Nominations which open today for three-day carnival to be held in conjunction with this year's Polocrosse World Cup are expected to draw record entries, claim event organisers.

Chairman of the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup, Mr Les Fraser confirmed that the Australian Equine Alliance Club Carnival had already received significant interest both nationally and internationally prior to nominations opening this week.

The Carnival will be held at Morgan Park in Warwick on Queensland Southern Downs on Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April 2007.

The concept of a concurrent Club Carnival was trialled in 2003 in Warwick in association with the inaugural Polocrosse World Cup that year. Its objectives were to provide on-site entertainment in between international world cup matches and to enable polocrosse enthusiasts to share history by being able to play on world cup turf.

It proved an outstanding success, attracting nominations from more than 60 Australian clubs. Building on that success, the 2007 carnival has been elevated to attract its own identity: The Australian Equine Alliance Club Carnival and is expected to draw attract almost 100 nominations.

Participation: Teams will play in Open, Mixed and Junior competitions under Australian Polocrosse Rules. Matches played on six fields with night matches on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 April. Nominations fee is $30 per team and nominations close on Monday 26 March 2007. For application forms and more information see www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/overview_carnival.htm.

Mr Fraser said that while the competition was originally designed for domestic players, there had been strong expressions of interest from international players whose countries had not qualified to participate in the world cup. France, Germany, the Netherlands and Zambia are amongst those keen to have a game, he said.

Mr Fraser added, "From a spectator's perspective this will provide plenty of action and entertainment in between international matches on the last three days of Cup week. This will be fantastic for sports lovers who like to see a game that is full of speed, skill and action."

Australian Equine Alliance (AEA) is a national membership-based organisation which amongst other benefits provides access to affordable and portable insurance for horse riders. It also offers a forum for education and information. AEA Chairman Mr Laurie Watts said, "Our mission is to act as an advocate for the entire equine community in Australia and we are therefore proud to be associated with the World Cup. This event will help develop our profile with equestrian enthusiasts from across the country."