Discussing the new sheep classes planned for this year's Saintfield Show: (Left to Right) Saintfield Show chairman Brian Hunter; Derek McMillan, President Saintfield Show Society; David Russell, Head of Sheep Section, Saintfield Show and Paul O'Connor, East Down Advertiser

There will be a host of new events taking place at this year’s Saintfield Show. Where sheep are concerned, the organisers will be running their own young handlers competition with £50 prize money available. This year’s Show will also see the return of Border Leicester classes. The Interbreed judge will be in attendance from Scotland while a Belgian judge will be on-hand to assess the quality of Hampshire Downs entered for this year’s event.

But, as Show Secretary Laura Meharry pointed out, this is a host of other new events planned for Saintfield Show 2017.

“Where donkeys are concerned our judge, Jade Weaver, is the youngest qualified person with the Donkey Breed Society. This is her first judging appointment. Jade is from South of England. We also have a new long reining class this year.”

Dog lovers will also be well catered for at this year’s Saintfield Show.

“The K9 Expos Dog Lover Show is a tribute to the unconditional love that we share with our Dogs and we look forward to welcoming you to the 2017 event to celebrate, interact and learn more about our best friends,” said Saintfield’s head of Dogs section Nicola Moore.

“After the success of last year’s events we have a jam packed area this year with loads of new additions.”

K9 enthusiasts will provided with an extensive array of Pooch-based entertainment, education and information with over the PAT-A-POOCH and breed showcase area featuring the only 2 in the UK Unique Chongqing dogs, Australian shepherds, giant, standard and min Schnauzers, Japanese Spitz and a range of breeds,

Other canine events include: Ask-a-vet, Ask-a-groomers, Ask-a trainer and dog demos including good citizenship and obedience throughout the day provided by Belfast Dog Training Club. Northern Ireland’s most prestigious Pet Dog Show will once again be one of the dog lovers highlights with the ever popular doggie diva fashion show, games for junior handlers and lots of other classes for our four legged friends taking place. Saintfield Show is a must-attend event for dog lovers.

Other new events planned for Saintfield Show 2017 include:

• The inaugural Jiving Competition with a- £200 cash prize

• Driving Challenge - £250 cash prize on-offer. It’s all about – manoeuvring lorries, jeeps and trailers

• Irish Draught Classes have been added to this year’s Breeding and Young Stock Section

• There will be a Fancy Dress Competition in the Pony section

• There are additional Shetland Classes, as requested by exhibitors – young handler and ridden Shetland

• Saintfield will also feature a Kerry Bog Pony Competition qualifier

This year’s Saintfield & District Show will take place on Saturday June 17th: the venue is the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park, on the outskirts of Lisburn

This will be our 5th year at the RUAS venue,” confirmed show secretary Laura Meharry.

The centre will host a wide range of show activities on the day. These include Home Industries’ classes; an Indoor Craft and Food Fair; trade stands plus an extravaganza of canine related activities. These include a Dog Lovers’ Pet Dog Show; a Dog Lovers’ Show with Breed Showcase Area, an International Dog Grooming Competition, Ask a Vet, Ask a Dog Trainer and Ask a Groomer.

Laura Meharry added:

“The excellent penning facilities at Balmoral for all classes of livestock are attracting breeders and exhibitors from as far away as Co Tyrone. This is all tremendously positive. Pygmy goats will also feature again at Saintfield Show in 2017.

“But for equine enthusiasts our upcoming event will, again, provide them with the unique privilege in having the Main Arena at Balmoral Park made available for the Show Jumping and Ridden Hunter classes.

“This surface is renowned as one of the best in Ireland on which to host competitive equine competitions.

“The dressage classes, which have proven so popular over the past number of years, will take place in the sand arena.”

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster will also have a major presence at this year’s Saintfield Show. Laura Meharry again:

“Members of Moneyreagh YFC will be in attendance, participating in a series of fun packed competitions.

“We are delighted that such a very proactive relationship has been developed, once again, with the Young Farmers’ Clubs.”

Laura confirmed that schedules for this year’s show will be available over the coming days. They can be accessed courtesy of the show’s web site: www.saintfieldshow.co.uk

She continued:

“There is already a great buzz about this year’s show. Apart from a bumper listing of competition classes, the trade support has been extremely encouraging.

“All of this bodes well for an event that will deliver a tremendous day out for competitors and visitors alike on June 17th”

For further information, e mail Laura Meharry on: sectretary@saintfieldshow.co.uk