Qualifying trials began promptly Thursday at 8:00 AM on three trial fields with 240 competitors from 22 countries. In the morning, Tom Wilson and Sly, from the United States, and Matthias Lebang and Coon, from Germany, posted the top score from Field 1, scoring 189 of 220 possible points. High scores were also posted by Graham Powell and Gwen, from Wales (187) and Iain McConnell and Jaff, from Scotland (186). On Field 2, Medwyn Evans and Caddy, from Wales, posted a score of 200, followed by Welshman Gethin Jones with Eira (195), Englishman David Wood with Moe (195), Serge Van der Zweep and Lass, from Netherlands (194).

The highest score of the morning was posted from Field 3, when Irishman James McGee with Becca carded 204. Scotsman Stuart Davidson with Jim had set a high standard in the first run on Field 3 with a score of 199. Later in the morning, Steven Alexander and Scott (191) from Scotland, and Alan Jones and Max (196) from Wales posted high scores on Field 3. Fresh from his Supreme Championship last week, Kevin Evans of Wales scored 201 with his dog Spot.

Weather for the first qualifying day varied between bright sunshine and a fine drizzle. But throughout the day, the sheep were superb, providing competitors with a fair test. In the afternoon on Field 1, Frank Cashen and Clare, from Ireland, scored 181. Later, Alasdair MacCrae and Nap, representing the United States, posted a score of 190. Scotsman Bobby Dalziel with Spot followed immediately with 181. On Field 2, shortly after lunch, Seamus Gallagher and Glen (IRE) scored 207, the high score of the day. Ewen MacKinnon (SCO) and Glen followed this with a score of 188. Later, Swiss captain Johann Beeli with Jess V Wileroltigen posted 192. On Field 3, several high scores were registered later in the afternoon. Pascal Beausoleil of France, with Tchin, started the run with a score of 182. Welshman Richard Millichap and Taddymoor Cap followed with 193. Norwegian captain Jaran Knive, with Maico followed this with 180. This score was bested by Nancy Obernier and Nick, from the United States, with 185. But New Zealand captain Jim Wilson with Tweed, and Scotsman Iain MacKay with Sunnyview Bob followed with scores of 198 and 193, respectively.

Back in Field 2, Andrew Carnegie and Lark (SCO) scored 206; then Norwegian Karin Mattsson and Sammie posted 200. Michael Shearer and Cap (SCO) followed this with 205. Neither English captain Paul Turnbull with Mirk, nor Irishman Sammy Long with Daisy, the last competitors on Field 3 qualified for the semi-finals. In the end, the minimum qualifying score from Field 1 was 186, held by Ron Snoeck (NET) and Nell. On Field 2, competitors with scores of 195 or higher qualified for the semi-final. Iain MacKay (SCO) and Sunnyview Bob survived the cut on Field 3 with 193.