Riding the favourite in the famous colours of JP McManus and on a Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding at the Curragh is a dream challenge for most jockeys.

Punchestown, as ever, is a microcosm of Irish society — a brash playground for the nouveau riche during the boom years and a less vulgar, more genuine celebration of all things equine during these austere times.

HANGING around in a one-horse town has never been so much so fun.