Albany Arena Trial

The 2017 Albany Show Arena Trial

Article by Marianne Rogers, photos by Jane Dorrell

What a fantastic way to finish the 3-sheep trialing year, and mark our 10th appearance at Albany Show! Being centre stage on the main arena, immediately in front of the show’s main entry gate and having continuous commentary, a kiosk in the grandstand and covered seating all helped to attract many spectators throughout both days of the show. The venue was spectacular and the weather could not have been better; enough breeze to keep dogs and handlers cool in the sunshine but never enough to blow us around. The Agricultural Society Committee and their volunteers could not have been more obliging and helpful in working through our numerous requirements for camping and trialing on the new sports ground.

The sheep were older wethers, and were testing as usual. Although frustrating competitors at times, this created more excitement for those watching. On one occasion a huge cheer went up from the grandstand as a sheep cleared the fence. And while one worker was doing a magnificent job quietly walking his sheep towards the winding peg, spectators were seen to be drifting off! Our thanks must go to the unnamed heroes who rounded up and returned the odd wooly escapee.

The grassy green camping spot alongside the trial ground allowed us an excellent view of the action. Competitor numbers were lower than usual, due to the State Trial being rescheduled to the previous weekend. Throughout the trial the atmosphere was positive and cheerful, with most people jumping in to help wherever they could. Once again, Stirling club helped with many tasks including our obstacle set up.

As was to be expected with a brand new site, there were a few teething problems along the way: e.g.

The Friday evening fireworks required greater clearance than had been allowed for, requiring us to remove the office from the ground for several hours. Also, “Walter Whip” ventured onto the ground during a run to set up for his demonstration, and had to be quickly persuaded to clear out before the run could be affected.

To our immense relief, our old neighbour, sideshow alley, was relocated such that we heard nothing from their activities, although the twice daily parade of vintage tractors was a little noisy and may have impacted on some results. However, almost without exception the feedback from competitors was complimentary and positive.

Despite these little hiccups the trial was a great success and competitive to the end, the penultimate run delivering a close result for Dog of the Year.

Results

Encourage judged by Jenny Palm

Cory Rose - Coshies Charm

Novice judged by Gibb Macdonald (40 point ring off)

1st Brad Rose - Euroa Nan 49 + 35 = 84

2nd Tony Boyle - Boylee Gus 55 + L S = 55

Improver judged by Karyn Buller

1st Nick Webb - Morillo Roy 57 + 77 = 134

2nd Jane Dorrell - Perangery Buster 65 + 40 =105

3rd Simon Leaning - Marionvale Mindy 41 + X = 41

4th Jane Dorrell - Rocky Dusty 38

5th Helen Svalbe - Boonining Swag 35