Hypro’s Alison Burrell, Brad Watts, Shane Maurer, Catherine Raines, Fred Raines, Dean Incher, Dan Camilliri and judge Michael Johnson with Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships winner Dale Thompson and his kelpie, Giles Creek Clay.
Benalla yard dog legend Dale Thompson notched up his fourth win in the prestigious Hypro Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships at the 2025 Henty Machinery Field Days.
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The championships were held from September 23 to 25 and drew a record 180 entries from throughout NSW and Victoria in the maiden, novice, improver and open events.
Benalla’s Dale Thompson who took out top spot in the open trial, scoring 187 points with his black and tan kelpie, Giles Creek Clay.
Trial co-ordinator Barrick Parker said the prize money and in-kind prizes had been doubled to $10,000 with many new sponsors coming on board for the event, run under the auspices of the NSW Yard Dog Association.
Benalla’s Dale Thompson, with his kelpie, Giles Creek Clay, after winning the Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships at the Henty Machinery Field Days. Photo: Andy Rogers.
Mr Parker thanked Joe Kingston from Bullenbung Merino Stud, for supplying the sheep for the event.
Dale Thompson, representing Broken River Kelpies, paid tribute to the stockmanship and sportsmanship of the competitors.
Four-year-old Giles Creek Clay was bred by Holbrook trialler Neale Taylor and has won several NSW championships and open trials.
“As a stock manager, I use him as one of my everyday dogs,” Mr Thompson said.
“This is a major win here as it’s a big one. To win Henty is always big.
“The sheep were very good over the three days — it wasn’t testy in the final, but testy enough that the dog had to be on song to get the high scores.
“He is a very good dog with an unbelievable nature. At work, he doesn’t need to be tied up, he just goes to sleep on the buggy.”
As an organising committee member, Dale said the response this year had been overwhelming, and the field had to be reduced on the opening day for the judge to cope.
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