Doug Dirks, host of CBC's The Homestretch, brings his extensive background in covering sports to 100th Grey Cup coverage from Toronto. (CBC)

How's this for a horse tale? The Calgary Grey Cup committee tried to reenact the famous horse in the lobby scene this morning at the Royal York Hotel.

Seems pretty simple, doesn't it? Not so much apparently.

The folks at the Fairmont Hotel chain wouldn't let Marty and his rider through the front door of the hotel at 10 a.m. ET, despite the passionate pleas of the fans watching it all unfold.

So up Bay Street we went, to First Canadian Place where Marty was welcomed with open arms by the PR savvy folks at BMO.

After making a quick withdrawal of carrots and other treats, Marty and his two legged friends headed to a couple of Irish pubs.

Turns out Guinness is a staple in a healthy horse's diet. Who knew?

While all of this was going on, the communications people at Fairmont Hotels finally came to their horse senses and were desperately seeking Marty and his two legged posse for a photo op.

Back to the Royal York we went where Marty was finally allowed to "check in."

Not sure if it was the bridle suite, but after much glad handing and white hat exchanging, the horse play in three acts was finally complete.

Oh yeah, the Stampeders practiced today for the first time at the Rogers Centre. More on that later...