2008 Melbourne Royal

Well known Australian Pony breeder Stuart Ryan drove his Acheron Seimon to third place in the Buggy Turnout over 14 hands and later in the day won the Jinker Turnout over 14 hands.

Mrs. Percy drove her own Bell Rose Marcus in the Viceroy Turnout over 12hh and not over 13 hands.

There were excellent entries in all the Clydsdale classes. The geldings are pictured entering the arena. Earlier there were sixteen horses entered in the Dry Mare class.

The portable stables and canvas wash bays blend in with the Ascot Vale houses.

A communication problem meant that the sand did not arrive for the work arena, however the disgruntled showjumpers were assured it would be delivered this evening.

This is what remains of the old Melbourne Show arena, now a public meeting place with the old grand stand in the background, this year being used for a snake display.

The 1914 Horse Pavilion has been gutted and portable stables housing the Clysdales, now replace the old wooden ones. This area is the only horse area open to the general public, all other horse areas are fenced off to all but exhibitors.

The old stables and lockers have all gone but the new air conditioned lockers are an improvement, however, they do not have the atmosphere of the old ones.

Colourful steward, Irene Luxmoore returned for duty in the harness ring.

Trevor Costor drove while Justin Coster went for the drive with Burrowa Blackbird for third place in the Jinker Turnout over 10.2 and not over 14 hands.

Maryanne Pengelly drove her own Owendale Apricot into second place in the Viceroy Turnout 12 hands and under.

Natalie O'Connor drove her own and A. Baker's, Moswyn Park Moonlight to second place in the Jinker Turnout over 10.2 and not over 14 hands.

Melissa Jones drove Peter and Shane Keir's, Canberra Park Stepalong Black Knight to take out the Championship for Harness Stallion.

Mathy Hyder led her Valmont Moonrise Eclipse to win the Clydesdale Filly 3 years old.

Miss. D. Talbot's, Northdale Park Summer was declared Champion Clydesdale Filly 2 years and under.

Carly Thomas drove her Avondale Danny to win the Jinker or Buggy Turnout in Harness 10.2hh and under, while Keyara Garraway kept hold of her hat.

Tara Cox with the Cox Family's broodmare, Valmont Monique (Hillside Lorton Legend/Valmont Marguerite) that was declared Champion Clydesdale Mare and went on to take out the Supreme Clydesdale exhibit. The Cox family were also awarded Reserve Champion Mare with Valmont Pageantry.

Michelle Gorton drove the Oakford and Reeves nomination, Paluka Kingswood to second place in the Jinker or Buggy Turnout 10.2hh and under. Travis Gorton looked very good as the the groom.

With no under covered seating for spectators, the wind and wet conditions in the afternoon kept the people away from the main arena. There was also an odd time tabling issue with the newly introduced ridden Clydsdale Championship and a number of Harness events being scheduled after the 6pm show closing time.

Ms. B. Doonan drove her own Willobrook Braveheart to fifth place in the Viceroy Turnout 12 hands and under.

John Mullenger with his Dominion Park Statesman, was pleased to win the Pat Arnold Memorial Trophy for Best Yearling Clydesdale Colt and Reserve Champion Clydesdale Colt 2 years and under.

Andrew Marriott led the A T Marriott and Sons nomination of Aarunga Flash Nicholas, to win the Clydesdale Colt 2 years and claim the Champion Junior Clydesdale Colt 2 years and under award.

Clydesdale judge, Scott McGregor spent his younger years working Clydesdale in his former home of Scotland, declaring, "it was hard work in those days".

Haylands Clydesdale Stud's, Haylands Souvenir took second place in the Clydesdale Stallion 4 years or over and went on to be declared Reserve Champion Clydesdale Stallion or colt 3 years and over.

The Cox Family nomination of Valmont Avanti won the Clydesdale Stallion 4 years or over and went on to take out the Championship for colt or stallion over 3 years.

Kerry Barlow drove her well performed Nagero Grasshopper to take out the Viceroy Turnout Championship.

Heidi Stevens drove the Mr. G and Ms. C Collins, Nagero Maestro to win the Viceroy Turnout 12 hands and under.

Elsa Avery drove the Avery Family nomination of Acheron Midnight to be declared Reserve Champion for Viceroy Turnout.

Andrew Marriott led the A T Marriott and Sons nomination of Aarunga The Phanton to be declared Champion Clydesdale Gelding. Another A T Marriott and Sons horse, Aaunga Image was awarded the Reserve Champion Gelding.

Shane Keir drove the P and S Keir and Family, Canberra Park, Stepalong Lodge and Springfield Stud's, well performed Canberra Park Silhouette to win the Viceroy Turnout over 14 hands.