The Dealer is always fascinated by the lengths to which pedigree breeders go during the show summer season. But it seems that between brushing and blow-drying, divine intervention still has a part to play. I heard a Clare breeder won all around him last weekend and he’s putting it down to the hay made in a graveyard that his stock ate.

The Dealer has seen breeders spray holy water on cattle before a show, but holy hay is a new one.