Excellent start to trials at Otara

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THE Poverty Bay dog trial centre’s season started well, with the Whatatutu trials on Friday and Saturday being described as a very successful event.

The trial was held as usual on Otara Station, with the 1600 sheep required supplied by the station, which was much appreciated by the club, said secretary/treasurer Annie Flood.

“Our trial was well supported by all local trialists and we had competitors here from Hawke’s Bay and the Waikato.

“The shorn ewe lambs used on both the heading courses were free moving and required careful handling, but some top work was put up by the better dogs and operators,” Mrs Flood said.

“The two tooth ewes used in the huntaway events climbed the hill strongly but required good stockmanship to keep them on the correct line.”

The most successful competitor was John Macpherson from the Ruakituri Valley who judged the zigzag hunt and then stepped out with his dog Scott and won the longhead and was second in the shorthead.

“The Whatatutu Club is very grateful to its sponsors, East Coast Farm Vets, Wi Pere Trust and Waitangi-Terrace Station.

“All and all a very good trial, and everyone is looking forward to the Ngatapa trials next week.”

ResultsEvent one, long head (judge Wayne Smith, Hawke’s Bay): John Macpherson Scott 96 points, 1; Annie Flood Scott 95.5 2; Dave Wallace Blue 95.2 3; Dave Wallace Slug 95 4; Roger Strachan Bruce 94.5, 5.

First maiden: Leo Edginton Kim 94.2.

Event two, short head and yard (judge Neville Higgins, Taupo): Merv Utting Prince 96.5 1; John Macpherson Scott 96 2; Damien Macpherson Bess 95.5 3; Clark Chrystal Rick 94.7 4; Barney Strong Trix 94.2 5. First maiden Barney Strong Trix 94.2.

Event three, zig zag hunt (judge John Macpherson, Ruakituri): Ned George Flo 98 1; Fraser Taylor Waite 97.5 2; Jake Roche Judge 97.25 3; Jake Roche Bella 97 4; Sam Shaw Bull 96.75 5.

First maiden Ned George Flo 98.

Event four, straight hunt (judge Tim Lamont Tolaga Bay): Clark Chrystal Nell 98 1; Leo Edginton Robert 97.5 2; Jeremy Cook Trude 97.25 3; Anthony Hughes Holly 97 4; Allen Irwin Charlie 96.5, 5.

First maiden: Leo Edginton Robert 97.5.