This year they failed to catch a single runner on the course, although they made up for it in the evening.
Just as matador Pepin Liria plunged his sword into Sorprendido's neck, the bull bucked, jabbing his horn into Liria's arm and tearing an 8cm gash in his right bicep.
It was a last act of self-defense before dying.
Blood poured through a hole in the bullfighter's maroon and gold suit and his colleagues carried him off for surgery in the ring-side infirmary.
Later that evening another bull did his bit for the family name, tearing a hole in a second bullfighter's thigh.
Three horses dragged away Sorprendido's body -- minus one ear sawn off in recognition of Liria's skill.
The rest went to the butcher.
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