Near-perfect total in ‘brilliant’ final

The dog trial championship at the Poverty Bay A&P Spring Show was won by Waikato’s Leo Jecentho and his dog Zap with Matawai’s Henry Gaddum and Tau in second place, at the end of what was described as “brilliant” trial. Pictures by Paul Rickard

Waikato triallist Leo Jecentho and Zap won the Spring Show dog trial championship title on Saturday morning in what was described by the judge as a “brilliant” final runoff.

Jecentho scored 99 points out of 100 in the final, to nudge out Matawai’s Henry Gaddum and Tau who scored 98 to finish runners-up.

Gaddum was the runner-up last year as well with the same dog.

Robyn Stevens from Te Kuiti and Libby finished third on 97.

“It was a brilliant final, with the sheep working well to give everyone a fair chance,” said judge Wayne Falkner from Whanganui.

“Across the four days we saw a very high standard and it was great to see so many young people competing, particularly the Waipaoa farm cadets and the Future Farmers cadets, who were outstanding.”

Best of the locals Henry Gaddum said it felt really good to be able to compete with the top triallists.

“I had good sheep in my run, and old Tau, who’s nine years old, worked well.

“I’m certainly happy with the result.”

Dog trials commentator Ross Buscke said it was one of the best finals he had seen.

“What made it was the way the runoff sheep performed, and that was a result of the preparation work done on them by Bob Bryson and his team.

“The whole event was a credit to the whole team.”

Head steward Allen Irwin said it was a very successful trial.

“We’re all real happy with how it went.

“Thanks to Rangatira Station for providing the sheep, to Farmers Transport for bringing them in, thanks to all the liberators and to everyone who has helped us out.”

The top Novice competitor was Jack Looney from Whakarau, a Future Farming cadet, who scored an 86 in the novice final with his dog Flow.