Dog trials start well at Poverty Bay A&P Show

The dog trials at the Poverty Bay Spring Show opened with just under 70 runs completed, among them Henry Gaddum and Ming from Matawai. They put together a good run. Photo / Murray Robertson

The Tux sheep dog trials at the Poverty Bay A&P Show got under way today and head steward Allen Irwin said it was a good start.

The trials have attracted 201 entries - down by only a handful on 2023.

“We got through 69 of the runs in what was a good start to the competition,” Irwin said.

Dog trial legend Merv Utting, from Waimata, and Steel were another combination to work the course. Unfortunately Merv called the run off when one of the sheep went a bit wayward. Photo / Murray Robertson

“The Rangatira station Coopworth sheep were pretty consistent throughout the day, though when it cooled down a bit, that made them a bit freer - a bit unpredictable.

“In one run, for example, Leo Edginton from Tolaga Bay was heading towards what looked like an excellent 99 points out of 100 score when he was unfortunately unable to yard his three sheep right at the end,” Irwin said.

Mangaheia Station's Josh Deardon and Tomo completed the course, working their three sheep well. Photo / Murray Robertson

Another 60-70 runs will be completed Thursday and again Friday. The top five each day go through to the championship run-off on Saturday morning at the back of Showgrounds Park.

The first of the visiting trialists are in action Thursday, and the bulk of them are on Friday.