DUE to ground concerns, Galway County Show has been forced to take the decision to significantly scale down this year’s show with all showing classes cancelled.

The only part of the 2017 show going ahead now is the show jumping which will be held in Duffy’s Equestrian Centre, Claregalway, from Friday to Sunday, June 16th to 18th next. Last year, the show jumping had to be cancelled due to very wet weather. This year, hard poached ground has hit the showing classes.

A statement released by the show organisers this week said: “As a result of ground conditions at Ballybrit racecourse, the Galway County Show Committee regrets that, after very careful deliberation, the show in its current format will have to be scaled back significantly for 2017.

“We sincerely regret having to take this decision, but the safety and welfare of animals, competitors and spectators is priority. Unfortunately, all other classes and activities are cancelled for 2017. All paid entry fees for the cancelled classes will be refunded.”

Chairman of the Galway County Show, Liam Goaley, told The Irish Field this week: “The ground was grazed by horses throughout the winter and the opportunity to roll it was zero. It’s been twice rolled now, the racecourse have done their best, in fairness to them, but the ground is too hard. We had great interest from sponsors this year as well. However, we had no choice. The showing end is gone for this year. We are in the process of trying to secure a more suitable venue for 2018. We are not giving up.

The amended show schedule will be on Facebook, Galway County Show website and the SJI website early next week.

The Breeders Championship qualifier, which was to take place on Sunday, has now been allocated to West Clare Show which takes place in Kilrush on Saturday, 1st July.