No decline in public or exhibitor interest as RDS spokeswoman insists event offers great value for families, writes SEÁN MacCONNELL, Agriculture Correspondent
MORE THAN 80,000 people are expected at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Showgrounds in Dublin over the next five days for the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show.
This is the 137th show to be staged and this year the event, which runs from today to Sunday, will cost over €3 million to run.
According to Michele Griffin, commercial director of the RDS, the attraction of the event for both exhibitors and the public has not waned and advance bookings are running on a par with last year.
“We have over 350 trade stands on the grounds and a waiting list of over 40 exhibitors who cannot get in,” she said.
She said following the annual review of the event in 2008, the RDS had decided to amend its corporate hospitality and remodelled it.
“Nearly 95 per cent of the corporate bookings are for our silver service, which involves a meal and a glass of wine, and bookings for this are the same as last year.”
She defended the admission costs, especially those for families, and said on Sunday next, for instance, a family of two adults and four children could come to the show for €46.
“If you work it out, a family can be on the grounds from nine in the morning until late in the evening, this represents very good value compared to other venues such as the zoo,” Ms Griffin said.
Restaurant and catering prices were controlled, with a range of menus to suit all pockets with prices clearly displayed. Admission prices had been frozen at the same levels as last year.
She did not consider an admission price of €21 for an adult and €15 for a child and €50 for a season ticket to be excessive, given the amount of time and entertainment available on the grounds during the show.
A recent report said the show generated €42 million into the local economy, she said.
When profiling the usual attendees, Ms Griffin said that 8-10 per cent of the visitors to the show were international visitors and there was huge support from Northern Ireland, which made up for over 10 per cent of annual attendance.
“It is also interesting that a quarter of our exhibitors are from overseas.”
The total prize fund for the 2010 Show will be in excess of €920,000 and the prize funds for the Longines International Grand Prix and Meydan FEI Nations Cup stand at €200,000 apiece.
With entries in the various horse competitions up again this year, there will be 1,400 horses and ponies competing in over 100 classes and jumping competitions.
Friday is traditionally the busiest day when a capacity crowd comes to see the Nations Cup for the award of the Aga Khan trophy. President Mary McAleese will this year present the trophy to the triumphant nation.
Ireland, Spain, France, the US, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden will all compete in the event.
Tomorrow will be Ladies Day, which is sponsored by Blossom Hill and boasts a prize fund of nearly €15,000.