Benalla’s Dale Thompson says Broken River Jake “loves his work”.
The Henty Machinery Field Days was a happy hunting ground for a Benalla working dog trialler and his champion kelpie.
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Dale Thompson and his dog Broken River Jake took out the prestigious Hypro Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships on 186 points at the recent field days.
From Broken River Kelpies, Dale competed alongside his wife Carolyn and their team in the Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships. Carolyn placed equal third in the maiden final with Karana Jed on 177 points and fifth in the novice.
Dale bred the seven-year-old Broken River Jake out of Roustabout Girl and by Go Getta Brew. Roustabout Girl was the stud’s foundation bitch and won the Henty trial in 2016.
“We have been on the road for the week at a couple of trials at Eugowra and Molong, winning both opens. This is the trifecta for him and the third time I’ve won at Henty,” he said.
“It is always a good trial at Henty and it is super competitive.”
Dale said determination and temperament gave Jake the edge in the competition.
“He loves his work and has been very consistent from four years old onwards, giving 100 per cent.
“He is used every day on the farm on sheep and cattle — sheep are his forte, but he stands his ground with the cows.
“He has a great nature and personality but is the alpha male.”
Serving as a North East Zone representative on the Victorian Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Association, Dale is now aiming for the Victorian Championships at Bairnsdale in October.
“Henty attracts the cream of the crop and it’s always very special to have success here so hopefully we can keep it going. As competitors we all help out to make it all happen.”
Sponsored by Hypro Pet Foods, the Three Sheep and Yard Dog trials drew 268 entries and was run over the three days of the Henty Machinery Field Days in September.
Paul Elliott from Henty and his border collie Elliott’s Brisket scored 188 points to win the Three Sheep Trial from John Perry, Bredbo, and Boco Raffa on 183 points.
Last year’s winner Mick Hudson, Cobar, and MGH Rabbit, was third on 170 points; Tony Elliott, Gundagai, and Gundagai Frosty came fourth with 161 points; fifth was Australian representative Peter Oxley, Orange, and Rivlin Caesar; sixth Will Goggin, Bredbo, and Vaimari Triton on 150 points and Paul O’Kane, Cobram, with MGH Billabong Creek.
Equal second behind Dale Thompson in the Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships were last year’s winner Dean Incher, Adaminaby, with Rafa, and Shane Maurer, Stockinbingal, with Tom on 183 points. Shane also placed fourth with Stuart on 182 points.
In the yard dog results, Barry Parker, Nangus, and Jess won the novice class on 180 points; Ben Coster, Reids Flat, and Rip won the improver on 183 points; and Matt Whitley, Wagga Wagga, and Giles Creek Sam won the maiden on 188 points.
A retired shearing contractor, Three Sheep Trial winner Paul Elliott moved to Henty last September from Eumungerie to help his shearing contractor son.
Trialling for 30 years, Paul rates Henty as one of the most competitive on the circuit, with his last Henty win in 2017.
“If you win Henty, you’ve won a good trial. It was tough out there today, but the sheep and dog worked well.”
Paul said a top dog displays loyalty and confidence.
“Brisket is the go-to dog at home, if I’m in trouble he is the first one we let go.”
Paul Elliott, Henty, and Elliott’s Brisket after winning the Hypro Henty Three Sheep Trial.
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