By Brenda O'Leary
Last weekend, the Mighty Mix Taranaki Showring Club attracted record entries for their annual dog trial at the TSB Stadium in Hawera.
Four Wanganui centre competitors figured in the final, with Lindsay Schmidt from Levin, with his dog Jill, the best placed in fourth spot, while Don White from Mataroa with Gale finished sixth.
It was a special weekend for Lindsay as he and judge Wendy Schmidt were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary the day of the run-off. Judge Wendy did a stirling job, with the able assistance of daughter Paula as timekeeper.
This year saw some of the top heading dogs in New Zealand vying for the top prize, and well-known brothers Neville and Murray Child, from Maungakaramea, Whangarei, on their first time to the competition, got four dogs to the final.
Leo Jecentho, the defending champion from Hamilton, with Scott all but retained his title, however he was foiled by the only woman to make the final, intermediate competitor and club member Anna Hardwick-Smith from Eltham.
She came out running 12th in the run-off and had the winning run with intermediate dog Rip - a very popular win.
The Country TV crew, lead by Tui McKendrick, were on hand to film the final again, and it will be screened on Country TV in August.
The ewe hoggets from the Brewer brothers farm at Manutahi were in excellent order and were well worked before the trial by club members. They proved to be quite challenging for some dogs but generally worked well. Nearly everyone penned in the run-off.
This year the club donated $3000 to the Taranaki rescue helicopter, while Wanganui Farm Supplies donated a GPS beacon for a silent auction to raise funds for the club. It was won by Merv Williams from Raetihi.
Club president Ian Smith, from Waverley, said he was very pleased with this year's trial and was looking forward to the club's 10th anniversary next year.
The Ohingaiti Tux Yarding Challenge and trans-Tasman trial is the next event on the calendar, starting on July 27 at Ohingaiti Domain.
Results
1, Anna Hardwick-Smith & Rip 97.5; 2, L Jecentho & Scott 97.25; 3, N Child & Rod 96; 4, L Schmidt & Jill 95; 5, B Ireland & Johnny 93.5; 6, D White & Gale 92.25; 7, M Child & Dice 92; 8, W Falkner & Silk 91.5; 9, R Mather & Sonny Bill 89.5; 10, K Lobb & Freak 89; 11, L Gratten & Abby 85; 12, L Duffy & Jill 83.5; 13, M Child & May 62; 14, N Child & Harry 60.
Open/maiden: L Duffy & Jill 96; Open /Intermediate: N Child & Rod 97.25; Inter man/Inter dog: M Hone & Scott 95.5. Maiden man/Maiden dog: P Lambourn & Moss 84.75.
Top pointing run in qualifying round: L Jecentho & Smoke 97.5; Top pointing woman in qualifying round: S Martin & Troy 95.75.