The Royal Show - Media & PR - Press Releases

May 7th 2009

The Royal Show Burke Trophies to be Sponsored by ASDA

Supermarket ASDA will sponsor the prestigious Burke Trophies at the final Royal Show at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire July 7th-10th. The “Burke” is the iconic top award at the Royal and is, for many cattle breeders, a key reason which has drawn them to attend and show their prize-winning livestock.
 
Consisting of two categories, The Beef Burke Perpetual Challenge Trophy and the Dairy Burke Perpetual Challenge Trophy, each trophy will be presented to the winner by a Trustee of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.  The Beef Burke Trophy is offered for the best pairs of animals of a breed, one male and one female, selected by each breed society in the Beef and Dual Purpose Cattle Section.  Whilst the Dairy Burke Trophy is offered for the best pair of animals of a breed, two females, selected by each breed society in the Dairy and Dual Purpose Cattle Section. 
 
The prestigious title is not the only prize at stake.  The winning pair will receive £350, the reserve pair £200 and an additional £175 for each of the winning pair if they are bred by the exhibitor.
 
Pearce Hughes, ASDA’s Agricultural Development Manager said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring such esteemed trophies at the prestigious, and final, Royal Show.  The Show provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to connect with and find out more about food, farming and the environment in the context of everyday life”.
 
RASE, organiser of The Royal Show, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park from 7-10 July, has announced that Show ticket sales are up by 55% on this time last year. It is especially delighted with the number of entries for all classes including livestock. Interest in membership over the last few weeks is also significantly up on 2008.
 
Ticket offers are still available for early bird booking, including discount packages for families, students, groups and concessions. In addition, entry to the show is free for children under five. 

For further information on the Royal Show or to book your tickets now, visit www.royalshow.org.uk or call 0844 5811400.

- Ends -

For further media information contact:

Notes for editor:
The Royal Show is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE). RASE is an independent charity with over 6,000 members including the general public and the farming community. RASE works towards a sustainable, vibrant future for British Agriculture and the rural community.
 
For more information about RASE, please contact: 02476 696969 or visit the website www.rase.org.uk.