DOG TRIALS AT TAI TAPU

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27075, 25 June 1953, Page 5

DOG TRIALS AT TAI TAPU

ZIG ZAG HUNTAWAY DECIDED WIN FOR BLENHEIM COMPETITOR M. B. Hope’s Sweep (Blenheim) won the zig-zag huntaway event at the South Island sheep dog trial championships at Tai Tapu yesterday. Sweep completed his run in smin 50sec, and obtained a score of 95 points.

A Southland competitor, J. A. Nelson, of Winton, came second with his dog, Syd, which scored 92 points, and completed his run in smin 25sec. Nelson’s Syd was the first dog to compete in a class of 49 entries, and he held first place until Hope’s Sweep made its run, as the forty-fifth competitor. Additional results were: W. D. Crossley’s Rock II (Parnassus), 91J, 3; J. A. Rawcliffe’s Dick (Oamaru), 91. 4; S. Birdling’s Odd (Little River), 89, 5; C. J. Crutchley's Jim (Naseby), 8836. The zig-zag huntaway event was run on the same course as the long head on Monday and Tuesday. The competing dogs were required to drive their sheep through three sets.of poles, which had been placed at various distances up a steep hill face. The run was completed as soon as the dogs had driven the sheep through the third set of poles. At the trials yesterday, one of the most common faults was that some dogs turned back from the sheep to take the commands. Some very stylish work was seen when some of the kept forcing their sheep along at a steady pace, and only paused to turn their heads slightly when taking the commands. Good Performances Hope's Sweep won with a very creditable run. He made a very careful start and hunted on a very good line for most of the course, finishing a little to the left of centre. The sheep moved freely, and his style and noise were very good. Nelson’s Syd was the first to run, and he held the lead until very near the last. He hunted on a good line, but lacked the style of the winner. Crossley’s Rock made an excellent beginning, and, until he had reached the third set of poles, had given one of the most r attractive performances. However, he let the sheep sag from a straight line and was forced further off line when he came below a number of rocks. This error reduced his placing. He completed the course in Bmin 15sec. Rock showed qualities which would have pleased many dog trial enthusiasts. His bark and style were of the best. The competitors in the zig-zag event will compete in the straight huntaway today.