Horses return to Sydney Royal Show

IN yet another turn for competitors, NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) President Rob Vickery have announced that Australia’s best horses will now be able to compete at the 2008 Sydney Royal Show as part of the Sydney Royal Horse Classic.
In an off again, on again debacle, competitors have been put through the ringer as to whether or not they will be able to compete at this years Royal Show, but it seems the final decision is a positive one.
“I am pleased we have been able to reach a practical solution to the restrictions associated with the equine influenza and these important competitions can proceed,” Mr Macdonald said.
“We all want to ensure the Sydney Royal retains its 180 year tradition as well as its outstanding reputation and status as one of the world’s premier horse events.”
Mr Macdonald also said the announcement signified a road to recovery for the leisure horse industry in NSW.
Despite tight bio-security conditions interstate competitions will go ahead at the Royal Show in 2008 and the same entry methods will be used as in 2007.
“We will be inviting invitations from interstate,” RAS President Rob Vickery told The Advocate.
“We expect to have the same level of competition, but not the same numbers across the board.”
The drop in numbers will be due to a number of cancelled events, including Pony Club, Time Trials and a large amount of breed competitions.
Mr Vickery said although many horses have been out of action due to EI, he still expects horses that were in top form last year to keep the competition at a high standard.
“There will be a refined judging criteria, and results pre EI will be taken into account. We would expect horse that did well last year to do well again. ”
The change of heart comes as implications of EI begin to withdraw in NSW.
“We are working closely with the DPI Minister and have been able to change our position for the better as EI resides,” Mr Vickery said.
“The racing industry is back on track and the show horse world needs to get back on its feet as well.”
The Easter Show will also see an additional 500 horses compete in Olympic qualifying showjumping, as well as interstate and international polo and polo- crosse matches, campdraft and stock horse competitions.
The RAS will work with the DPI who will assist exhibitors to access EI vaccine as required to meet bio-security arrangements to compete at the Easter Show.
A vaccination request form will be posted to all exhibitors in the coming week.
10 January 2008 - 9:36AM
Nikki Taylor