REIGNING state yard dog champion Eulooka Diesel continued his run of wins in the Coprice-Elders South East Field Days championship with proud owner Lee Mickan, Loxton, putting him in good form to defend his state title at the Karoonda Farm Fair this week.
If successful, it would give the brown and tan kelpie three state titles.
"He is really natural and a very talented dog and together we make a half handy partnership," Mr Mickan said.
Mr Mickan took out the quinella with another dog Barrkel Sasha finishing second – just one point behind Diesel.
During the working week, Diesel and Sasha can be found handling sheep at Westbrook Ag, where Mr Mickan works.
The SA Yard Dog Association president says he has been interested in yard dog trialling for nearly 15 years, and made many good friends in the sport.
"There is nothing better than watching good dogs working stock which they are bred to do," Mr Mickan said.
A large crowd watched the action over the three days at Kelpie Korner, with about 250 runs from 34 handlers from SA and Vic.
The two courses at Lucindale are the only permanent, grassed and watered competition grounds in Australia.
Yard dog coordinator Kay Hocking said it was terrific to have one of their largest fields for the encourage section – 22 entries – even more than last year when Lucindale hosted the Australian Yard Dog Championships.
It was standing room only during the championships on the Saturday afternoon last week.
Catherine Miller
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
