You dare not scratch your nose at the wrong time

Our reporter was a fascinated observer at the world famous Irish bloodstock sales arena yesterday

Andrew Nolan is up on his balcony. Down below is a gangly yearling filly, being led around a circular padded floor, on parade for the highest bidder.

If she is the prize, it is Nolan who is centre stage. As an auctioneer for the world-renowned Goffs Orby Sale in Kill, Co Kildare, he has a very serious job but you could sit down in the arena and enjoy the entertainment of the ritual he participates in, without having one iota of a clue what is going on.