THE usually unflappable Aidan O’Brien dropped his guard in a passionate TV interview after Lambourn won the Irish Derby.
The Ballydoyle boss was responding to criticism of the Curragh card on one of their biggest weekends of the season.
Some punters claimed a series of lower-grade handicaps ruined what should have been two days of top class action.
And, in their opinion, that led to a load of people snubbing the track – in a mirror of punters deserting Epsom for our Derby.
Racing TV presenter Kevin O’Ryan said he hadn’t seen as big a crowd for an Irish Derby ‘in a long time’.
But official figures showed the attendance had actually dropped from last year – when 11,400 racegoers were there compared to 11,200 this year.
O’Brien, the biggest Flat trainer in the sport, wasn’t having any of the criticism.
And he said people had to vote with their feet and get to the track to feel the atmosphere, because that is what will keep them coming back.
Getting uncharacteristically animated, a lit-up O’Brien said: “I think most of the criticism is unfair.
“If everyone just gets it into their head to tell people to come racing – not to be critical and not how bad it is – tell people how good it is!
“It’s the greatest nonsense, it’s negativity at its strongest.
“Tell people how good it is and everyone will come and have a good time
“That’s the problem – everyone in racing needs to change.
“Tell peple how great it is and come and feel it.
“The more people who come the better the atmosphere, the more things will happen and be put on.
“We’re all in this world at this time, enjoy it and get together and have a great time.
“Try not to be negative, be positive!
“If you’re positive all the positive things will happen. If you’re negative all the negative things will come.
“Everybody, try to be more positive.
“Believe me it will be so much better for everybody because all anyone wants to do is get people in and help everyone and do the best they can for everyone.”;
ITV Racing presenter Oli Bell was among those praising O’Brien, saying he was ‘bang on the money’.
Not everyone was convinced, however.
At a time when racecourse are coming under increased scrutiny for ticket and food prices as well as the quality on show on the track, one said: “What he’s basically say is sweep the bad things under the carpet? No thanks.”;
O’Brien was speaking after Lambourn made it a Derby double after winning at Epsom.
The Ryan Moore-ridden 8-13 fav looked under the cosh four furlongs out as his jockey got down to serious work in the saddle.
But he simply kept finding and repelled all challengers, including shock 28-1 runner-up Serious Contender.
He was beaten a length by King George V Stakes handicap winner Merchant at Royal Ascot.
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