Sheepdog sale tops out at 3,800 guineas

Robert Fielden of Speke Edge Farm, Todmorden, sold his first dog in 30 years at the summer sale of working dogs at Skipton Auction Mart last Friday (July 22) and got highest price in a 130-strong entry – 3,800 guineas for 22-month-old black and white Zac.

Zac is by a sire of the same name bred by Welsh triallist Gwynfor Owen, of Anglesey, out of Mr Fielden’s own Bella, bought at Skipton several years ago and to date the only dog he has purchased at an official sale.

The dog, which showed great style in several nursery trials in Lancashire and Yorkshire last year, was acquired by Seamus Gormley, of Kilcreen Sheep Dog Centre in Claudy, Northern Ireland, on behalf of near-neighbour Carlaine Magee of Cookstown.

Mr Fielden paid 1,800gns for a younger replacement, Susie, a 14-month-old black and white bitch from William Torrens, of Castlederg, Belfast.

Mr Torrens was himself among the leading prices, getting 3,000gns for 2009-born tri-coloured dog Ace. Buyer was Scottish hill farmer Eddie Burnett of Port of Menteith, Stirling.

Shaun Richards of Hapton, Burnley, sold 12-month-old tri-coloured bitch Irwell Roz for the second highest call of the day at 3,750gns.

The promising nursery prospect is by Rick, bred in Cumbria by Alec Baines, of South Stainley, Kirkby Stephen, out of Calderdale Tess, from Lancastrian trialling legend Jim Cropper, of Bacup.

Irwell Roz’s future lies on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall after she was knocked down to hill farmers Ronald and Jackie Cornelius and their son, Tim, of St Breward.

Local vendor Willie Bell, of Earby, sold a brace of dogs – a brother and sister by Oakworth-based Ian Ibbotson’s Zac, out of M. Lund’s Star. The best of them, at 3,300gns, was September 2008-born Evan, highest-pointed Yorkshire nursery dog for 2010/11.

His older sister, Meg, a four-year-old tri-coloured bitch, made 2,700gns.

Several other 3,000gns-plus performers included North Wales triallist Emrys Jones of Barmouth; James Weir from Argyllshire; and John Bell of Howden, Selby.

Craven Cattle Marts’ general manager Jeremy Eaton said: “Buyers were selective and while there was a shortage of top quality dogs, there were plenty of genuine working dogs to be had at prices that didn’t break the bank.”

Broken registered dogs averaged £2,094, unregistered broken dogs £551, registered part-broken dogs £679 and unregistered part-broken dogs £199.

There were also 20 pups on parade, registered youngsters averaging £265 and unregistered £142.

More4 will broadcast extensive coverage of the World Sheep Dog Trials at Penrith, September 15-18, from 7 each evening.