One of the region’s biggest dog trial events, The Gunnedah Working Dog Trials, are fast approaching.
Held on the June long weekend, 8 – 9 June 2024 at the Gunnedah Showgrounds, the competition is once again expected to attract entries from both around NSW, and from interstate.
Head of the organising team for the Trials, Emily Wall, said, “We usually see around 60-70 entrants – We’ve already had lots of entries so we’re expecting it to be a big year with quite a bit of interstate interest, especially from Victoria.”
The Trials cover both cattle and yard trials, making it one of the most comprehensive working dog events in the state.
“The yard dog event is at champion level so winners will be getting put forward for the NSW state championship,” said Ms Wall.
Cattle and Yard events will be held across the weekend, with categories open from Novice, Junior, Local, Ladies and all the way up to the Open-level competition.
“We welcome multiple entries across all the different categories so we’ve tried to structure the weekend to make it possible for people to be able to compete in more than one event,” said Ms Wall.
A highlight of this year’s trials will be the speed event on Saturday night, with a $1000 first prize up for grabs for the fastest dog.
“This is a really great event because there’s no real rules it’s just all about speed and getting it done as fast as possible. We’ll be doing this under lights on Saturday night and it’s a fantastic event to watch,” said Ms Wall.
Spectators are more than welcome, with entry free across the whole weekend for those wanting to come down and watch the trials.
For those entering, there will also be breakfast and lunch provided by the Gunnedah Campdraft Club, as well as organised dinner events on both Friday and Saturday night, and a bar available on Saturday and Sunday.
If you’re looking to make a weekend out of it, camping will also be available on-site from just $20 per night for unpowered sites.
Entries to the Trials are open up to June 1. The Trials will commence from 7am each day. For a full schedule of events and entry forms, visit the Gunnedah Working Dog Trial Facebook Page.
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