AROUND 10,000 people enjoyed the weekend’s Casterton Kelpie Association Australian Kelpie Muster, where the world record for the top priced working dog was smashed.
The annual auction included a $22,200 sale, smashing the previous record of $14,000 set for a working dog earlier this year.
The talented worker commanded the attention of the more than 5000 strong crowd in the demonstration trial sparking, a later bidding war to reach the world record working dog price.
Casterton Kelpie Association president Karen Stephens said the record breaking price was staggering.
“The record ended up being broken twice with an earlier dog breaking the previous world auction record by $2500 – we were not expecting to reach the $22,200 figure only minutes later,” Ms Stephens said.
“It is an overwhelming result and testament to the vendor Christian Peacock and overall the quality of working dogs on offer at this event.
“Buyers are travelling from across Australia because of the quality on offer at this event.”
More than $261,000 was earned from the 64 dogs auctioned, sourced from nationwide post codes, reaching an average price of $4092 per dog.
Festivities kicked off on Thursday night at the town hall, but the main events were held on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday saw the kelpie triathlon, which includes a 50m dash, a high jump and a climb to the top of Toorak Hill in addition to other novelty events.
Melbourne-based kelpie Cork claimed the overall kelpie triathlon championship with the aid of his owner Tristan Mioni.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said the muster had grown to become one of regional Victoria’s most iconic events.
“It takes a whole community to successfully run this event and Casterton should be extremely proud to again wow spectators with their feast of kelpie-inspired attractions, whilst continuing to gain national attention for our region by again breaking world records,” Cr Rank said.
“The beloved kelpie working dog has a way of touching all of our hearts for its mesmerising skills mustering stock, to being a beloved backyard pet keeping countless kids entertained.
“The kelpie is playing a vital role in positioning Casterton on the touring map, with thousands expected to flood into town to enjoy our new Australian Kelpie Centre.”
Mount Gambier’s Edie Atkins said she and her husband travel to the festival every year.
“It is something we both love coming to,” she said.
“It is a great town to visit and I think an event like this not only does great things for Western Victoria, but also has a flow-on effect to the South East as well.
“Every year is interesting and there is always something different going on.”
