The issue of wild animal acts not doing well at Monte Carlo

There have been on great discussions about what is Monte Carlo, and what is a circus festival on Buckles Blog. For any one that hasn't seen them type Monte Carlo in the search. Most were very insightful until, the name calling started. It is where I first had an internet introduction to Mr. Raffaele de Ritis, who has so far been the only person willing to address MC and circus festivals. Mr. de Ritis was an early festival organizer, and recently was the driving force behind a clown festival. Apples against apples, isn't that a novel concept in circus awards. Check out January 9, 2008 on Buckles Blog for the most you will find anywhere written about Monte Carlo.
I ask him on another post, about the issues of wild animal acts, and his reply was:

"About MC gold and cage acts: you can guess that with the outstanding athletic performances of acrobatics and aerial troupes from Est and West, it is very hard for animal acts in general."

On another MC post somebody wrote this, and nobody could explain it, and after 3 more festivals, nobody can explain it yet. Mrs. Lacey could have educated the world on how a festival is judged, as could many. My understanding is you are subjected to 2 weeks in the Iron Maiden if you so much as breath a word about the judging standard. Last months issue of SPECTACLE an informative magazine, published by a noted Circus Author Earnest Albrecht supposedly has a interview with Aurelia Cats on the subject of judging MC. I will see if I can get a copy.


Anonymous said.......I have just returned to Monaco after a wonderful 2 months in the United States; and have been reading the Monte Carlo messages with great interest; and would hope I could be heard.
....I and 8 fans of theatre and Cirque; beast acts are especially enjoyed; first went to the festival in 1998, where we witnessed the wonderful Mr. Gerd Simonett. We stopped going after the 2005 Festival; as we were dismayed and disappointed. Many points have addressed. This is what my friends and I found. Raffaele de Ritis may correct what is wrong....
....In nine years of festivals we witnessed 10 beast acts; 1 gold and 3 silvers; 1 gold to Stafano Orfei; and 3 silvers to the Lacy family from England. We at first thought Mrs. Lacy was returning with Mr. Voss act from 2000 as all equiptment and cage was the same;only less animals....
....We felt poor thing. Simonett and Voss win nothing with larger white tiger numbers. Now the small madame must compete with old Voss white number; tricks the same....
98 Gerd Simonett.. 1 prize
99 Rene Strickler. 1 prize
00 Martin Lacy jr. Silver-1 prize
00 William Voss... 1 prize
01 Daniel Raffo... 1 prize
02 Jason Peters... 1 prize
02 Gary Jahn...... 1 prize
03 Alex Lacy...... Silver-3 prize
04 Stefano Orfei.. Gold-1 prize
05 Susan Lacy..... Silver-3 prize
Markus Berg

Note the last time two wild animal animals act went head to head was in 2000, 2002, and 1998 when Martin Lacey Jr. got Silver to Hawthorns white tigers which got nothing. And Jason Peters and Gary Jahn both got nothing. Gerd Semoniet got nothing with his white tigers and neither did female wild animal trainer Pat White, but in 2005 the Hawthorn White tigers got Silver. But don't forget in this principality the wild animal act got a Gold. Most competitions would refer to that as a home field advantage. I don't know what a festival held in the same place, run by the same people, aided by the same winners would call it.