Following the stakes the Hastings Heart of Hawke's Bay Friday Night Extravaganza will take centre stage with a speed jumping event featuring international mounted games competitors and some local acts lined up as entertainment.
The newest addition to the show the VIP dessert degustation with Australia's most celebrated patissier, Adriano Zumbo will keep things rolling on the Saturday after the cross country phase of the eventing competition.
Mr Zumbo will be designing a dessert menu showcasing his unique flavour combinations, exciting textures and signature bold colours in the VIP tent on the Land Rover Premiere Arena.
Then on Sunday the crowning glory of Horse of the Year takes place on Sunday afternoon in the Land Rover Premier Arena.
The Olympic Cup features some of the very best show jumpers including OlympiansLaurie and the perennial Maurice Beatson, as well as defending champion Helen McNaught.
The popular Vicki and Amanda Wilson of Keeping Up With the Kaimanawas fame are also planning to compete in this prestigious class.
Prior to the Olympic Cup the musical freestyle that will find a champion in the dressage arena will keep the crowds on their feet with last year's John Thompson looking to bag a second title in a row.
Along with equestrian entries pre event ticket sales increased from 2016, with on site camping and the Woodford House Cross Country Brunch already near to selling out
"It is fantastic to see the equestrian community and Hawke's Bay locals get behind the event," Mr Mee said.
Mr Mee said the Friday Night Extravaganza and the Cross Country is always exciting to watch and the shopping is great.
"We are also looking forward to having internationally acclaimed pastry chef Adriano Zumbo in attendance."
Mr Mee encouraged people to come down and have a look and experience what the show has to offer.
The Nimon's Horse of the Year Shuttle Bus will be taking people from the Hastings and Havelock North I-Sites as well as from Heretaunga St West on Thursday, Friday and Sunday to the Showgrounds for free.
Parking is available on site at the Polo Grounds and the Showgrounds for $5.
General admission, multi-day and VIP tickets are still available online through hoy.kiwi. Passes can be purchased on the day at event, though VIP tickets will be subject to availability.