‘People’s show’ main premier event inWa
The weather was mixed but the crowds flocked to the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd last week and enjoyed an extravaganza of livestock shows, tempting produce and spectacular displays.
Gorgeous sunshine on the first two days gave way to showers for the second half, but the competitions, as always, saw a very high standard of entries across the board.
The livestock exhibits at the Royal Welsh Show showcase some of the finest animals in Europe.
The Natwest Team of Five for beef breeds is always a hotly contested competition and one of the highlights of the show.
This year the judge, 2016 president Richard Jones, had an extremely difficult task selecting the best team from a remarkable ring full of animals, but finally made the decision that the Charolais Team pipped the others to the post.
The dairy breeds also made for a striking view in the ring. The Marks & Spencer Team of Five was won by a team of Holsteins from Wales.
Meanwhile, around the main ring, spectators were treated to an exciting four days of horse classes, culminating in the Thursday afternoon competition for the sought-after title of Royal Welsh Supreme Horse Champion, judged by renowned racehorse trainer Nicki Henderson.
This year’s winner was an in-hand sports horse called Triple Crown, owned by Martin Wood from Newmarket, Suffolk.
After watching the final grand parade in the main ring on Thursday afternoon, honorary show director Harry Fetherstonhaugh said: “We remain forever in awe at the quality of exhibits shown here at the Royal Welsh Show each year.
“This year, once again, we are honoured to have a selection of some of the most beautiful and impressive livestock seen anywhere in Europe.”
However, it is not just in the judging rings that the Royal Welsh accolades are awarded. As in other years, each day sees an array of special medals and prizes presented to winners from across the agricultural sector.
This year the coveted Royal Welsh