The EDINBURGH Royal Highland Show has released livestock and equestrian class entry numbers for this year’s Show (22-25 June).
5,135 entries have been confirmed across all sections, including Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Heavy Horse, Light Horse, Private Driving, Harness Grooming & Decoration, and Heavy Horse Turnouts – an increase on 2022 (4,872).
The Highland Hall will house 928 beef and dairy cattle. At 821 entries, the beef cattle classes have a strong showing, especially from native breeds, including the largest class Beef Shorthorns with 104 entries, Highlands with 97 (2022: 80) and Aberdeen Angus with 71 (2022: 77).
In the dairy section, at 116 the number of entries is just slightly down on 2022 (121). The Holstein class has the most entries at 46 (2022: 50) with Ayrshires second at 24 (2022: 33).
Sheep entries sit at 2089 this year, up on last year (1919). Leading the way is the Beltex section with 174 entries (2022: 153), with Texels in second at 142 (2022: 166).
Entries remain strong for the two new classes introduced last year – with Dutch Spotted remaining strong at 105 (2022: 102) and Valais Blacknose at 51 (2022: 55).
Several classes are up on 2022 figures – including Suffolk at 83 (2022: 63), North Country Cheviot (Hill Type) with 46 (2022: 29) and Hampshire Down with 57 (2022: 30).
Entries for the goat classes have seen their highest numbers in over 10 years, with 140 overall. Dairy Adults is the largest section at 50 entries (2022: 47) meanwhile the Pygmy class has seen a significant increase on last year, with entries jumping from 6 to 13.
Showing for the first time this year is the Angora breed, with 9 entries. In a change for 2023 there will be two days of goat judging – with the Royal Highland Show classes on Friday, then the Scottish Dairy Goat Show on Saturday.
The heavy horse section sees 397 entries this year. The Miniature Shetland classes have seen the biggest increase this year – 68, compared to 59 last year.
The Show’s Single Heavy Horse Driven class is now a qualifier for the brand-new Horse of the Year Show Heavy Horse Driven Championship that takes place at the NEC Birmingham in October.
The 42 entries are sure to deliver an amazing spectacle in the Main Ring on the Saturday of the Show.
There are 1648 entries across Light Horse classes, up over 200 on last year (1405). M&M Under Saddle remains the most popular class with 190 entries (2022: 168), closely followed by M&M Workers with 169 (2022: 135).
Classes with an increase in entries for 2022 include Show Hunter Ponies with 61 (2022: 46) and Coloureds In Hand with 75 (2022: 59).
The Coloureds In Hand Section has moved to Thursday afternoon to allow the Champion to participate in the Supreme in Hand Championship on Friday.
The large numbers of Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony entries are no doubt attracted by the renowned Graham Barclay-designed courses on the superb surface of the Jubilee Ring.
The Royal Highland Show is a Welsh Pony and Cob Silver status show, with strong entries across the In Hand Welsh sections competing for Welsh Pony and Cob Society Silver Medals.
Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland Head of Show, David Tennant, commented: “Everything is gearing up for another bumper year at the Royal Highland Show. After the return of the full Show last year, exhibitors are well and truly back in action and that is reflected in the strong entry numbers for this year.
“Good luck to our competitors and I look forward to seeing everyone again this June.”
Sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 22-25 June 2023.
Tickets, including car parking, must be pre-purchased online, with no tickets available to buy at the gate.
Tickets are limited in number and with Friday and Saturday selling out in 2022, it is advised to purchase early, especially with the new addition of the Royal Highland Hoolie music event on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th this year.
For further information and to purchase tickets please visit www.royalhighlandshow.org.
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