Horse fair limps along as bylaws cut the number of four-legged attendees

Like some animals which previously graced its famed cobblestones, the first staging of the historic Smithfield Horse Fair under a new bylaw regime in Dublin yesterday was a bit lame.

The colour and frenzy associated with the traditional, centuries-old fair was somewhat lacking as the number of horses on display was a fraction of the cavalry once associated with Smithfield.

Humans overwhelmingly outnumbered animals of a four-legged variety in the famous square yesterday as the new rules were widely seen has having an adverse effect on the number of horses on display. It is estimated that less than 50 horses attended yesterday’s fair.