THERE has been an unmistakable splash of colour and spike in volume across multiple meetings in Ireland over recent weeks. Yes, student raceday season has been in full swing. The third-level sector was rewarded with some smashing weather for their annual taste of the racing product.

Healthy attendances tell you that there is still very much a demand for these fixtures among students. And why wouldn’t there be an appetite? The social positives around a day at the races is something that has absolutely been successfully leaned into elsewhere.