Geelong Royal 2008

We were a little surprised to see well known horse owner, breeder, handler and singer, Emmanuel Baldacchino at Geelong Show with rabbits. Manny blames Sheryl Ackerly for the rabbit interest and all his bunnies are bred along Ackerly bloodlines. Sheryl as we know always goes for type and conformation. Manny is pictured with Melbourne Royal winner, 'D'Artagnan', a Himalayan (that's the colour) Standard Rex.

Monique Centrone was back in the winner's circle at the Royal Geelong Show today with her 'Musk Lavender Angelique' that was declared Champion Australian Miniature Pony Mare.

The Australian Miniature Ponies took over the Sheep and Wool Pavilion at Geelong. The beautifully presented ponies settled in to the sheep pens between classes.

Two year old, 'Calais Thumbalina' exhibited by Calais Miniatures was declared Champion Australian Miniature Pony Filly.

Lisa Tietz from Geelong rode her 'Ain't Just A Pretty Face' to win the Amateur Western Pleasure class and take second place in the Open Walk/Jog competition.

Stacey Deridisi from Drysdale coped with the dust to win the Improver Walk/Jog competition and the All Age Western Pleasure class with her 'Triple L Hollywood Hank'.

Ange Gulino from Lethbridge was third in the Improver Rider Western Pleasure class and won the Open Walk/Jog competition with her 'Doc's Smokin' Lion'.

Lisa Green from Wensleydale rode her 'Mickey Blue Eyes' to take first place in the Improver Western Pleasure competition.

A well matched pair. Cessie Thompson from Ross Creek took second place in the Australian Miniature Pony Gelding 2 and 3 Years with her 'Dunmovin' Lodge Playboy' and went on to claim the Junior Gelding Reserve Championship.

'Domino Downs Silver Dollar' exhibited by Anne Webb from Deer Park took out the Australian Miniature Pony Junior Gelding Championship.

Jessica Smart from Churchill is on the move with her eye-catching palomino, 'Jessbritniker Starbuck' that won the Australian Miniature Pony Gelding 6 Years and Over class and went on to be declared Reserve Champion Gelding.

Glenda Gwin from Terang took second place in the Australian Miniature Pony Gelding 6 years and Over class with her 'Lordon Vale Jesse James'.

Mandy Chandley took out the Australian Miniature Pony Gelding Championship with her 'Collandie Park Portrait'.

Robyn McCredie from Clarkefield took out the Australian Miniature Pony Yearling Championship with her 'Glenelen Chantilly'.

Tania Young from Eden View Park was thrilled to take out the Supreme Champion Australian Miniature Pony award with her Champion Colt, 'Phoenix Lodge Sierra Spirit' (Fairbrook Sierra Shadow/Little Hooves Colour Me In). There was nearly $5000 prize money on offer for the Miniature Ponies, of which Supreme received, a rug, a garland, a clock and $1000.

Kerry Collins from Winchlesea won the Western Riding class aboard her 'WD Heaven Senta Seeker'.

You cannot beat terrier racing for entertainment at a show. Due to a malfunction of the lure winding mechanism in the final, the winner, Alex Ascencio's 'Coda' caught the lure before the official end of the race. Second placegetter, 'Akira' also owned by Alex, is moving in for a takeover.

Dogs stole the limelight from the horses on the final day of the 2008 Royal Geelong Show. Bree Kerr is pictured with her 'Rusty' that created a new Victorian High Jump record today, jumping a massive 2.40m.