The annual Wanganui Centre Tux Yarding Challenge at Ohingaiti last Thursday to Sunday attracted 215 dogs.
Centre president Paul Evans said entries were up 60 dogs on last year.
The run-off of the top 15 qualifiers before judge Rob Hastie from Kaiwaka took place on Sunday, with Wendy Schmidt,Tommy Hodgetts, Don White and Kathryn Oliver representing the hosts.
The ewe hoggets supplied by John Henderson worked well resulting in some very high pointing runs.The weather was kind but rain set in on Sunday for the run-off - though that did not lessen the quality of the work as fresh sheep were used and all 15 finalists penned.
Kathryn Oliver and Paddy were the top qualifiers and went on to win the final against some of New Zealand's top triallists.
Kathryn is the first woman to win the Ohingaiti Tux Challenge - although Janette Murphy from Dannevirke with Bette went close, finishing second in the run-offf, beaten by Bob Bryson.
Another first came from Graeme Northcott of northern Taranaki who made the final with three dogs - Dick, Wal and Barb.
The top three go on to the South Island and New Zealand finals next year in Otago.
Results
1, K Oliver & Paddy 99.7; 2, M Utting & Prince 99.2; 3, G Northcott & Barb 98.5; 4, B Bryson & Brad 98.4; 5, G Northcott & Dick 98.3; 6, F Wilson & Spike 97.3; 7, J Foss & Dell 97; 8, M Utting & Fern 96.7; 9, D Avenell & McCaw 96; 10, D White & Jazz 95.5; 11, B Arrends & Roy 94.4; 12, W Schmidt & Jack 93.9; 13, G Northcott & Wal 93.2; 14, T Hodgetts & Bonnie 90.7; 15, L Jecenthro & Queen 89.8.
Open/maiden: L Jecenthro & Queen 99. Maiden: L O'Connor & Zapp 96.5.