Near perfect run secures win for Taddymoor Mirk

The flat, compact course set in a public park had its own distinct character, with the presence of the public and the proximity of vehicles.

The fit Greyface hoggs were very flighty for the early runs of the day, but once the first contingent were mixed back with the bulk, they exerted a calming influence over their peers and the sheep generally behaved well for the rest of the day.

Mirk worked flawlessly outbye, but let the sheep veer off line from Allan’s feet to the first drive gate. Once he had regained control over the packet, he again managed the sheep faultlessly on the cross drive and at hand.

Julie Hill’s Kim had a steady run, with no holes, working well over the course and dropping only minor points at different elements.

Drynie

The testing double-lift course at Drynie challenged dogs and handlers. Many dogs struggled to manage to run out 900 yards over the rough hill ground.

The Blackface hoggs proved difficult on high ground at the top of the course, and, once on the fetch, they tended to avoid the gate at the last minute.

Stuart Davidson’s Rob ran out, lifted and fetched his first packet very well, and although he needed several redirections to keep him on course for the turn back, he responded well and lifted his sheep.

They bolted on the fetch, making a bid for freedom, but Rob put them back on line and joined up the six sheep into one packet.

They strayed off line on the drive, but Rob realigned them and generally maintained a good standard.

At the pen, Stuart had five sheep in, and as he attempted to coax the last one, another broke from the pen and the rest followed suit. Once he had regrouped them, Rob penned the lot and finished the winning run with a good shed.

Iain MacKay’s Sunnyview Bob needed redirection on both outruns, and missed the fetch gates with both packets, but once he had joined up the six sheep, he worked well, keeping good lines on the course and controlling the hoggs well at hand.

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