Organisers of the Brisbane Royal Show (the EKKA) have advised Equestrian Australia that a CSI1-W* (World Cup Class) will not be run at this year’s show.
“The RNA wishes to advise that the World Cup Showjumping Qualifier event at this year’s Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) on August 14 has been cancelled due to low entry numbers.”
For the full RNA statement on the reason for the class’ cancellation and information on new classes which have been added to the schedule, please click HERE
Organisers have cited a lack of entries as the reason for the cancelling of the class. There were concerns raised from some riders about the show’s decision to make it mandatory for all competing horses to be vaccinated against the Hendra Virus.
Australian Team Jumping vet Dr. David Johnson provided riders with details regarding vaccination against Hendra – please see letter from Dr Johnson (available HERE).
However with entries not meeting minimum numbers, the show has cancelled the World Cup Jumping class at the 2013 EKKA.
“While it is disappointing the World Cup Class will not go ahead at this year’s EKKA, Equestrian Australia supports the decision of show organisers. Since the market release of the HEV Vaccine, event organisers are now sensibly reviewing their risk assessment with respect to Hendra disease outbreaks and the safety of officials, riders and the public at horse events.
“The policy to require vaccination of competing horses at the EKKA show provides all competing horses with the best biosecurity and health status possible against Hendra Virus infection and transmission and EA continues to support the EKKA in their decision to implement this,” said Equestrian Australia Chairman, Dr. Warwick Vale.
