Hat-trick at dog trials

Justin Booth with Abe (left), Scooby and Sue.

The Wanganui Centre held its annual Tux Handy Dog Trial at Papahaua Station last weekend.

New secretary Amylee McDougal said entries were down a little. However it was good to have the trial back on course after the event was cancelled in 2015 due to flooding making the road into the venue unusable.

Justin Booth, from the Waitotara Valley, was certainly swinging for the fences when he qualified three huntaways for the final of the Handy Dog Yarding Challenge.

Top dogs in the Tux Handy Dog Runoff, from left Anthony Shrubsall and Tarr, Bruce Parkinson and Tune, Justin Booth with Scooby, Abe and Sue, and judge Chris Baker from Piopio.

Booth works for David Peat at the top of the valley and this is the second time he has been in the runoff with three dogs. For a young man who only competes at this event, it was a really creditable effort.

A heading showring event is held in conjunction with the Handy Dog Trial with a separate trial each day.

Paul McGlade, from Owhango, judged the first day and Peter Crowley, from Waimiha, the Saturday. Chris Baker, from Piopio, judged the Handy Dog Event.

Results:

Open: 1, Justin Booth & Abe 98; 2, Bruce Parkinson & Tune 97.5; 3, Justin Booth & Scooby 97; 4, Jamie Shrubsall & Tarr 96; 5, Justin Booth & Sue 95.

Maiden man/maiden dog: 1, Jeremy Mallalieu & Pearl 90; 2, Hugh Abbiss & Meg 86; 3, Wade Nichol & Drum 82; 4, Tristan Mallalieu & Hope 79; 5, Dan Roberts & Blake 77.

Heading Friday: 1, Craig Johns & Tip 97.5; 2, Bruce Parkinson & Sleek 97; 3, Jim Frost & Gyp 96.

Heading Saturday: 1, Craig Johns & Tip 98.5; 2, Paul Mc Glade & Josh 98; 3, S Whiteman & Reign 97.75.

Maiden heading: 1, L Patterson & Vice 95.75; 2, Eric Forsyth & Pat 95.5; 3, Barney Strong & Mac 95.