KEY POINTS:
New Zealand-based Irish shearer Ivan Scott has begun his attempt on the world eight-hour strongwool lambshearing record at a farm at Rerewhakaaitu, southeast of Rotorua.
The 27-year-old, who lives at Rolleston, Christchurch, started the first of four two-hour runs at 7am today, aiming to beat the record of 731 set six years ago by Taihape shearer Justin Bell, now a Southern Hawke's Bay farmer who is helping in the challenge.
He needs to shear an average of 183 of the romney lambs per run, or 91.5 per hour, to beat the record.
Under the watchful eye of three World Sheep Shearing Records Society judges, today's bid comes just four days after Taranaki-based Scotsman Gavin Mutch, 28, abandoned his attempt with 542 shorn in six hours, considering 190 in the last run to be out of reach.
He had started well with 188 but three were rejected by the judges, and stricken also by stomach problems, soon got behind the target pace.
- NZPA
