Shearing record abandoned

Shearing record abandoned

Record-breaking shearer Stacey Te Huia was today shearing-on for the sake of the helpers and the fans after his latest attempt on the World solo nine-hour strongwool ewe-shearing record was called-off after less than half-way through.

While conditions on the day in the Mangarata-Taratahi Ag-Training Centre woolshed near Te Ore Ore Masterton were ideal, Te Huia was never able to get onto the pace of over 80 an hour to break the record of 721 set by Hawke’s Bay shearer Rodney Sutton almost nine years ago.

Going into morning smoko after 3hrs 45mins, Te Huia had shorn 281 – 17 shy of the tally at the equivalent stage of Sutton’s record in January 2007.

After a short discussion with the four World Sheep Shearing Records Society judges it was decided to call off the attempt, but Te Huia decided to return the board to shear for the sake of his workers and their big day out.

Experts said a mixture of factors conspired to add to the toughness of the challenge, including on-and-off rain over the previous two days.

Te Huia expects to return to his Australian base within a week and may contemplate another record on merino sheep, as he did when he set a record on Australia’s finewooled finest last February, one of three records he holds.

Another shearing record attempt is being undertaken on Thursday when three shearers will tackle a lambshearing record which was set in 1999. It will take place in a woolshed near Te Kuiti.

ENDS

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