Equine Excellence at 2014 Great Yorkshire Show
A packed programme of both showing classes and top class jumping is promised at the 2014 Great Yorkshire Show, and with Lorenzo, the equestrian dynamo, topping the Main Ring programme with his 10-horse dare devil bare back display, there’s plenty to entertain and impress.
(NB: Images available to download from the bottom of the release)
The showing classes always attract the best and this year is no exception. Equine entries stand at an impressive 1,813 - one of the highest ever - and with 37 Horse of the Year Show qualifying classes, the standard is guaranteed to be strong.
The Great Yorkshire is England’s premier agriculture event and runs from Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 July at the showground on the edge of the spa town of Harrogate. Around 130,000 visitors are expected to attend to enjoy an insight into rural life. The event is renowned for its equine section which never fails to entertain and impress the knowledgeable grandstand crowds.
New for 2014 is a side-saddle demonstration. This takes place on Tuesday, with the period costumes adding style and interest, while a team of riders of all ages will perform routines to music, mainly on the flat with a couple of jumping demonstrations too. Then the following day there are the competitive classes which never fail to impress.
Tuesday afternoon will see the TopSpec White Rose Ring grand stand packed to over flowing to enjoy the thrills and spills of the two working hunter classes. The huge entry will entertain the crowds as they watch the competitors tackle the enormous course of jumps.
The popularity of the Retrained Racehorse class has grown substantially over the years and has an impressive 47 entries this year. Thankfully there are two ride judges to make the difficult decisions - Guy Landau of Bridgewater and Jenny Banks of Hull with Miss Dale Atkinson from Newmarket judging confirmation.
One of the highlights is Thursday’s Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship (a qualifier for HOYS) and the pinnacle of the three days of in-hand classes. The difficult task of selecting the winner is in the capable hands Mrs Jo MacInnes from Penrith, Cumbria.
Show jumping takes place daily in the Main Ring and is always a huge hit. The action begins on Tuesday with The Barber Titley William Hanson Stakes and then The Port Royal EEC Badsworth Stakes.
The following day sees the British Showjumping International Stairway class and The Rudding Park Great Yorkshire Championship. On the final day, it’s the aptly named Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream Mini Major Whip Round with The Ripon Select Foods Cock O’ the North as the culmination to the show. A contest of height of jumps versus speed, this class is truly breath-taking and has seen such illustrious winners such as John Whitaker, Harvey and Robert Smith taking the iconic trophy. John will be hoping to clinch the prestigious title for what would be the seventh time!
The speed theme continues with Scurry - a thrilling, fast paced race against the clock to see who can drive a pair of ponies and trap round a course in the quickest time with the fewest faults. The qualifying rounds take place in the Main Ring on Wednesday and Thursday with the final on Thursday afternoon.
ENDS
27 June 2014
Media contact: Judy Thompson, PR Manager, 01423 546215 or email judyt@yas.co.uk or Caroline Cook on 0792 0091923.
If you wish to apply for press passes to the Great Yorkshire Show, please complete the online application form on our website, by 2 July 2014 - http://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/media/press-passes
Editors’ Notes - GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
Tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show are available on line - www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or call 01423 541222 or in person from the Show’s office at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
Tickets bought in advance+ Tickets bought on the gate
Adult: £22 Adult £25
Concession: £21 Concession: £24
Children (5 – 18yrs): £9 Children (5 – 18 yrs): £11
Family Ticket*: £56 Family Ticket* £64
Under 5s are admitted free but must be accompanied.
Family* - admits 2 adults and up to three children.
The final date for ordering advance tickets is Wednesday 2 July.
Parking is free and extensive. Free buses will run from Harrogate Bus Station to the showground. Please be aware, dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed on the showground. For more information and the latest news, please see www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk
YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was formed in 1837 and is a charity dedicated to supporting the farming industry and rural life. The Society is the organiser of the annual farming and country showcase, the Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live. Both take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire and are flagship events for agriculture and rural life. Dates for the 2014 Great Yorkshire Show are Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 July, and Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October for Countryside Live.
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