As the equestrian fraternity have feared since rebuilding works began at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, there have been drastic cuts made - and the showjumpers are amongst the casualties of the "new look" Melbourne Royal Show - now organisers assure us that showjumping WILL return in 2006, bigger and better but to be honest this writer has their doubts.

Our doubts about the return of these events are based on the fact that if there isn't enough room this year then unless they are intending to build new arena's (which has not been suggested as far as we know) how will they fit in next year what doesn't fit this year!!

The show horse and pony exhibitors will also find their classes altered to into the new program which is being dictated by the rebuild of the grounds and as we understand it the harness classes will be scheduled for the first week of the show and they will then vacate the grounds and the show classes will move into play.

For many the famous Grand Parade was the highlight of their visit to the Melbourne Royal Show - it was a spectacular which is not seen anywhere in the world - but no that too is to be "modified" and as we understand it will be a Parade of Champions only - a very poor subsitute for spectators and competitors alike!

We understand that the Alice Laidlaw trophy for Lady Riders Over Jumps, the Garryowen of Jumping Riders, is still being discussed - but I would sauggest that yu don't hold your breath - it involves jump fences and they are apparently "moving out of the grounds" at Flemington - and Australian Showjumpers lose not just a prestigious series of classes but anothe rWorld Cup class from the circuit!

NEWS RELEASE

SPECIAL PLANS FOR HORSE EVENTS AT 2005 ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW

Special arrangements are being put in place for horse events at the 2005 Royal Melbourne Show because major works will be under way at Showtime for the redevelopment of the Showgrounds.

The redevelopment works in 2005 will result in a reduction in the size of the Main Arena to approximately half its area.

Therefore most horse classes will be moved to the Western Judging Ring, the surface of which will be significantly upgraded. However, The Garryowen and other major championship events will continue on the Main Arena.

Mr Stephen Carter, Chief Executive Officer of the RAS, said today amendments to the horse events were developed in conjunction with the RAS Horse Committee as part of the program to manage the total Showgrounds site effectively during the 2005 Royal Show.

"Redevelopment of the site will result in a magnificent brand new facility being available for the 2006 Show," Mr Carter said.

"For 2005, we have had to adapt competitions to ensure the overall safety of exhibitors and competitors.

"For this reason, the space available will not permit us to hold Show Jumping, Camp Drafting and Hunting events at this year's Show," Mr Carter said.

"The Horse Committee is continuing discussions with relevant exhibitor groups to keep them informed about the situation and to assure them of the RAS commitment to stage these events in the future.

"In particular, Show Jumping will definitely return to the Royal Show in 2006."

Mr Carter said the RAS is convinced that the changes it has been forced to make for this year are in the best interests of all concerned - exhibitors, competitors and Show visitors.

"The 2005 Show program will feature some of the premier riders and horses on the Australian circuit," Mr Carter said.

"We look forward to a return to our full Show program on the new-look Showgrounds in 2006 and beyond."

RAS Media Release