Incher and Hulk take out Open title at Shear Outback’s 14th annual championship

BY ALIX MCFARLAND

Adaminaby trialler Dean Incher has continued his success on the plains taking out top honours at the 14th annual Shear Outback Hay Championship Yard Dog Trial on Saturday with Hulk.

While Dean was placed in the Open event with Hulk in the past, his previous first place wins in 2019, 2022 and 2023 were with another of his top dogs Raffa, with whom he placed second this year.

Last year's open winner Dale Thompson took out third place with Giles Creek Clay.

A capacity 60 Open/Improver entries and 90 Novice/Beginner entries travelled from as far as South Australia to be tested by TA Field Wyvern Station wethers.

Handlers and their dogs were met by a cool start and warmer, blustery conditions as the day progressed.

Trialling started the minute adequate daylight was available and presentations were made just prior to sunset.

Thank you to all of our competitors and congratulations to all of our winners.

A big thank you to judges Matt Sherwood (Open/Improver) and Ben Wade (Novice/Beginner) who were impressed by both the standard of handling and sportsmanship.

An exciting evolution saw live streaming and electronic scoring introduced this year. Thank you to Danny Ruben for bringing your expertise to us and to those who commentated.

A big thank you also goes out to valuable sponsors, loyal supporters and hard working volunteers for contributing to another successful trial, and to the Hay Rodeo Club team for their yard work and delicious catering.

Full Results:

OPEN

1st - Dean Incher & Hulk - 185

2nd - Dean Incher & Raffa - 184

3rd - Dale Thompson & Giles Creek Clay - 183

4th - Sarah Lee & The Lee's Rock - 180 (Fastest time 5m 49s)

5th - Neale Taylor & Pat - 144

IMPROVER

1st - Neale Taylor & Pat - 90

2nd - David Lee & The Lee's Zeus - 88

3rd - Herb Cooper & Axle - 87

Fastest time - Peter Fisk & Spider - 6m 6s

NOVICE

1st - David Lees & The Lee's Zeus - 191

2nd - Sam Yates & Trump - 189

3rd - Fred Rains & Nina - 188

4th - Denis Mitchell & Jimmy - 178

5th - Kahlee O'Leary & Dude - 170

Fastest time - Peter Fisk & Spider - 3m 48s

BEGINNER

1st - Audrey Martin & Rehea - 69 (Fastest time 5m 37s)

2nd - Grace Harrison & Shadow - 58

3rd - Grace Harrison & Rose - 44

2025 Hay Working Dog Trials winners circle

Beginner winners Audrey Martin (right) with second and third place winner Grace Harrison.

Opens category judges and place getters (from left) Jake Varena (6th), Dale Thompson (3rd), judge Matt Sherwood, winner and runner-up Dean Incher, Neale Taylor (5th) and Sarah Lees (4th and fastest time).

Judge Matt Sherwood with Improver winners Neale Taylor (1st), David Lees (2nd), Herb Cooper (3rd) and Peter Fisk (fastest time).

Novice/Beginner judge Ben Wade with Beginner event winner Audrey Martin. Audrey also achieved fastest time in the Beginner section.