I know I'm on thin ice with this one BUT here goes;
The organising committee for this years National regected the idea of an award for Best Lady Handler because the ladies on the committee (7 of them) felt that in this age of equality, they were competing on a level playing field with the men,and such an award would be condecending towards them, unless there was also an award for Best Male Handler.
I personally believe that some of our ladies are every bit as good as their male counterparts,in fact as Kerry has already stated two made it through to the last run and two more got through to the third day missing out on the seventh run (Jackie Duffy & Doc, and Laurelle Draper & Inca)
Just goes to prove whichever way you go you can't please all of the people all of the time !
cheers Allan