FOR someone who has never won a dog trial before, Dungog grazier Sandy Alison said he was pretty happy to take two wins at the Bulahdelah show.
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On Friday Alison ran Weetbik to first place in the encouragement trial and Bindi for the win in the day’s main event, the open trial.
Alison ran Bindi to a total of 192 points, wining the open with only eight points ahead of second place.
“It feels good,” Alison said.
“I’ve come second a few times in the novice and some other categories, but I’ve never won before.
“Bindi’s father and original trainer were also in the open final and she beat them. The trainer didn’t say much, I think he may have wanted Bindi back.”
While some good handlers and their dogs contested the open trial, the biggest challenge of the day was the heat.
“It’s always hard when the temperature is over 35 degrees, and the temperature was higher than 40 degrees on the day,” Alison said.
The objective of dog trialling is to move cattle around a course by commanding your dog.
Points are lost when the cattle stray from the course.
“The aim is to have ultimate control of the cattle,” Alison said.
“And to put them exactly where you want them using only your dog.”