DUBLIN Horse Show Director Fiona Sheridan has reported it is full steam ahead at the RDS ahead of the 150th annual Show which begins on Wednesday, August 6th.

Trade stands were being set up as she spoke to The Irish Field on Thursday morning when she outlined some of the changes exhibitors and spectators can expect next week given the ongoing re-development of the Anglesea Stand which was demolished after last year’s event.

“With the re-development of the stand, a few things have changed around the main arena primarily. There will be reduced standing area so people who would have usually watched from standing areas won’t be able to do that any more. There is a restricted number of standing places (about 1,000) at the top of the arena on the Simmonscourt Road side and, aside from that, you should be looking at getting a seat if you want to watch particular classes,” Fiona said.

Asked about ticket sales, she added: “There are some tickets and others will be released as they are not used. There are some for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at this stage. Friday and Saturday are pretty much sold out, but people should look online on Ticketmaster for those.”

Fiona added that the Show is running its usual full programme of events despite the construction and said entry numbers have gone up. Asked about the preparation, she said: “It’s been more difficult than usual, but we are working hard to make it customer focused and as ‘normal’ as ever. The pocket will be restricted access, only for the people who need to be in there.

“We have a really strong entry again which bodes amazingly for the industry and the Show, we will have 1,600 horses on the grounds over the five days.”

This year will see a food court on Simmonscourt Road. “There were sometimes quite long queues around the food trucks on the grounds, so they will be on Simmonscourt Road this year and that will help alleviate the pressures walking around the grounds, that will be a nice addition to the Show.”

Watch the video below to see some important changes at this year's Show.