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Benalla showjumpers disappointed by Melbourne show cancellation

Benalla's Russell Hearn is from a showjumping family and the Royal Melbourne Show is one of the highlights of their calendar.

Sadly this year they will join other locals in mourning the cancellation of the show, for the second year in a row.

The 2021 Royal Melbourne Show was scheduled to be held over 11 days from Thursday, September 23 to Sunday, October 3 at Melbourne Showgrounds.

“We had horses entered in the show jumping,” Mr Hearn said.

“We had our horses in work for the past three months in preparation.

“We thought it would go ahead this year. It was really disappointing they cancelled.

“Hopefully they might still run something in Werribee. We're not sure if that will happen, but it won't be the same.

“And at the end of August we are meant to be going down to the Royal Adelaide Show to compete, so we hope that one won't be cancelled.”

However, even if that is cancelled the Benalla Show is still scheduled to go ahead in October.

“My son Brad and sister Chris are due to run the showjumping at Benalla so we hope nothing stops it.

“The only thing I can say to everyone is to get vaccinated so we can open up the country and don't have any more lockdowns.”

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