Lucky Lad, the bull trained over the past year for the upcoming Pamplona Running of the Bulls by ex-Pope Benedict, will not now be permitted to participate. Inspectors from the official Pamplona race committee have found that the bull contains an unacceptable proportion of horse DNA of 100%.
The decision does however free Lucky Lad to take part in this year’s Epsom Derby. In a strong field, he is likely to face stiff competition from other ecclesiastical equines, notably the Opus Dei-trained Penitent Flagellant, and the Sisters of Perpetual Succour’s favourite, Contrary Mary.