HENRIETTA KNIGHT won plaudits from both owners and spectators for her thorough judging and courtesy on both days, so it was unfortunate that Saturday morning’s Welsh pony classes were marked by one exhibitor’s verbal abuse directed at the visiting judge and a volunteer steward at the top Co Cork show. The incident is apparently the latest incident caused by the same exhibitor competing in the Munster region.

“It’s been going on now every single Sunday with judges being abused by this man when he doesn’t win but it has to stop now,” said another exhibitor at the show, who did not wish to be named.

SENSE OF HUMOUR

“The owners were mannerly and friendly with a good sense of humour and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” remarked Knight afterwards, adding that the Welsh classes were “slightly marred by one gentleman who was dissatisfied with everything that was happening in the ring.”

She added: “I think when people enter a show they’ve got to accept that the judges’ decision is final and if you can’t accept the result, then why go to the show?”

The judge continued: “There’s so many voluntary helpers, there’s so much that goes into running a show, especially a show like this, that its disrespectful to the organisers and stewards who give up their time and energy for nothing to run such a wonderful show.”