The yearly International Agricultural Show was on in Paris earlier this month. It’s a huge thing. I usually go but remain in the restricted area of hall 4, which accommodates fowls, rabbits, dogs and... equines.

This year I did try to have a look at the cows, sheep and goats area as well, but to tell the truth just went in to say hello and buy a Roquefort cheese after I’d spent four hours with the donkeys.

I was pretty lucky as I arrived just on time, on the day when they open until 11 pm, to see all the donkeys parading on the main arena as they were to be presented with the rosettes and medals.

As far as I could gather, Roudoudou got an elegance award and I was very happy for him. I’d first heard of Roudoudou by my parents. On the day the show opened, they saw him in the news and on television.

On the day I visited, he was at his best and very well behaved. He was at his kindest with the children who literally queued up to give him a gentle stroke or a big hug or even a kiss. I did give him a kiss myself, between the ears.

I gave a quick ring to my parents on the mobile, just to tell them "guess who I am facing just now !"

Now, there was another star … in the donkey category, this year. A lovely Grand Noir du Berry donkey had given birth only a few weeks before and was with her foal. A little girl if I remember well, who was making a real show of herself, galloping, jumping, rolling on the arena while her mother was receiving her own award trying to keep as dignified a composure she could.