With most shows cancelled this year due to COVID-19, judges and students were excited to attend the show, according to Rydal Show secretary Rachael Young.

Judge Katrina Abbott from Boolina Corriedales at Brewongle, near Bathurst, and associate judge Claire Tilly from Ben Bullen, near Portland, cast their expert eye over the 38 sheep and their handlers from Blayney, Bathurst and Lithgow high schools and Skillset Bathurst, Ms Young said.

Blayney High School won supreme exhibit with its champion ewe and Skillset Bathurst won champion ram.

The champion group of three sheep was won by Bathurst High.

As well as the judging of sheep, handlers were judged throughout the day.

The under 15 years winner was Kate Williamson from Blayney High School and the over 15 years winner was Leah Salazar from Bathurst High School.

The 40 students who attended were given tips and hints on handling their sheep and what judges are looking for in a prize-winning Corriedale sheep, Ms Young said.

Organiser Rick Hoolihan said he would like to thank Glen Esk Corriedales, Silmac Bathurst, Rydal Show Society and Rydal Showground Trust, which all supported the day.

The event was so successful that another day has been planned for Friday, February 19 in 2021.

There are also plans under way to make it an annual event.

The Rydal Show will be held on February 5 and 6, 2021.