NOT everyone in Dublin was dismayed by yesterday's heavy rain. "It's welcome. In fact it's a godsend after the dry spell", said Mr David Gray, of the RDS, where the 124th Horse Show begins today.
He declined to predict the attendance figures, but does not expect the rainy weather to be a problem.
"The rain will make the going good. Our ground staff have been working hard to aerate and drain the ground. Forty per cent of the showground area is covered, so despite the mixed forecast for the rest of the week people can always take shelter."
Around 1,500 horses, ponies and donkeys will be competing in the various classes and competitions from today until the show ends on Sunday.
Parts of the show will be transmitted to 211 million television viewers worldwide. This year, show Jumping teams are coming from France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Britain. Individual riders from the US, Japan, Norway and Portugal will join them. For the first time, Jordan will be represented at the show when Princess Haya Bint al Hussein, daughter of King Hussein, will compete with her horses Quid Pro Quo and Someday.
The first of the 90 showing and 30 national jumping competitions begin today. The Kerrygold Welcome Stakes and the Kerrygold Speed Stakes in the main arena are expected to attract a big crowd, with stand seats free for these competitions.
However, the highlight of the week will be the Kerrygold Nations' Cup the Aga Khan Trophy which takes place on Friday. Ireland is the current holder of the trophy. Eddie Macken, Peter Charles, Capt John Ledingham, Trevor Coyle, Paul Darragh and Francis Connors will represent Ireland in the show jumping.
As usual, ladies' Fashion Day takes place on the Thursday. "Any lady who wishes to can turn up on the day, dressed to catch the eye of the spotters, who will be going around during the day", Mr Gray says.
The "spotters" will give out gold cards to the 10 who "stand out from the crowd". The finals will be held at 4.30 p.m. and the winner will take home a new Rover 214 car.
In the trade hall, the main attraction will be the EBS Craft Exhibition, where prizewinners will exhibit weaving, leather work, stone and pottery crafts. "There will also be an extensive antique exhibition and living and contemporary art shows", according to Mr Gray.
To keep children entertained, there will be sideshows, including Punch and Judy, throughout the week, and jazz groups and other bands will also play.
The show will be officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Yates, at noon today.