Poverty Bay show dog trials off to best of starts

Noddy Halley and Prince looked to have a decent run on the morning of day one of the Tux Yarding Challenge at the showgrounds. Photo / Murray Robertson.

The “Royal” Tux sheep dog trials at Gisborne’s Showgrounds Park started on Wednesday with some good runs under sunny skies.

The five top-scoring dogs and their handlers qualified for Saturday morning’s final.

A total of 190 runs will be needed to decide the top 15 for Saturday’s main event.

Taharau Earthmovers have co-sponsored the championships this year.

Head steward Henry Gaddum said the quality of work was very good overall on the opening day.

“The sheep settled well in the sunny weather and we could not have asked for a better start really.

“The cadets from Growing Future Farmers ran their dogs yesterday and they went really good,” Gaddum said.

Jack Utting, a relative of renowned Waimata triallist Merv Utting, and his dog Muz during their run. Photo / Murray Robertson

The top three novices from Wednesday go through to the novice championship final on Saturday morning.

These dogs were patiently waiting their turn to showcase their skills in the arena. Photo / Murray Robertson

Overall, the target was for about 70 runs to be completed by 4pm Wednesday in the dog trial arena at the rear of the Showgrounds Park.

The top five finalists from yesterday were George Sheild and Dennis from Ngatapa 98 points, Merv Utting and Bob from Waimata 97.25, Merv Utting and Will 97, Henry Gaddum and Lyn 96.75 from Matawai, and Samantha Shaw and Zoe from Matawai 94.75.

The top novice maiden was Toby Morrison and Dice 86.5.