03/07/07
The Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire is to finish a
day early but organisers are to continue to run the horse event
to make sure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifying rounds can
be completed.
The decision, taken by the honorary show director Mark Spencer
with his chief stewards, will see livestock classes completed a
day early and public told not to visit the 168th Royal Show on
Wednesday (July 4) because health and safety precautions are being
implemented.
Mark Spencer says that the unusually high rainfall since the show
started on Sunday resulted in the normally sound showground and
car parking areas becoming saturated.
“We consulted with our own health and safety officers, Warwickshire
police and viewed Met Office forecasts to arrive at the decision,” he
says. “We managed showground and car parking ground conditions
before and during the first three days of the show, spreading large
amounts of wood chips, chatter and straw. However, continuing heavy
rain showers meant the ground could not take more water. We had
no option other than to protect the safety of visitors, standholders
and others involved in the event.
“Clearly we are very disappointed to have made the decision
to end the show a day early but are sure everyone will understand
that safety is paramount.
“Our stewards are intent on running the equestrian competitions
on the higher, and therefore drier, ground to ensure those competing
in HOYS qualifying rounds are not disappointed.”
Organisers called on the broadcast and online media to announce
the decision and to point out to the public that the show would
not run on Wednesday.
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