Major Awards

The Garryowen Perpetual Trophy

The Garryowen Perpetual Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout - one of the most prestigious equestrienne events in Australia. 

The award is named after three-time Melbourne Royal Show champion saddle horse, Garryowen, whose owner, Violet Murrell, died whilst trying to save the horse from a stable fire in 1934. 

Female riders aged 18 years and over are the only riders eligible to compete. Horses and riders are judged on conformation and soundness, manners and paces, saddlery, costume, riding ability and general appearance. ​

Garryowen Hall of Fame 

The Garryowen Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to honour riders, horses and those who have provided exceptional service to the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout. 

Prince of Wales Cup

First introduced in 1971, the Prince of Wales Cup is a showjumping special event and is open to Group A and Group B showjumping exhibitors. 

The Alice Laidlaw Memorial Trophy

The award was named after Alice Laidlaw who was a long-time successful exhibitor of hacks, hunters and trotters who died at the height of her success in 1947. The award was first introduced in 1948 and is presented to the best lady rider over jumps. 

Noel Mason Perpetual Trophy 

The Noel Mason Perpetual Trophy was introduced in 1986. It is awarded to the winner of the Qualified Hunter’s Plate, judged on the best exhibition of jumping at hunting pace. The trophy is named after Noel Mason, who was Master of Findon Hunt Club from 1949 - 1989 and was one of Australia’s top amateur jumping riders and longstanding RASV horse stewards. 

Alistair Irving Memorial Trophy

First awarded in 1988, the award is named in memory of Alistair Irving, who played a large role in the development of the Australian Stock Horse Society, as both a Director and Chairman of the Board.

Doug Findlay Memorial Trophy

The Doug Findlay Memorial Trophy was introduced in 1997 and is awarded to the best two year old colt bred by the exhibitor. The trophy is won three times before becoming the property of the exhibitor. Doug Findlay bred Clydesdales which he exhibited at the Melbourne Royal® Show. In 1989 he became the inaugural secretary of the Commonwealth Clydesdales Horse Society Victorian Branch, a position he held until his passing in 1996. 

R & J Galloway Clydesdale Challenge Cup

The R & J Clydesdale Challenge Cup was introduced in 1981 and is awarded to the best Clydesdale male, two years or older. The award is named after Bob and James Galloway who successfully bred and exhibited Clydesdales at their ‘Hilend Stud’ at Majorca. 

Allan Marriott Perpetual Trophy

The Allan Marriott Perpetual Trophy was introduced in 2009 and is awarded to the Best Harness Clydesdale Exhibit. Allan Marriott was involved with working Clydesdale horses and was a long-term and successful exhibitor of harness Clydesdales. 

George Adams Tattersall Perpetual Trophy

The George Adams Tattersall Perpetual Trophy was introduced in 1973 and is awarded to the Champion Saddle Horse over 15 hands.

K.G Luke Perpetual Cup

The K.G Luke Perpetual Cup was introduced in 1977 and named after Kenneth Luke, who served as a Melbourne Royal® Council Member from 1950 until his passing in 1971. It is awarded to the winner of the K.G Luke Equestrian Turnout for girls and boys aged 15 - 18 years.

Louis Epstein Perpetual Trophy

The Louis Epstein Perpetual Trophy was introduced in 1936 and is awarded to the winner of the J.Pemberton Turnout for girls and boys aged 12 - 15 years. 

Metherall Perpetual Trophy 

The Metherall Perpetual Trophy was introduced in 1990 and is awarded to the most successful rider in jumping competitions. The award is named after Rupert Metherall, who competed at the Show from 1927 - 1973, riding and owning some of the best jumpers in Australia.

The Col. A.V. Pope Cup

First awarded in 1950, the Pope Cup is presented to the best Thoroughbred Saddle exhibit.  Entries to this class must be registered with a Thoroughbred Stud Book. To be judged on thoroughbred quality, manners, paces and performance. The Cup is named after Colonel A.V. Pope who served in the Indian Army and was a top polo player.  

Providence Cup

The Providence Cup was introduced in 2012. In 2022 The Providence Cup has expanded and now has two Championship Classes. The first is the Providence Cup Show Hunter Galloway event, which is open to mares and geldings over 14 hands and not exceeding 15 hands. The second is the Providence Cup Show Hunter Hack, open to mares and gelding over 15 hands. Both prestigious events highlight the very best Show Hunters, which in the opinion of the judge, shows the most outstanding Show Hunter qualities.

Joan Pearson Shield

The Joan Pearson Shield was introduced in 1990 and is awarded to the winning trio from the Hunt Clubs Team Jumping Contest. The teams are judged on performance over fences and general appearance. The shield was named in memory of Joan Pearson who was a leading showjumping exhibitor at the Royal Melbourne Show.

Fairlight Acres Trophy

Open to mares and geldings, the Fairlight Acres Trophy was introduced in 2014. It is presented to the best Open Saddle Pony not over 14 hands, which in the opinion of the judge, shows Open Show Pony qualities.

Grand Parade Trophy

This class is a tribute of Grand Parade’s highly successful career as a Grand National winner, Royal Show Champion and successful broodmare. It is presented to the best saddle Galloway over 14 hands and not over 15 hands.