The
Ministry of Defence has apologised after a low flying military
aircraft interrupted events at the first day of the first
ever World Sheepdog Trials in Bala, Gwynedd.
A jet circled above the trial site contrary to previous assurances
from the MOD that a temporary avoidance was in operation.
A member of the French contingent was midway through her qualifying
routine when the jet flew over head, but was granted a re-run.
"I was very disappointed when I was interrupted by the
jet," said 42-year old Annie Le Roux from the Roscoff
area of Brittany.
"It was enough to make Ladji the dog disorientated and
he failed to perform to form on the second attempt,"
she added
Organisers of the four-day trails were told the Ministry of
Defence were investigating the breach of the no-flying request,
and were hopeful there would be no further similar incidents.
The event was visited by more than 2000 people on the first
day of the qualifying rounds.
"We're delighted with the numbers who came through the
gate today," said event organiser, Ruth Frazer.
"With the week-end coming up we're well on course to
make the first world sheepdog trials a resounding success,"
she added.
A five-year-old collie, which spends its winter months frightening
birds away from one of Europe's busiest airports, led the
pack in the semi-finals of the first ever World Sheepdog Trials
in Bala, Gwynedd.
Roy, with the help of handler, Serge Van der Sweep from Arnhem
in the Netherlands, managed 404 points out of a possible 440.
Further news from the World Sheepdog Trials at Bala will feature
in a forthcoming OUR DOGS.