The 2021 national sheep dog championships

Article by Sarah Sydrych and Lauren Vest

Move over Dog on the Tucker Box, there is a new star in town! A legendary story to rival the Dog on the Tucker Box was created by Tony Elliott and Gundagai Frosty, who won the 2021 Open National Sheep Dog Trial Championships.

This was only Gundagai Frosty’s second trial. He was entered in the Maiden competition and scored a total of 186, securing them third place after the final. This led to a run in the Improver and Open competitions where Frosty placed second in the Improver, made the Top 20 in the Open and finally won The National Open Championships. Frosty had to work hard for his win – at the completion of the final, there was an equal first place shared with MGH Tri, another young dog. A runoff was held to determine first place, and after a nail-biting finish, Frosty came out on top with a total of 366. What a legend!

The Champion of Champions trial was won by Mick Hudson working Marong Maddie. The Improver class was won by Mick Hudson with MGH Tri, with the Maiden taken out by Jim Dodge with Paton’s Abbey.

For 78 years the National Sheep Dog Championships have been held in the Canberra, the Nation’s Capital. Originally held at the Manuka Oval, over the years the prizes have been presented to the winners by the Duke of Gloucester, the Governor General, and Queen Elizabeth II. In the last two years of the trial, the sash has been presented by Governor General Hurley, who shares a heartfelt regard for the working dog and the recent struggles of farming communities.

For any lover of dog trial history, two volumes of the George Westcott manuscripts were on display at the trial. George Westcott was the founder of the National Championships, and the copied manuscripts chronicle the history and the fashion of the trial including big hair, hats, mini skirts, twin sets, suits and the Akubra hat.

Over 2,000 spectators came to watch the working dogs in action throughout the week, despite the challenges of COVID 19 restrictions and regulations. There was a marked increase in competitor numbers from most states of Australia. A large contingent of triallers from Queensland braved the open borders for the chance to compete at the ‘Melbourne Cup’ of the sheep dog trialling world.

Generously sponsored by Dogpro and steered by an engaged and innovative committee, the National Sheepdog Championships keep going from strength to strength. We look forward to seeing everybody at a bigger and better trial next year!

2021 National Maiden Champion

1st - Jim Dodge with Paton’s Abbey - 188 2nd - Ken Jelbart with Trinity Kora - 187 3rd - Tony Elliott with Gundagai Frosty - 186 4th - Charlie Cover with Trinity Trickster - 179 5th - Pip Hudson with Barcoo Queen - 174 6th - Douglas Taylor with MGH Jackie - 163 7th - Jim Dodge with McConnell’s Cash - 160

2021 National Improver Champion

1st - Mick Hudson with MGH Tri - 192 2nd - Tony Elliot with Gundagai Frosty - 189 3rd - Mick Hudson with Marong Debbie - 189 4th - Conor McConnell with McConnell’s Goldie - 97

2021 National Open Champion

1st - Tony Elliot with Gundagai Frosty - 366 2nd - Mick Hudson with MGH Tri - 357 3rd - Mick Hudson with Ritchies Finn - 269 4th - Linda Denning with Windeyer Bobby - 261 5th - Mick Hudwqwson with Echo Park Mel - 255 6th - Mick Hudson with Marong Debbie - 192 7th - Pip Hudson with Rocky Sky - 185