The South Australian Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Jane Lomax-Smith, today issued the following press release:

MITSUBISHI ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

Australian Major Events is exploring the possibility of relocating the Mitsubishi Adelaide International Horse Trials.

Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith, says "After six years in the Adelaide Parklands, with the support of the Adelaide City Council, this event has given tremendous exposure to the sport, developed a loyal audience and should mean ongoing public support for equestrian events in South Australia.

"However, this event has not been able to generate sufficient economic return to be considered viable, despite significant local support from the South Australian public and the equestrian community."

Australian Major Events, after discussion with the event's competition committee, has decided to withdraw from staging this annual event in Adelaide's East Parklands. Event management cost pressures such as safety precautions and building and dismantling a temporary Olympic standard course annually has made the event cost prohibitive at this venue.

Minister Lomax-Smith says, "Work has commenced with the event's competition committee (Gawler Three Day Event Inc.) to ascertain the viability of them staging the event at an alternative venue. Some financial and other support could be provided by Australian Major Events and the South Australian Tourism Commission."

AME's charter is to manage, attract and sponsor major events that provide an economic return through interstate and overseas visitation. As with all AME events there had always been a plan to conduct a full economic impact study analysing visitor numbers after the 2002 event.

"The Government remains strongly committed to the development and sponsorship of major events in South Australia.   Australian Major Events has a number of bids underway, aiming to maintain and further develop the State's event calendar," the Minister says.

The news is of obvious concern to the Australian Equestrian community. The Federation together with its partners is now evaluating possible steps to retain the event on the equestrian calendar.

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