Young handlers compete for Zoetis Trophy

A group of expert young handlers who qualified at various shows throughout the province displayed their skills to perfection at the final of the Cydectin® Young Handlers competition at Clogher Valley Show.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Aug 2016, 09:00 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:47 BST
Pictured are all the qualifiers at the Zoetis sponsored Cydectin Young Handlers' Championship Final at Clogher Valley Show.. Alex Colhoun, Omagh, front left, was the winner while Ben Robinson, Ballmena, front right was the runner up. Also included are Marjorie Blackburn, Chief Sheep Steward; Libby McAllister, Judge and Aurelie Moralis, Zoetis, Sponsor. Photograph: Columba O'HarePictured are all the qualifiers at the Zoetis sponsored Cydectin Young Handlers' Championship Final at Clogher Valley Show.. Alex Colhoun, Omagh, front left, was the winner while Ben Robinson, Ballmena, front right was the runner up. Also included are Marjorie Blackburn, Chief Sheep Steward; Libby McAllister, Judge and Aurelie Moralis, Zoetis, Sponsor. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Pictured are all the qualifiers at the Zoetis sponsored Cydectin Young Handlers' Championship Final at Clogher Valley Show.. Alex Colhoun, Omagh, front left, was the winner while Ben Robinson, Ballmena, front right was the runner up. Also included are Marjorie Blackburn, Chief Sheep Steward; Libby McAllister, Judge and Aurelie Moralis, Zoetis, Sponsor. Photograph: Columba O'Hare

For Alex Colhoun from Omagh, it was third time lucky, as he has qualified three times for this final and this year carried off the championship winning the Zoetis shepherd’s crook.

Alex has been showing Jacob sheep for the past five years and started this year on a successful note by taking the Jacob sheep championship at Balmoral Show.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ben Robinson from Ballymena repeated last year’s success taking the reserve championship award at Clogher. This follows on from his success as Texel young handler at Balmoral and Antrim and the Interbreed young handler at Ballymoney and Ballymena.

Judge Elizabeth McAllister, who is no stranger to both sheep and cattle handling competitions in addition to taking many showing championship titles in both sectors, was impressed with the standard at Clogher and congratulated all of the finalists on their expert handling of their sheep.

Aurelie Moralis, Veterinary Consultant with Zoetis, the manufacturers of the potent and persistent Cydectin® sheep wormer, congratulated all of the winners and commented: “We are delighted to sponsor a competition which highlights both the standard of management that these animals have enjoyed and the expert handling of them on the day.”

Aurelie also paid tribute to all of the shows for organising the qualifying rounds and especially to Clogher Valley Show for co-ordinating and hosting the final competition.

Related topics:OmaghBallymena