Last Saturday 18 April, at the Little River Dog Trials on the Banks Peninsula, the Long Head course hosted a completely different event – a man went head to head with a sheep dog on the 400metre very steep hill. The prize? $500 worth of TUX dog food and huge bragging rights.
The bet came about over banter at the New Zealand Sheepdog Trial Association National Championships in 2025 where Mark Toplis, keen runner and Purina Rural Manager, challenged “I reckon I could take on a dog”. Fortunately (or unfortunately!) it was made to farmer and Dog Triallist Ben Manson, a man who gets things done and is no stranger to a physical challenge, having completed the South Island Coast to Coast race in 2024 & 2025.
And just like that, a bet between mates turned into something a whole community and TUX could get behind.
Mark went up against a heading dog – a match-up definitely not in his favour. To keep things a bit more interesting, he raced a young, inexperienced dog and a new trialist, still learning the ropes. Which meant there was no guarantee the dog would do what it was told. Or that the man won’t look a bit silly trying to keep up.
For TUX, proudly providing the prize and supporting the event over the weekend, reflects its 58 year commitment to the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association, their incredible working dogs, and the strong friendships forged over the years.
TUX Brand Manager New Zealand, Jessica Ambler said “We know the connection between farmers and their working dogs is super-special. TUX has been standing for that for many years alongside the community. This story is a gloriously bonkers celebration of the longevity of that relationship – one that we hope to be told for some time in Little River.”
TUX donated $1,000 worth of dog food to the Little River Club as a thank you for hosting the event, after the dog won the race.
The event marks the first time a man and dog have been pitted against each other like this, with clear parameters, a set course, and a healthy dose of good humour.
Watch the race highlights on TUX TikTok socials here @Tuxtoknz.
