FINAL dates for entries to the horse, pony and donkey classes at the Great Yorkshire Show have been extended to May 22. But the closing date for show jumping remains Friday, June 15.

A total of £29,268 is offered in prize money for the horse and pony classes, plus £22,050 for show jumping.

As in previous years, there will be qualifying competitions for the Horse of the Year Show. These include shires, ridden hunter (weight classes), working hunters, small hunters, ridden cobs, private driving and the breeders' challenge supreme in-hand championship.

Mr Christopher Hall, show director, said: "Whilst foot-and-mouth has forced us to abandon livestock classes, we are confident the equestrian section will be the excellent showcase which our visitors have come to expect.

"The visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh provides a superb focus to what will be a first rate event."

Top class show jumping is always a hallmark of the show. Tuesday, July 10, sees the PricewaterhouseCoopers Great Yorkshire championship followed by the NetConstruct internet Stakes for the William Hanson Cup.

On Wednesday, the exciting Daewoo Grand Prix qualifier begins at noon and the day concludes with the Badsworth Stakes hunting competition.

It is the turn of riders on Thursday morning with the Thorite Group Great Yorkshire junior championship and finally the prestigious Cock o'the North Championship will bring the three days to an exciting climax.

The four in-hand coaches are making a welcome return and the thrills and spills of the Shetland pony grand national will again delight crowds.

The show runs from Tuesday to Thursday and opens each day at 8am. Tickets are £12 on the gate for adults, £9 for over 60s and £6 for children aged between five and 15.

There are discounts for tickets booked in advance. Car parking is free. More details on 01423 541000.