Royal National Capital Agricultural Society chief executive officer Garry Ashby estimated yesterday's crowd at close to 50,000, with Friday attracting a smaller crowd than last year of 18,457 people - down 5 per cent on 2011.

More than 100,000 people are expected to pass through the gates of Exhibition Park In Canberra by the time the annual event draws to a close today, but the figure remains a significant reduction on previous years - when attendance numbers came close to 200,000.

But Mr Ashby was upbeat about the downturn, saying it was a good result during tough economic times.

And competitor numbers were up significantly on previous years.

''We've had a lot more people taking part,'' Mr Ashby told the Sunday Canberra Times.

''So perhaps spectator numbers suffered a little from that as well.''

Cattle entries to this year's show were up 6 per cent to about 700 entries.

Equestrian events attracted 1350 horses, similar to previous years, and more than 1700 dogs competed for best of breed and in the flyball competition.

But the biggest increase in entry numbers was for sheep - up 20 per cent on last year to about 500 animals and yielding higher quality fleece as a result of recent harsh conditions.

Mr Ashby said, as a newcomer to the nation's capital and the Royal Canberra Show, he was enjoying getting to know the community over the three-day event.

''The show's the best way to see all of Canberra in a day,'' he said.

''I'm having a great time.''