ANTHONY Ireland and Oakdowns Banjo are the open winners in the 81st annual Wando Vale Sheep Dog Trials, taking the title and the coveted hand-made quilt trophy by just two points.
Fine and warm to hot conditions prevailed over the long weekend but made for a pleasant time at Wando Vale.
Reduced entries saw the event completed in two days rather than the three required in recent years.
Entrants from across Victoria and South Australia enjoyed the picturesque surroundings and local hospitality.
Beautifully prepared sheep by Garry Carlin were firm but fair on the dogs and a huge team of helpers across the kitchen, office and release made things run like clockwork.
All the local sponsors and Hypro Dog Food again stepped up to make the event a success and raise much needed funds for the upkeep of the Wando Vale Memorial Hall and surrounds.
Judges Richard Davies, a recent Open trial winner and Bob Clark did an excellent job despite the warm conditions.
Results
Encourage Trial: Alma and Bert Donehue Memorial Encourage Trial
For the first time in many years there were no Encourage Trial entrants.
Novice Trial: Irene & Thomas Bilston Memorial Novice Trial
Being the only novice entrant to score in the first round Dave Sharp and Dash DSM went out to compete in the final against themselves!
Unfortunately, the sheep cleared the fence and headed for the hills.
1st Dave Sharp & Dash DSM – 72 points
Improvers Trial: The Ross Davidson Memorial Improvers Trial
The trial committee and volunteers would like to acknowledge the sad passing of Antony Cramer-Roberts.
Antony spent his early years in Wando Vale and has always maintained an interest in the Wando Vale community.
He generously sponsored the Improvers Trial for many decades in honour of his father John Cramer-Roberts.
They also gratefully acknowledge Rob Stead’s timely and generous support to fill the sponsorship gap left by Antony.
On her first visit to Wando Vale Jennifer Horne and Joyce Duke took the win.
1st Jennifer Horne & Joyce Duke – 85
2nd Jennifer Horne & Riverbourne Frank – 69
3rd Pat Wake & Wake ‘em up Eddie – 54
4th Brenten Sloper & Gundagai Elli – 39
Open Trial: Vickery Brothers and Wando Estate Open Trial
1st Anthony Ireland & Oakdowns Banjo – 160
2nd John Tuddenham & Belmonte Toby – 158
3rd Jennifer Horne & Tyringa Tigg – 152
4th Anthony Ireland & Oakdowns Byn – 125
5th John Tuddenham & Belmonte Skippa – 75
6th Joanne Flavel & Minute – 63
Additional Trophies
Peter Munro Memorial Trophy (aggregate of 3 dogs in the Open Trial) – Mike Deppeler with Molly, Spot & Roy – 100 points
Edgar Donehue Memorial Trophy (aggregate of 2 dogs in the Open Trial) – Mike Deppeler with Molly and Spot – 100 points
Davo’s Fencing Clips Trophy (best cast, lift and draw in the Improvers and Open Trial) – Anthony Ireland & Oakdowns Byn – 1 point
Wando Vale Settlers Museum Trophy (best cast, lift and draw in the Novice Trial) – Dave Sharp & Dash DSM – 6 points
Casterton Farm Supplies Trophy (novice dog scoring the highest aggregate of points in Novice, Improvers and Open Trial) – Jennifer Horne & Joyce Duke – 85 points
Wando Lodge Trophy (novice dog scoring the highest score in the first round of the Improvers and Open Trial) – Jennifer Horne & Joyce Duke – 85 points
Ian & Sarah James Trophy (breeder of the Open Trial Winner) – Lynn & Neil Sambell of Oakdowns
Spectator judging (spectator with the closest score to the judge)
This always causes a great deal of interest, and this year was no exception.
With many members of the Casterton Motor Enthusiasts Club present, the many volunteers from the kitchen and office and numerous other spectators in attendance, John Tuddenham and Toby stepped up to the peg and gave us a great display of how it is supposed to be done.
Nominated scores ranged from 43 to 100 points.
Judge Bob Clark awarded 79 points and the closest to that was Wando Vale local, Sandra Carlin, who was delighted to take home the prize.
The committee thanks the sponsors and people who donated to the Wando Vale Sheep Dog Trials 2025.
