Agile but fragile, a dodgy combination in dogs

Hot toddies were the order of the day again in Clonmel yesterday, another fresh morning.

Tim O'Driscoll couldn't find it in himself to straighten his elbow once he started pouring, so I found myself gripping what was described as ‘a bulky one’. Firewater, the American Indians call it, and Tim's measure certainly lived up to the name, day-long central heating.

Of more serious concern, the cold left the ground in a frosty grip, and as 11.30 approached, first course, concerns were being expressed in the lower carpark, where gather all the trainers and their charges.