2006 Royal Melbourne Show

Large signs are now erected where wonderful old building once stood. The new horse arena is on the site of the WJT Clarke Cattle pavilion which was opened in 1920.

Temporary horse and cattle washes.

The new look Cattle/Livestock pavilion, which looks wonderful, however, there are already concerns that it is not large enough to house all the cattle and sheep along with judging rings. This year some cattle are being housed in the Western end before the dogs move next year.

The new CWA cafe/restaurant now housed underneath the only remaining grand stand. Even the CWA has moved into the modern era, selling alcohol along with cups of tea.

It is hard to image but this shipping container is the best the RASV can do for the judges and stewards. Here international Clydesdale judge, Mrs. Marshall takes a break from judging.

The old Horse Pavilion built in in 1914.

The main arena looking back to the seating area and the Grand Pavilion which replaces the Dairy Pavilion, the Horticultural Pavilion and the Safeway Freshfood Pavilion. It is a good big space.

Winner of the Viceroy turnout under 10.2hh, Paluka Kingswood exhibited by W. Oakford and A. Reeve.

The new/old Members dining room and Members bars, This building was a bar before the renovations and now is the Members area at the back and the Horseman's bar at the front.

First place in the Viceroy Turnout over 14hh, Makari Premiere exhibited by R and K Barlow and driven by Warren Barlow from Bowral NSW. If you think the new look ground has brought huge numbers of spectators, you are wrong, they were just waiting to watch the Monster Trucks squash cars.

Kerry Barlow drove her own and brother Warren's, Riverlodge Vanity's Hero to win the Viceroy Turnout for Ponies 13hh and not over 14hands.

Champion Viceroy Turnout and winner of the Viceroy Turnout Hackney or Part-Bred Hackney, Four Winds Oz Parade, driven by Peter Keir from the ACT and exhibited by S and P Keir and family, Stepalong Lodge and Springfield Studs.

Champion Clydesdale Gelding, Ferndales Viscount exhibited by Foster's Australia Limited.

Reserve Champion Clydesdale Gelding, Aarunga Image exhibited by A T Marriott and Sons.

The new slogan of the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show, "The Best of Shows". It may be for some but will certainly not be for most of the equestrian competitors.

Light Harness judge, Sharon Dunne.

Winner of the Jinker Turnout over 14hh, Acheron Starlight Express exhibited by T and T Coster.

G. Lindsey from Devonport in Tasmania exhibited, Adelphi Marshalls Boy in a jinker recently imported from the USA.

Winner of the Jinker Turnout over 10.2hh and not over 14 hands, M. Davidson's, Feathertop Blizzard.

A Clydesdale mare is inspected in front of the only covered stand of the new arena.

Horse competitors who are attending the show expecting wonderful new warm up arenas will be very disapointed. This photo shows the only work arena on the grounds and it also has to act as a marshalling yard. This is the best that could be produced after the $106 million redevelopment.

This photo shows some of the rows of temporary stabling including temporary horse washes at the end of each row. The stables are close to the arena but today access through the public was difficult, I was told this problem was being addressed.

Reserve Champion Viceroy Turnout and winner of the Viceroy Turnout 12hh and under, G and C Collins, Nagero Maestro driven by Heidi Stevens.

The dogs are in the old "dog house" this year but as the lease expires in December, the dog pavilion plus all the land in the south corner will be taken over by the new owners to build apartments and shops. Next year the dogs move down to one of the old cattle pavilions that this year houses the Alpacas.

If you are planning to buy your last minute supplies from Horseland, think again! This is the old site of the Horseland Showgrounds.

The new arena looking towards the seating area! The grassed area is about 80 meters square and divided into two arenas for most days except for the Garryowen, the World Cup (which has seven horses entered in the catalogue), some hunting events and some showjumping events. The arena has an 8 meter track around it which is covered with some very dusty sand/gravel.

The new arena looking from the seating area and towards the new cattle/livestock pavilion.

The new Arts and Crafts pavilion situated where the old members stand once stood.

This is the old arena as horse competitors will remember. It is now called the Town Square where there is live entertainment and food stands along with table and chairs. Not a horse in sight.

Wide path ways with non slip surfaces now take the place of walk ways for live stock.

A view down to the old "Western End". The new showground's now end at the end of the old cattle pavilion. The old Cattle Mans bar and many of the old stables still remain OUTSIDE the showground's, however planning restrictions are preventing residential apartments being built on this land.

The new "harness shed"! To be fair there is another larger tent that also is a storage area for the harness vehicles.

A temporary wash bay at the end of a row of portable stables. All horse facilities are built so they can be dismantled after each show.

Good entries in the Clydesdale filly class. Clydesdales are the only breed classes at this years September Royal Show, with all other breed classes being offered at the Summer Royal at Werribee Park. This includes the Australian Stock Horses who have had classes at both Royals for the past few years.

The old Clydesdale/horse pavilion has been renovated and now houses temporary stables.