Late running Sally wins at Clitheroe

In a picturesque setting, the course sloped downhill from left to right, had a fetch of approximately 250 metres and could be gathered either way. If handled with respect the Mules ran consistently well.

Stephen Duckworth judged the entry of 67 and at number eight, Jim Cropper set the standard gaining 90 of 100 points with Dan. They stood top until, at 59, Alf and Sally pulled two points clear to take the title on 92.

“They had a very tidy run with the tightest turns of anyone,” remarked the judge. Six-year-old Sally was home-bred out of Meg and sired by Spot.

Last weekend at Babcary, the Somerset Society held an open on Saturday and then a local trial for club members on Sunday. With a fetch of 250 metres the course was set over an undulating square pasture. The Mule shearlings proved tricky to handle.

On Saturday the first class was the open Maltese Cross that attracted 33 entries judged by Ron Fouracre. With an early run, the title went to Jed Watson and Gail with 81 of 90 points.

The open driving class of 50 entries judged by Peter Symons followed and continued until almost 9pm. With a late run Matt Watson and Clive were the victors on 76 of 100 points