HORSE entries for the 2003 Great Yorkshire Show have exceeded expectations - at 1,796 they are virtually back to the figures of 2000, which was particularly high.

Show director Christopher Hall said: "The support for the equestrian classes is tremendous. We are absolutely delighted.

"The Great Yorkshire Show has a reputation for presenting full classes with quality animals, and this will certainly be the case. It underlines our position as one of the finest shows in the country."

Dates for the show are Tuesday July 8 to Thursday, July 10, and its organiser, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, is looking forward to an excellent three days. Last year saw the largest visitor numbers for almost 20 years, when 125,793 people came through the gates, and so hopes are high for this year's event.

New for 2003 in the horse section is the riding horse class, which has made an excellent debut with 29 entries. The Ridden Hunters, Mixed Mountain and Moorland (in hand) and coloured horses (ridden) have all chalked up all-time records and there are substantial increases in several sections, including the Cleveland Bay and Fell ponies.

The show opens at 8am each day. Tickets on the gate cost £13 for adults, £10 concessions and £7 for children with discounts for tickets booked in advance. Car parking is free and extensive. For further information look check the show website at www.greatyorkshireshow.org, or phone the show office on 01423 541000.

Updated: 09:12 Tuesday, June 24, 2003