WANDO Vale’s annual sheep dog trials is celebrating its biggest event in 15 years, with 75 competing dogs and their handlers from three states competing for the title of Top Dog.
The trials’ Nicole Davidson said she was delighted with the turn out for the event’s 78th run.
“We didn’t do a lot of promoting outside of the competitors … we weren’t sure what was going to be happening with Covid, so it’s really exciting to see so many people and dogs here,” she said.
Tasmania’s Mary Sotheran and her team of Thatylldo Roxy, Blanch, Bubble and Callico, were well-rewarded for their trip across the Strait, taking home a swag of trophies including Callico’s first place in the open trial, as well as best aggregates for two and three dogs in the open.
As always, Mrs Davidson said the community effort in organising the event, was priceless.
“We had 350 sheep to work for the event, thanks to Garry Carlin, great catering from Amy Tierney and her large team of helpers in the kitchen and our thanks to Edwina Cornish, Tara Merrygold and Nancy Withers for helping in the office,” she said.
“Thanks also to our judges, Joanne Flavel from Meningie, South Australia and Ed Thompson from Gippsland.”
Mrs Davidson also commended the wider Western District community for its efforts over the long weekend, with visitors taking the opportunity to attend several events while in the region.
“We had a spontaneous lunch time performance from (musicians) Apocalyptic Breakdown on Monday,” she said.
“Having finished at Sandford’s Music Festival, they came to watch the dogs and not realising they would need cash for their lunch, they found themselves a little short and sang for their supper to the delight of all present.
“Many spectators had been to either the Sandford Festival or the Polo Cross.
“So the cross fertilisation of all three events works for all of us.”
Results
Encourage - Alma and Bert Donehue Memorial Encourage Trial: 1st Brenten Sloper & Sharni, 39 pts
Novice - Irene & Thomas Bilston Memorial Novice Trial: 1st Chris Davies & Baruma Penny, 135 pts, 2nd John Tuddenham & Tintagel Peta, 78 pts, 3rd David Hines & Tarcoola Pebbles, 74 pts
Improvers - Cramer Roberts Memorial Improvers Trial: 1st John Stewart & M8, 113 pts, 2nd John Tuddenham & Tintagel Peta, 80 pts, 3rd Mary Sotheran & Thatylldo Roxy, 75 pts, 4th Mary Sotheran & Thatylldo Blanch, 56 pts
Open - Vickery Brothers and Wando Estate Open Trial: 1st Mary Sotheran & Thatylldo Callico, 165 pts, 2nd Anthony Ireland & Oakdowns Banjo, 159 pts, 3rd Mike Deppeler & Somerville Buddy, 83 pts, 4th Anthony Ireland & Oakdowns Byn, 82 pts, 5th John Tuddenham & Tintagel Peta, 80 pts
Peter Munro Memorial Trophy – for the aggregate of three dogs in the Open trial: Mary Sotheran with Thatylldo Blanch, Thatylldo Roxy and Thatylldo Bubble, 195 pts
Edgar Donehue Memorial Trophy – for the aggregate of two dogs in the Open trial: Mary Sotheran with Thatylldo Roxy and Thatylldo Bubble, 139 pts
Davo’s Fencing Clip Trophy – for the best cast, lift and draw in the Improvers and Open Trial: Mary Sotheran – Thatylldo Blanch
Wando Vale Settlers Museum Trophy –for the best cast, lift and draw in the Novice Trial: Ali Davies with Hiltons Frank, 4 pts
Casterton Farm Supplies Trophy – for the novice dog scoring the highest aggregate of pts in Novice, Improvers and Open Trial: John Tuddenham with Tintagel Peta, 158 pts
Grampians Wool Trophy – for the novice dog scoring the highest score in the first round of the Improvers and Open Trial: John Tuddenham with Tintagel Peta, 80 pts
Sundown Hills Encouragement Trophy – for a worker of the committee’s choosing: Pat Wake
Ian & Sarah James Trophy – for the breeder of the Open Trial: Mary Sotheran with Thatylldo Callico, bred and worked by Mary
