The following press release was received today:

"It is with great regret that I must advise you today that we have been informed it is the decision of the New Management Team of BIHS not to proceed with the 2005 event and as of today The Belfast International Horse Show is officially cancelled after being voted 'Top Global Show 2004!' and bringing in excess of 70,000 spectators to watch the biggest names in show jumping in the world on our own doorstep.

As a direct result of a meeting with NIEC yesterday, the new management team of BIHS have made their decision based on a lack of commitment to funding, funding already secured in writing for the 2005 event with only 7 weeks to go.

It is their fear that it would now be too late to secure this revenue from other sources at such a late stage.

BIHS had previously suffered at the hands of funding and it would appear that the final nail has now been driven into the event.

Previous to this meeting the new management team had the confidence in the event to have released BIHS 2005 as confirmed 1st - 4th December 2005 and tickets going on sale on Tuesday 18th October in last weeks press with the Official Launch taking place at Odyssey Arena on Tuesday 18th October at 12noon.

At present Equestrian Sports Promotions Limited are assessing the situation with the view of running the event again in 2006 but views are strong within management that this will not be likely as support has not been there when needed most in past years despite our best efforts.

We hope that everyone realises the lengths we have all gone to ensure this magical event for Ireland was saved, we tried our every best against everything thrown at us and are guilty of nothing more than trying our best and running out of money after being promised the support.

Thank you for your direct kind support in the past three years and please note we are devastated to bring this confirmation to you today and wholeheartedly apologise to everyone who has supported and believed in us and especially those who have strived to qualify for the 2005 event.

Equestrian Sports Promotions Limited"