Fagan Shears to Victory at Golden Shears

In a riveting National Circuit Shearing Final at the 2026 Golden Shears competition, Jack Fagan clinched victory with an impressive total of 65.63 points. Fagan's performance was a spectacle of speed and precision, completing his shearing in 17 minutes and 15.213 seconds, the fastest time among all competitors. His total score was a result of low time points of 51.76, minimal board points at 4.00, and pen points totaling 9.87. Close on his heels was Nathan Stratford, who finished with a total of 67.01 points. Stratford's shearing took a bit longer, clocking in at 18 minutes and 29.571 seconds, translating to 55.48 time points. However, his remarkable finesse was evident with the lowest board points in the competition at 2.53 and pen points at 9.00, indicating a nearly flawless execution. Hugh De Lacy claimed the third spot with a total score of 68.34 points. His shearing time was slightly longer than Stratford's, at 18 minutes and 38.815 seconds, which resulted in 55.94 time points. De Lacy's board and pen points were closely matched to Stratford's, at 2.67 and 9.73 respectively, showcasing the tight competition among the top contenders. The competition further down the leaderboard remained fierce, with Justin Meikle in fourth place scoring 72.10 points, followed by Brook Hamerton with 75.13 points, and Lionel Taumata rounding out the field with 76.44 points. The 2026 Golden Shears National Circuit Shearing Final highlighted the exceptional skill and dedication of the competitors, with Jack Fagan's victory underscoring his elite status in the shearing community. The close point differences among the top performers, especially in board and pen points, emphasized the high level of competition and the fine margins that separate the best in the field.