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English National Trials 2007
 Carlton-in-Cleveland, N. Yorks, 18 August Posted 7:15 p.m. 18/08/07; updated 8:45 a.m.and 6:00 p.m. 19/08/07 An Exciting National Trial Format
Jim Cropper took the highest point score of the three days with a 206. Conditions for days two and three were a little easier so the increase in points would be expected. The scheme to take five team members from each of the three days was very much a measure to cope with just the 300 sheep being available, but it has been a resounding success.
The run-off comprised Outrun, Lift, Fetch, around the post to a normal Shed, and finish at the Pen, with ten minutes allowed. The finale made a super finish to the three days. At the prizegiving, which was slightly damp, heartfelt thanks were offered to the Marwood Family for providing the land and much help, and to Mrs Brunton who kindly presented the trophies and provided essential assistance through the Jack Brunton Charitable Trust. Support to the trials also came from the National Lottery and many other kind sponsors. English Team After ranking all the second and third places, etc, from each day, the English Team is thus:
(Note: corrections made * 6:00 p.m. on 18/08/07 with apologies to D Harrison; his late success at run number 147 caught out the computer records! Please let anyone know who may have copied the earlier, incorrect, listing last night and today) The brace team members are Richard Briggs winning with Wendale Star and Wendale Penny and Ronald Hodgkinson with Flash and Grig, who came in as a reserve pair when David Kennard could not attend. Brace Competition (all three day's results)
Paul Turnbull's MIRK is four years old and bred by Richard Hutchinson. Richard received the J H Whittingham breeder's Trophy. The Driving Dog, to represent England, will be Jed Watson's ERYIRI ROCK.
Robin Page is seen here preparing for a post-presentation interview with Paul Turnbull, while MIRK looks suitably unimpressed! The film crew have become a very welcome feature of the trials - their stamina in coping with the typical 14 hour trials day matches that of many of the ISDS staff! Earlier results can be seen in the Day 1and Day 2 reports from the field. The list of results from Day 3 are: 105 F I Ibbotson ZAC 191 |
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After an exciting run-off at 6.00 p.m. between Paul Turnball and MIRK from Day 1 (190 points), Gordon Watt and YORK from Day 2 ( 205 points) and Jim Cropper and DAN from Day 3 (206 points), it was Paul who came out just ahead of Gordon and then Jim third. 
Most everyone thought the format had so many advantages, and there was little that went against it. The two Judges, Roz Edwards and Mike Northwood felt it was a significant aid to balanced judging over three days. The English President and Vice Presidents believe the Society would do well to consider the new format for future trials.
The trials were filmed for Horse and Country Television, and programmes will be broadcast around November on Sky TV. Bill Smith, producer, and Robin Page, presenter, were delighted with the way the three days went and both promise some very good television coverage.