Margaret River Arena Trial.

Margaret River Arena Trial. Oct 19th-20th

Margaret River Arena trial always has a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere. The grounds are lovely and green and facilities are excellent.

It is run as an unofficial event but in previous years there has been some very close finals.

This year was no exception, with only one point between the top three final placings in the open event. Highest score of the day and actually the year was Grant Cooke and Grassvalley moss with a 99 in his first round open run.

The Kelpies featured well in both events, there being 2 and a half in the open placings and ditto in the novice event. (the half being for Andrew Gorton’s Kelpie Collie cross Just Sam)

The sheep, provided by Kevin Silverthorne and organised by Bernie Jones were the best sheep most triallers have worked for a while. They were very forgiving Corriedale crosses, in fact some competitors had them in and out of the pen two or three times. They stuck together well and if lined up at the obstacle just walked through. They did require a bit of pushing however and some dogs struggled with them, especially over the bridge.

The weather was fairly pleasant although it did get quite warm and humid at times. Fortunately there was a fair bit of cloud cover as the sun had a real bite in it when it did emerge.

The trial is run in conjunction with the Margaret River Show, and it is always great to see a number of spectators checking out the talented dogs and handlers.

Margaret River is also a traditional starting ground for beginner judges and both Doreen Hansen and Jenny Whitelock did a great job first time out there.

Results, all Border Collies unless otherwise stated.

Novice judged by Doreen Hansen.

1st. Tony Boyle. Boylee Tobie. 90.

2nd. Andrew Gorton. Just Sam. 88. (Kelpie X BC)

3rd. Gordon Curtis. Binnaburra Johnny. 85 (Kelpie)

=4th. Jenny Whitelock. Boylee Sugar. 84

=4th. Simon Leaning. Marionvale Mindy. (Kelpie) 84

=6th. Tony Boyle. Boylee Chile. 82 (Kelpie X Hunterway.)

=6th. Rod Forsyth. Binnaburra Wal. 82. (Kelpie)

=6th. Simon Leaning. Jandoree Jesse. 82.

9th. Doreen Hansen. Jandoree Molly. 76.

10th. Tony Boyle Boylee Quinn. 69.

11th. Nan Lloyd. Rocky Balto. 68.

12th. Hayden Harries. Olboa Ben. 65.

Open. Judged by Jenny Whitelock.

1st. Grant Cooke. Grassvally Moss. 99+90= 189.

2nd. Simon Leaning. Fleetfeet Axle. 91+97= 188. (Kelpie)

3rd. Gordon Curtis. Binnaburra Tuff. 94+ 93= 187. (Kelpie)

4th Grant Cooke. Grassvalley Sky. 95+88 =183.

5th Andrew Gorton. Just Sam. 93+78= 171 (Kelpie X BC)

=6th. Glenice Webb. Morillo Toby. 89.

=6th Dave Lacy. Akoonah Del. 89.

=8th. Hayden Harries. Ramulam Woofy. 88.

=8th Dave Lacy. Pendelup Blondie. 88.

=8th. Dave Lacy. Akoonah Chopper. 88.

=11th. Nick Webb. Morrillo Cinda. 85.

=11th. Simon Leaning. Jandoree Jesse. 85.

Jean Hydleman with Ramulam Kirrhi having her first run.

Simon Leaning's Marionvale Mindi.

Doreen Hansen's Jandoree Harley.

Germaine Seymour and Euroa Nan.

Marianne Roger's Christies Coco. Coco has recently been through the wars, battling a life threatening infection followed by a serious operation. But to prove you cant keep a good dog down, here she is back on the trial ground.