Emily Fleur Photography |
» CHAMPION SHEARER 32 year old Matt Smith conquered the Nine Hour Ewe World Shearing Record – setting a new world record tally- by shearing 731 ewes in nine hours, taking an average of 44 seconds to shear each sheep.
This is the first time a world record of this kind has been attempted both in the UK, and the Northern Hemisphere. The previous Nine Hour Ewe World Shearing Record, which was set in 2007, stood at 721 ewes in nine hours and was held by fellow New Zealander, Rodney Sutton of Porangahau.
Matt began shearing at 5am for two hours, followed by four one-and-three-quarter runs, with half hour breaks in between. It took place at Matt’ s home farm in St Clether,
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Launceston, in Cornwall, where he was surrounded by the support of friends and family, as well as sheep producers and fellow shearers from all over the world.
Speaking afterwards a triumphant Matt said:“ I am chuffed to bits to have set a new world record. It has not been easy, but all the hard work and preparation has paid off. It’ s been a long-time ambition of mine, and this is proof that if you’ re willing to put your body on the line, you can achieve your goals.”
A milestone for Matt and an achievement for shearing in the UK, the event also supported St Austell-based Children’ s Hospice, Little Harbour.
Originally from New Zealand, Matt settled in the UK three
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years ago when he married Pippa. They now farm in partnership together on her family’ s farm and run a flock of 1,385 breeding ewes, primarily Romney’ s with some crossed with the Lleyn, on a New Zealand grass-based system.
Matt has been preparing for the challenge since last summer following a very strict fitness regime, under the guidance and support of Matt Luxton and Mike Goodman.
Bedwyr Jones, Chairman, BWMB Field Services committee said:“ I am delighted for Matt, and on behalf of the British Wool Marketing Board, I would like to congratulate him on what was, without a doubt, a phenomenal task, and a tremendous accomplishment.”
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