AN increase in entries to the 2016 Dublin Horse Show means that space will be at a premium at the RDS (July 20th-24th).

An RDS spokesperson said today that additional stabling has been procured as an overflow at Leopardstown racecourse.

However, the increase in show entries means that owners and riders will be required to vacate the stables at Ballsbridge once their involvement at the Show has finished.

"This requirement has always been in place at the Dublin Horse Show, but this year because of the increase in entries, and the absence of other competitions starting immediately after the Show, it is necessary to remind exhibitors of this. Their co-operation on this matter will be necessary to allow the RDS to offer the breadth of classes that is planned for 2016," said the RDS in a statement today.

A source in the RDS said: “It is good news for the industry that entries are increasing, with more investment in sport horses and ponies than we have seen in a number of years. This does however have a knock-on effect on stabling at the Show and we would ask exhibitors to be mindful of competitions taking place later in the week and the stabling requirements for these. This isn’t a new requirement and it is the basis on which the logistics of the Show operates every year.

"Because of the extra space needed this year, we have had to secure additional stabling areas away from the RDS as overflows, such as Leopardstown racecourse, which will be used when necessity demands. But we hope that people will be mindful of their fellow competitors and vacate the stabling area once their class has finished.”