Nightmare final in dog trial

Press, 16 August 1985, Page 3

Nightmare final in dog trial

NZPA special correspondent Brisbane

Neville Hore, of Otago, had a nightmare final round as Australia took a six-point victory in the Australasian dog trialing international at the Royal Brisbane Showgrounds yesterday. Hore stepped up to the mark as the final competitor in the yarding event, needing only 37 points out of a possible 100 to give New Zealand victory. The sheep were unusually “toey” and a noisy crowd made matters worse.

Hore’s work was tidy up to the hurdle, which he passed by luck more than design. The break gave him confidence and his dog, Vic, began to work with more assurance.

By the time the pair reached the bridge, the sheep seemed calm. Into the approach to the bridge all was quiet, then the sheep refused to look at the obstacle, captivated by

the dog. Hore applied pressure, his first mistake. One sheep took umbrage and from then on Hore and Vic were at odds to retain control.

His attempts to hold the run together as nervous sheep repeatedly attempted to break cost time. When his time elapsed, Hore had accumulated 30 points and the test went to the Australians against all odds. New Zealand may yet salvage something from the international. John Stringfellow and Paul McCarthy have both qualified for the open final, which will be decided today. Stringfellow has 94, the highest score of the eight finalists. Bernie Doyle, an Australian, will start his run only one point behind. The score of each competitor in qualifying will be added to those gained today to decide the over-all champion. ¥