It was difficult to imagine a more heavenly place to be on Sunday than at The Curragh.
Saturday's weather was of the 'four seasons in an hour' variety to which Irish folk are long accustomed, but people with less interest in the equine travails were tanning themselves on the lawn under the stand on Sunday. It was glorious.
In these times, though, it is not easy to maintain or increase crowd levels. Going racing, however, still offers so much and the whispers and gossip that do the rounds are one of the most alluring aspects of visiting the track.
The word I garnered over the weekend is that John Murtagh, to tally with the gamble, will likely ride Rip Van Winkle in the Investec Derby.
Moreover, connections privately have no concerns about the colt's very suspect stamina for a mile and a half. Out of a Stravinsky mare he may be, but the word from Tipperary is that he will get the 12 furlongs without difficulty.
Those without access to such information - whatever the truth of it - can back Fame And Glory at 4-1 now. His drift merely reflects the likelihood that Murtagh will partner Rip Van Winkle and has nothing to do with the wellbeing of the Montjeu colt - or so goes the word.
Indeed, Fame And Glory is apparently in great order and has come on nicely since the Derrinstown. But Murtagh has always raved about Rip Van Winkle.
It is one of those times when one must weigh up the merits of whispers against the form book. Three of the top four in the Derby betting are now unproven beyond a mile and it is shaping up into an especially fascinating renewal, particularly if you are Irish.