THE last glimmer of summer was on display at the end of last month for the 85th annual dog trial at Marokopa. But it didn’t start off that way, with rain hammering contestants at the Te Anga Sheep Dog Trial Club event on the first day of competition, possibly deterring some from making the trip out to the coast. The trial was a significant one for competitors wanting to make it to the national competition. To qualify for the national championship, held in Otago in May, trialists must earn six points at different competitions. At Te Anga, five points were up for grabs for the open category winner. Fifth place earned one point. In 85 years, Te Anga Sheep Dog Trial Club has not missed a single annual event, even through Covid. Club president Stu Child said he knew of a few other clubs that were nearing or had surpassed similar milestones. “There’s a few now that are all about the same age. In the next 10 years there’s probably going to be quite a few that do their centennials. “It is a good number though to keep it going.” Club patron Barrie Clayton-Greene got involved on the first day, proving at 94 years old that there is no age limit to dog trialling. “It’s something pretty special really to be at that age and still competing. That’s one thing with the sport; you can compete right through from an early age to an old age,” Stu said. “Hopefully I can still be alive then, let alone worrying about running a dog.”
Results
Long head: G Wellington (J Lo) 98pts 1, S Child (Diesel) 97pts 2, G Wellington (Rachel) 96.5pts 3, L Gratton (Crew) 96pts 4, C Baker (Eve) 95.5pts 5.
Short head and yard: S Child (Brodie) 95.5pts 1, J Peterson (Cap) 95.25 2, N Child (Finn) 95pts 3, P Walter (Nim) 94.25pts 4, L Gratton (Brooke) 94pts 5.
Zig zag hunt: J Hemopo (Kahn) 98pts 1, B Kirkland (Tug) 97.25pts 2, R Hughes (Butch) 97pts 3, B Gaustad (Rip) 96.5pts 4, J Peterson (Tessa) 96.25pts 5.
Straight hunt: G Anderson (Gus) 95pts 1, D Jones (Bess) 94pts 2, M Kjestrip (Witch) 93.5pts 3, B Scott (Chime) 93pts 4, M Yearbury (Troy) 91pts 5.
