With record breaking dog sale numbers, the inaugural Australian Dog Cow Challenge and sale saw competitors and vendors flock to the event from across the nation.
The sale of 103 dogs grossed $349,050 with an average of $3648 while there was a prize pool of $18,000 for the Cobber open trial event held at Australia Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth from November 3 to 5.
From the first run of the Cobber Open trial, dog handlers experienced success with Craig Ervine’s Bauers Jim (Blackbrook Sweep x Bauers Henti) running 90 points proving the indoor arena at AELEC being compatible with a traditionally outdoor sport.
He was soon joined by Robert C. Johnston and Shady Acres Jimmy (Natel Joker x Shady Acres Pattie) with a near flawless 93.3, Kevin Bell and Claire 91.7 and Robert C. Johnston again with his entry, Shady Acres Pattie (Burdlla Shep x Shady Acres Bella) with a 90.3.
The second round saw another element added to the course and an additional 10 points added to the total possible score, plus extra time.
This round saw Paul Roots and Riverside Swagman (Riverside Jake x Hylite Rush) running a 105 average to win the round, closely followed by Robert C. Johnston and Shady Acres Zac (Natel Joker x Shady Acres Pattie) 100.3 average and Peter Crowe with Capree Blue (Glenfabe Kenny x Capree Kayleen) running a 98.3.
There were 15 competitors in the Cobber open trial final on Sunday morning and in front of a huge crowd an emotional Robert C. Johnston and Shady Acres Zac scored a total of 275.5 points over the three rounds to take home the $10,000 winner’s cheque.
A popular seasoned competitor, Mr Johnston admitted to nerves in his first round run stating the event was as prestigious as he had attended and was thrilled his home-bred dog Shady Acres Zac had taken out the win.
Mr Johnston attended the trial with six home-bred dogs including Shady Acres Pattie who, interestingly, is the mother of the five other dogs Robert showed.
The 10-year-old matriarch is currently sitting second to her daughter Shady Acres Tanya in the NSW points score.
Shady Acres Zac is a brother to Shady Acres Jimmy (both from Pattie and by Paul Rowe’s Natel Joker).
Although an open trial winning dog, Mr Johnston described Zac as often the bridesmaids at events so was thrilled he had the chance to step up on such a big stage.
Mr Johnston described himself as an accidental dog trialler having entered the sport 11 years ago.
He grew up at Alstonville near Ballina on the NSW North Coast droving and mustering from a young age with his father, Ossie Johnston.
But it wasn’t until Mr Johnston’s son-in-law starting trialling and winning with his breed of dogs that he became interested.
Mr Johnston also took home the Hi Point Border Collie buckle and placed ninth and tenth with Jimmy and Pattie respectively.
He also purchased a dog, lot 51, Atonlea Llano from Tim Mcvey.
Coming in second was Peter Crowe and Capree Blue taking home $2500 in prize money while third place went to David Bennett, Junction Hill and Benrose Spring.
The Australian Cow Dog Sale was held on Saturday with 103 dogs offered.
Top price for open age dog at $8000 was Munns Jagger, $9000 top price male was Lad, $11,000 top price female was Craiglea Nell.
