Dogs and handlers from across the country compete at the world’s largest agility festival
Last weekend saw The Kennel Club International Agility Festival take place, with over 2,500 dogs and their handlers from all over the world competing in the event, held in the new location of Rutland Showground.
The festival, which is supported by Skinner’s, welcomed dogs of all types and sizes, with competitors from all over the country, with some having travelled even further afield to navigate the jumps, weaves and tunnels.
Following on from last year’s cancellation in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown, the event every agility dog had been eagerly awaiting finally arrived, with 18 rings set up and over 200 separate classes taking place.
Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at The Kennel Club said: “We were so pleased to finally welcome back so many dogs and handlers to the International Agility Festival.
“Despite having been unable to hold the festival in 2020, the competitors had clearly spent much of the last year honing their skills as there was some really impressive agility talent on display. There has always been a strong community of agility enthusiasts and competitors and it was wonderful for the festival to bring everyone back together.”
William Delamore, Group Commercial Director of Skinner’s, said: “Many congratulations to all the winners and competitors at this year’s Kennel Club International Agility Festival. We are proud to sponsor the festival and we were incredibly impressed by the commitment and dedication displayed by the competitors, and it was brilliant to be back enjoying the festival.
“Congratulations to all of the winners at this year’s festival; they should be very proud of their achievements.”
The top three placings in each of the main competitions at the festival were as follows:
Kennel Club Championship Finals
Large Kennel Club Championship Final
- 1st – Dalton Meredith and Neon Oxide
- 2nd – Ashley Carter and Castomya Epic Enchant Mint
- 3rd – Stephanie Best and Maximum Reds
Intermediate Kennel Club Championship Final
- 1st – Nicola Wildman and Devongem Freekin Awesome
- 2nd – Olivia Patz and Comebyanaway Wild Streak
- 3rd – Jo Gleed and Ag Ch LookyLooky Ready or Not
Medium Kennel Club Championship Final
- 1st – Dalton Meredith and Ag Ch Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive
- 2nd – Jo Gleed and Spiderwick Nimble Ninja
- 3rd – Hannah Thorp and Izzie Catch a Falling Star
Small Kennel Club Championship Final
- 1st – Dave Munnings and Ag Ch Boost Bite
- 2nd – Katrina Hands and Set the Pace of Summergarden
- 3rd – Roz Quail and Licosateria Colour Me
Kennel Club British Open Semi-Final (Crufts qualifiers)
Large Kennel Club British Open Semi-Final
- 1st – Gemma Haycock and Lalapaws Turn Up the Jukebox
- 2nd – Ashley Carter and Castomya Epic Enchant Mint
- 3rd – Lee Windeatt and Soldaze Madame Bikini
Intermediate Kennel Club British Open Semi-Final
- 1st – Stephanie Best and Dare to Dream It Must Be Fate
- 2nd – Nicola Wildman and Devongem Freekin Awesome
- 3rd – Natasha Wise and Ag Ch Nedlo Flipping Shiny Pebble
Medium Kennel Club British Open Semi-Final
- 1st – James Adams and Ag Ch Devongem Tiz Gold Standard
- 2nd – Aemilia Nicholson and Little Miss Woo Woo
- 3rd – Blyth Fox and Devongem Golden Moment
Small Kennel Club British Open Semi-Final
- 1st – Dave Munnings and Ag Ch Boost Bite
- 2nd – Bonny Quick and Ag Ch Goldheart Trail of Flames
- 3rd – Avril Moran and Devongem Rise n Shine
Kennel Club Starters Cup Semi-Final (Discover Dogs qualifier)
- Large Kennel Club Starters Cup Semi-Final
- 1st – Jo Gleed and Devongem Ready To Steal
- 2nd – Christine Wingate-Wynne and Dreamorox Made With Desire
- 3rd – Sarah Tuck and Lilhaze Spring Bash
Intermediate Kennel Club Starters Cup Semi-Final
- 1st – James Mclelland and Rock on the Chamray Nessie
- 2nd – Lee Windeatt and Darleyfalls True Grit
- 3rd – Marta Ptaszynska and Colliewood Full Throttle
Medium Kennel Club Starters Cup Semi-Final
- 1st – Laura Warwick and Midnight Bloom
- 2nd – Ruby Strutt and Klairella Enchantment
- 3rd – Katherine Adams and Chirae Bolting Bullet
Small Kennel Club Starters Cup Semi-Final
- 1st – Lee Gibson and Chica De Espo
- 2nd – Michelle Farlow and Ashstarz Eva Swan Diva
- 3rd – Natalie Briggs and Sultan Solitaire
Find the full list of results.