly great numbers. Declan, Shane and Cathal Ryan of the Ryanair dynasty were there, and Dermot Desmond and Robert Sangster were also to be seen. Frank Cruess Callaghan, sponsor of the Stanley Cooker Champion Novice Hurdle Race on Wednesday, was accompanied by his wife Evelyn and daughters Suzie and Jenny.