Madam, – Last Thursday, after many years, I visited the Horse Show at the RDS in Ballsbridge. With nostrils assailed with the whiff of fast food at every corner, I wandered around to the lawn at Anglesea Road, recalling leisurely drinks on rickety wooden benches, relaxing to the sound of the Number One Army Band. But I suddenly found myself in the middle of a frenzied and tatty “fashion” show that passed for Ladies Day – a far cry from the elegance and restraint of former days.
Sitting on the members’ stand the ring still looked wonderful, but how bizarre to hear Britney Spears and others being belted out from the speakers while waiting for the jumping to commence. During the jumping it was impossible to make out the announcements, as the same voice came from different directions, at a slight interval. No technological advances there.
It was a far cry from the chap who, in a crystal clear voice, used to announce such things as “clare round” or “far fawlts”.
How things had changed!
– Yours, etc,