2005 Brisbane Royal Show

Trina Crawford rode CR Mastin's 'Bayview Midnight Jazz' into the placings in the Novice Galloway 14.2-15hh class.

The Horse Expo is always popular with the show-goers. It provides a one stop viewing of everything from Thoroughbreds to Miniature Ponies.

The stables and lockers at the Ekka underwent renovation this year. However OHS deemed the climb and possible quick descent from the overhead lockers far too dangerous. To that end the ladders were boarded up and the lockers padlocked. It had occured to me over the years the possible health risk of climbing the ladders 'after dinner' but no serious injuries are recorded.

A few days into the show, this hill becomes very steep indeed. The stables are at the top and the arena at the bottom. They do look smart with the new paint job.

Yesterday, Joanne Uppington and Robyn Unsworth's 'Festival was second in the Novice and won the Open 10 Stone Hack class. Today the beautiful six-year-old mare by Silver Laird out of A Riot in Paris, was declared Supreme Champion Led Thoroughbred Exhibit.

Brisbane Royal Ringmaster, Warren Cummins, introduces Queensland Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Gordon Nuttall, to the action on the Main Arena at the 2005 Ekka.

K Taunton's 'Contemplations of Rathowen' puts her best foot forward in the Novice 14-14.2hh Galloway class workout.

Nikki Jamieson with her 'Wyndham Game Show' work out in the Novice Galloway 14-14.2hh class.

Briony Payne, another Victorian refugee from the cold rode J & T Robson and G Parker's 'Montego Chiffon' into fourth place in the Novice and third place in the Open Galloway 14-14.2hh class.

Emily Hart claimed a popular victory in the Novice 14-14.2hh Galloway class riding Babette Chandler's 'Samson Showtime'. This combination went on to take second place in the tough Open class.

Kelly Bond from Fernvale in Queensland has had great success at the Ekka and continued this year with her 'Confusions of Rathowen', who took second place in the Novice 14-14.2hh Galloway class.

Laura Widdowson with her 'Euston Royal Celebrity' work out in the Novice Galloway 14.2-15hh class.

Sally Watkins, who has enjoyed great success at Brisbane over the years took third place in the Novice Galloway 14.2-15hh with her 'Willowcroft Classical'.

Gona Beck is perhaps uttering soothing words to the lovely mare, 'Commands Attention'. If so it worked as they took second place in the Novice and third in the Open Galloway 14.2-15hh class. Exhibited by Gina and J Rands.

Abbey Lovell rode G Wallen's 'Doongara Willpower' in the Novice 14.2-15hh Galloway class.

David Mawhinney from Wellcamp in Queensland with 'Royal Invasion' in action in the Group A AM5.

Well-known showing identity, Debbie Etheridge, (many will remember her sensational hack, Brazen Emperor) made a triumphant return to the show ring after a five-year spell. Debbie from Tamworth won both the Novice and Open Galloway 14.2-15hh classes with her 'Dresden Touch O'Glamour'. The five-year-old mare by Courtland Boy Blue looks to have a great future.

Despite measuring up, Mark Tarrant rode Lauren Tomasi's 'Dunelm Royal Salute' to take fourth place in the Open 14.2-15hh class.

Checkers anyone? They really are a work of art!

Merick Ubank and 'Tallai Lady' from Park Ridge in Quunsland. show good form in the Section A AM5.

Bridgett Chalmers with a little help from Peter Widdowson, took second place in the Pony Turnout for Riders 6-8 Years.

Bianca and Rod Heaton combined to take fourth place in the Pony Turnout class for Riders 6-8 Years.

A wonderful and succesful combination. Trinette Crawford rode Sue Peters' lovely 'Beaufort Heiress' to win the Open 14-14.2hh Galloway class. Earlier in the show Heiress was declared Champion Ridden Riding Pony.

Adam Oliver rode the Widdowson family's 'Willowcroft Regal Winter' to take fourth place in the Open 14-14.2hh Galloway class.

Angela Latter and her 'Skyview Bridie' have assumed legend status in the Sidesaddle ring. You will not find a more elegant combination anywhere. They made a clean sweep of the Sidesaddle classes on offer at the Ekka today.

Danica Hardy took fourth place in the Period Costume Sidesaddle Tournout class.

Jessica Levick from Rochedale in Queensland took third place in the Period Costume SIdesadle Turnout class.

Cathy Doohley in an informal outfit took fifth place in the Period Costume Sidesaddle Turnout class.

Kim Durante rode 'Sanlirra Spellbound' into second place in the Open 14.2-15hh Galloway class. Exhibited by the Hewitt and Durante Famlies.

Jacqui Illa from South MacLean in Queensland was second in the Period Costume Sidesaddle Turnout class.