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England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales each have fifteen dogs in their teams. All have earned their place in the team in that country's National trial held a few weeks earlier.
The trials begin with a competitor from the host country, this year, a Scotsman will lead the competitors from the other three countries. Just over half of the sixty competitors run their dogs today.
[James Magee's Becca, winner of the 2009 Qualifying Trial]
At Lunch time (approximately 12 o clock), there is a break from the Qualifying Trials and the four Reserve National Brace winners run.
[Ian Jones with Tom & Jess, 2009 Reserve International Brace Champions]
The other half of the dogs run today, ending with the four team captains who have each won their National trials this year.
[Eamonn Lawless's Bill]
At Lunch time (approximately 12 o clock), there is a break from the Qualifying Trials and the four National Brace winners run.
[Dennis Birchill's Flash & Mossie, the 2009 International Brace Champions]
The top fifteen competitors from the Qualifying Trials compete today in the double gather final with the highest honour at stake.
[Richard Millichap & Tweed on their winning run]
At Lunch time (approximately 12 o clock), the Prizegiving for the Wilkinson Sword occurs. This prestigious honour is given to the person who is considered to have offered a great deal to the I.S.D.S. in terms of contribution to sheepdog trialling. Last year, it was given to two people, Allan & Mary Heaton from Brandsby in North Yorkshire
The International Young Handlers trial takes place afterwards. One representative from each Nation competes for the title. The ISDS are staunch supporters of Young Handlers, many of whom equal their elders in ability.
[2009 International Young Handlers Elin Pyrs & Eryri Taran, Kieran Docherty & Bob, Craig Stewart & Tan, and Willie Welsh & Fly]
Afterwards the Supreme continues.
[Gwyn Jones at the International Shed]
At the end of the trials, there is the International Driving Championship before the Prizegiving.
[Tom Lawrenson & Spot win the 2009 International Driving]
[The Prizegiving]