News Release
 Hon Jane Lomax-Smith
 Minister for Tourism
 Minister for Science & Information Economy
 Minister for Employment, Training & Further Education
 Wednesday, 18 June 2003

 ADELAIDE HORSE TRIALS IN EAST PARKLANDS

 Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith, has entered into a partnership with  the Equestrian Federation of Australia to retain the world class  Mitsubishi  Adelaide International Horse Trials in Adelaide's East Parklands.

 Australian Major Events (AME), which has owned and managed the event in  the  East Parklands for the last six years, recognised that the trials had not achieved major tourism objectives prompting it to investigate  alternative sites to ensure the longevity of the event for South Australia.

Gawler and Oakbank had expressed interest in managing the trials  site inspections by the Chairman of Eventing for the Federation
Equestrian  Internationale (FEI), Wayne Roycroft and International Course Designer,  Michael Etherington-Smith, resolved that there was not enough space to  accommodate a world class event at either site. This was despite an  earlier  recommendation by the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) that both  sites were viable.

 "Faced with the prospect of canceling the event, I have secured
 additional  funds from treasury in a compromise that will see this year's trials staged  in partnership with the EFA during November.

 "The challenge then rests with the equestrian community to come up with an ownership and management structure that allows it to stage future events.

"A community managed equestrian event, possibly held over less days, should achieve greater viability.

 Half a million dollars has been brought to the table for this year's
 trials, with $300,000 available to help run the trials in future years.
 Australian Major Events estimates at least $800,000 is needed to stage the trials successfully and it will be seeking corporate sponsorship.  "This deal gives Australia's equestrian athletes their best chance to prepare for next year's Athens Olympics," said the Minister.

 "The EFA and FEI are excited and committed to retaining this world class event which is the only one of its standard in the southern hemisphere," said the Minister.

 Wayne Roycroft said "I am elated with this announcement and endorse a 'CIC Four Star' event in Adelaide. I commend the South Australian Government's ongoing commitment towards Eventing and it's determination to retain this pinnacle event."

 Russ Withers, Chairman of the EFA said "this decision will be welcomed by riders and officials around the world as this strengthens Australia's campaign for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games."