The show jumping committee of the 2008 Royal Highland Show has secured a significant increase in prize-money at this year’s four-day show (19-22 June 2008).
It is hoped this move will help attract the country’s leading riders and their horses.
The total prize fund over the four days of the show is now in excess of £37,000.
Almost doubling the first prize — for the grand prix — to £5,000, as well as the inclusion of a Renault Series Grand Prix qualifier, will make the event one of the most prestigious shows on the county show circuit.
Show manager David Dunsmuir explained: “Show jumping at the RHS has always been a tremendous spectacle, and we all felt that now was the perfect time to move the show to the next level.
“As we look towards London 2012, it is important that we continue to raise the profile of the sport, not only in Scotland, but in the UK.”
Although official entries close for the show on 26 May, organisers have agreed that the winning horse of the Rowallan Activity Centre Pre-Highland Grand Prix, which runs immediately prior to the RHS, will gain automatic entry to both classes at the show.
