THOSE who have ever wanted to have a crack at working dog trials will have the chance at the Northern Beef Producers Expo at the HM Clarke Saleyards and Equestrian Centre at Charters Towers on June 8 and 9.
What's more, he or she could walk away with $1000 in prizemoney, courtesy of the Mount Douglas Pastoral Company.
The annual Charters Towers working dog event usually takes place on Fletchervale Station, however it's hoped the decision to move the location and officially be part of the Northern Beef Producers Expo will lure spectators and competitors alike.
Competition organiser and Queensland Working Cattle Dog Trial Association Charters Towers branch representative, Adam Sibson, said he expected the same high level of competition as previous years.
The competition will be well supported by sponsors with Fletchervale Pastoral Company sponsoring the open competition, the estate of SJ O'Sullivan sponsoring the novice and Griffith's Pharmacy in Charters Towers sponsoring the maiden section.
One of the additional attractions to the NBPE competition is the inclusion of a bush handler section which is open to anyone interested in giving it a try.
"The rules are a lot more relaxed so people can have a go without the pressure which is one of the hardest things about being out there in the middle," Mr Sibson said.
Adding to the spectacle of the competition will be the fact the open final will be held under lights at the venue. There will also be a bar and live band playing afterwards.
Mr Sibson said dog trialling champion Paul Rowe was set to compete.
The competition kicks off at 8am on the Saturday with the Bush Handler scheduled for around 4pm.
An added attraction for competitors will be the opportunity to secure a trophy created by working dog judge, Chris Whitney.
Mr Sibson said Ms Whitney's trophies were highly sought-after as they were very attractive and not always available at every competition.
- Contact: Adam Sibson - (07) 4983 5292 or Martin Holzwart - 0429 661 364.
