Up to 15,000 expected on final day

Glenanthony Simmentals owner Tony Thompson is presented with the Meat and Wool Cup by Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, right, Photo / Warren Buckland

Today marks the biggest day of the Hawke's Bay Show, with up to 15,000 people expected through the gates and a smorgasbord of entertainment on offer.

The show's event manager, Anna Hamilton, said today's gate takings would account for roughly half the three-day event's total turnout.

Crowd numbers on Wednesday had seen a 25 per cent increase on last year, with yesterdays numbers also "slightly up" helped by the fine weather.

Today's schedule features dog trials, continuation of livestock classes and equestrian competition - including the World Cup Showjumping class - and a public fencing demonstration.

The Deco City Motor Lodge Grand Parade also kicks off in the main arena at 1.30pm. Ms Hamilton described the parade as "the culmination of the show" featuring representatives from all sections of the event, from horses to alpacas.

Meanwhile, the World Cup Showjumping class was a chance to see top riders, such as Katie McVean, in the first World Cup round of the season.

Returning to the show this year was Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, who presented the Meat and Wool cup yesterday before he perused the show grounds.

"I'm loving it. Great people - very hospitable. It's a show that is hugely important to Hawke's Bay, because it's a chance to showcase the primary sector to the rest of the region. And the weather is great."

Hawke's Bay A&P Society president Brent Linn said he was pleased with the crowds so far.

"The crowd has been great. [yesterday] it was one of the more friendly Thursdays we've had. People are coming out to socialise and it's a great vibe.

"In A&P folklore it's traditionally known as people's day. It's the day families enjoy Hawke's Bay Anniversary and come out to the show. [Today] is the true meeting of town and country."

Hawke's Bay Show is on today from 8.30am to 5pm at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay in Hastings.

Plenty at 'steak' for winning cup entry

The novelty of winning the premier event for cattle exhibitors at Hawke's Bay Show doesn't seem to have worn off for Tony Thompson.

The owner of Central Hawke's Bay stud Glenanthony Simmentals was grinning from ear to ear as Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy presented him with the coveted Meat and Wool Cup yesterday.

It was Mr Thompson's impressive 4-year-old bull Glen Anthony Yale which scooped him the top prize.

This is the ninth time Mr Thompson has won the cup in Hawke's Bay and he was clearly rapt as he posed for photos with his colossal beast in tow.

Despite dwindling entries recently he still sees the show as a prime opportunity to showcase his cattle. "This is the pinnacle of the show. We enter 20-odd cattle every year and we're lucky this year to have a quality bull. He was runner up last year, and he's done it this year."

Cattle and sheep classes will continue today in the show's Beef and Lamb precincts, a new addition which features demonstrations and displays on butchery, genetics and breeding, as well as tasting of gourmet food products, alongside parading and judging of competition animals.