Top honours for Benalla duo

Hay Working Dog Club Easter 2024 yard dog trials

Open place getters Hay’s Geoff McDougall, Dean Incher from Adaminaby, winner Dale Thompson from Benalla with NSWYDA president and Open judge Nathan Cayfe.

Image: Alix McFarland.

By Alix McFarland

Top honours at the 13th annual Shear Outback Hay Yard Dog Championship Trial on Saturday went to Dale Thompson and his dog Jake from Benalla, Victoria.

Dale and Jake took out this year’s Open lifting from 5th place at the 2023 event.

Equal second placings went to last year’s Open winner Dean Incher with both Raffa and Hulk, and top local trial competitor Geoff McDougall and Ace.

Just over 50 Open/Improver entries and over 75 Novice/Beginner entries were welcomed back this year amid humid conditions, with the odd shower of rain to be tested by TA Field Wyvern Station wethers.

“Thank you to all of our competitors and congratulations to all of our winners,” organisers said.

“A big thank you to judges, NSW Yard Dog Association (NSWYDA) president Nathan Cayfe (Open/Improver) and Ryan Johnston (Novice/Beginner) who were impressed with the standard of competition.

“Another big thank you also goes out to valuable sponsors, loyal supporters and hard working volunteers for contributing to another successful trial, and to the Hay Rodeo Club team for their yard work and delicious catering.”

Results:

OPEN 1st - Dale Thompson and Jake - 192, Equal 2nd - Dean Incher and Hulk - 189, Equal 2nd - Geoff McDougall and Goldie - 189, Equal 2nd - Dean Incher and Raffa - 189, 5th - Geoff McDougall and Ace - 186 (Fastest time 6m 31s).

IMPROVER 1st - Aoidh Doyle and Elvis - 93 (Fastest time 6m 54s), 2nd - Herb Cooper and Noah - 92, 3rd - Geoff McDougall and Nugget - 92 .

NOVICE 1st - Nathan Cayfe and Goose - 179 (Fastest time 4m 54s), 2nd - Josh Latty and Tess - 173, 3rd - Aoidh Doyle and Gypsy - 162, 4th - Denis Mitchell and Jimmy - 156, 5th - Ged Bibby and Ed - 152.

BEGINNER 1st - Darcy Doyle and Cash - 84 (Fastest time 5m 1s), 2nd - Dwayne Evans and Kenny - 73, 3rd - Josh Pianto and Ted - 67.