A DAY with the Tipps is always special but when that day happens to be their opening meet in Fethard, it takes it to a completely different dimension. Recognised by all as the world’s veritable horse capital, Fethard is a very special place indeed. It hosts the Fethard Horse Museum in the old Town Hall, a must for all horse enthusiasts, and the famous Coolmore Stud is just a stone’s throw from the town.

And so it was we found ourselves on bank holiday Monday in the small park between the Clashawley river and the historic town wall, first built in 1375, and still among the best preserved of any in these islands. It was a gala sight to see Gavin Shorten with 15 and a half couple, an all-bitch pack to boot.