In a thrilling conclusion to the Australian Working Cattle Dog Championships held in Casino, New South Wales, Luke Aisthorpe and his dog Eva emerged victorious, taking home a substantial $11,000 prize. This prestigious event, spanning five days, saw 80 handlers and 180 dogs compete in 400 runs, all vying for the coveted national title.
The competition, which involves handlers directing their dogs to move cattle through a series of obstacles, is a test of skill and partnership. Eva’s triumph marked a significant achievement for Aisthorpe, who traveled over eight hours from Queensland to participate. “I definitely can’t complain … it’s definitely well worth the drive down,” Aisthorpe remarked, reflecting on the achievement.
The Journey to Victory
Eva’s success was not just a stroke of luck but the result of years of dedication and training. Bred by Aisthorpe’s father, Eva was not always the easiest dog to train. “She’s got a few years of age on her now, she’s matured up a little bit more, and she’s just a good practical dog,” Aisthorpe explained, noting that Eva’s maturity and experience played a crucial role in their win.
Throughout the event, Aisthorpe’s team of dogs demonstrated exceptional skill. His dog Jaffa, Eva’s sire, also shone brightly, winning the “sire shootout” and contributing to Queensland’s decisive victory over New South Wales in the state of origin match. “I had six dogs in the open, seven in the novice, and four in the maiden, so I had a few dogs for the weekend,” he said, highlighting the depth of his team.
Intense Competition and Unpredictable Challenges
According to event organizer Jessica Gall, the competition was fierce, particularly in the open finals. “We ended up taking top 30 in the second round, then we took another 15 for the final and then we ended up having a run-off for the first place,” she explained. The event was closely contested, with the top competitors neck and neck throughout.
“Cream always rises to the top though, so the winner should be very happy with their winnings,” Gall stated, emphasizing the high level of competition.
However, not all participants were as fortunate. Gall herself faced challenges during the finals with her dog Ace. “Unfortunately, I drew a little bit of a testing beast in my final run,” she admitted, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the event.
Notable Performances and Future Prospects
While Queensland dominated the championships, New South Wales did not leave empty-handed. Clint Austin from the Upper Hunter secured victories in the maiden and novice titles with his border collie Duke. “I’ve only been trialling him just on two years now, so I’m pretty happy with him,” Austin said, expressing satisfaction with Duke’s performance.
Beyond the competitive arena, the event also featured appearances from canine celebrities. Steven Elliott and his dog Indi, stars of ABC’s “Muster Dogs,” were crowd favorites, engaging with fans and signing “pawtographs.” “She loves the attention Indi does, and the little kids, and that’s what it’s all about … they all enjoyed it,” Elliott shared.
Indi’s performance was commendable, as she top-scored in the first round and contributed to Queensland’s victory in the state of origin team. “She was brilliant, and then she scored about 85 in the finals,” Elliott said, proud of Indi’s achievements.
The Art of Training a Champion
Reflecting on the secret to training top-tier working dogs, Elliott emphasized the importance of dedication and patience. “It’s just timing and hard work, and keeping a good, calm mind, I reckon,” he stated, offering insight into the rigorous process behind the scenes.
The Australian Working Cattle Dog Championships not only celebrated the skill and dedication of handlers and their dogs but also highlighted the vibrant community and culture surrounding this unique sport. As the dust settles on this year’s event, participants and spectators alike look forward to the next opportunity to witness these remarkable animals in action.
