The Finalists

Agria Agility Challenge Final 2019

Following a spring and summer of thrilling heats across the country, the Final of the Agria Agility Challenge made for a very exciting end to the competition. Some of the UK's highest flying, rising stars with their G1-4 dogs had qualified to take part in what has become a staple of the agility calendar. For many of the dogs taking part, this was their first experience of an agility final – and what better event than at the Malvern Autumn Show on 29th September with over 30,000 visitors to impress!

Throughout the morning, the finalists gathered in the Top Dog arena for a few warm-up runs to get used to all the hustle and bustle of the showground before the afternoon’s big event,

Championship Judge Hannah Banks said, 'The Agria Agility Challenge is a wonderful and important competition giving great experience for the up and coming agility stars of the future. I was thrilled to be invited to judge the 2019 Final, ending a day designed to give these fabulous dogs and handlers the confidence to do their very best. It was great to have a mix of interesting classes in the morning, a Steeplechase with a nice, flowing. confidence giving course to start, then a Jumping round and finally a Power and Speed to practice accuracy and speed.'

The weather was somewhat changeable weather but luckily the worst of the rain fell during the lunch break. The afternoon Final drew quite a crowd that seemed to appreciate the skills on display. It was lovely to see a good range of breeds making it through to the final.

There were some great rounds and some oh-so-close runs, such as Sam Clarke, running Lalapaws Shaken Not Stirred. and the crowd-pleasing Gary The Gooner run by Alan Brickley, who unfortunately just tipped a pole. A wonderful run won the Final for Jan Gordon with Lilhaze Kwik Save Me in 38.185 secs. The runner up with another lovely run was Karen Sanders with The Merle Of Valgrays.

Those of a certain vintage will no doubt recognise an early Doctor Who companion, Blue Peter presenter and a voice of Crufts, Peter Purvis who joined us for presentations.

Shelley Harrison from Agria Pet Insurance, one of the very few providers to cover agility dogs while they work, train and compete, said, 'The Final was fantastic with so many enthusiastic dogs creating a great spectacle for the audience. At Agria Pet Insurance, we are very passionate about pets and owners enjoying their time together, so we're thrilled to support Agility/ What could be a better example of having fun together? Well done to all our finalists, and many congratulations to Jan and the gorgeous Kwik for their stunning winning round.'

Hannah Banks finished by saying, 'Thank you everyone involved for great organisation, for looking after me so well, and thank you Agria Pet Insurance for sponsoring, supporting and enabling this great competitive experience. As ever thanks go to all the ring party for all your help throughout the day and also to all the handlers for their continued support of all for this event. Many thanks to Sean Cameron for taking the photos which can be viewed at: www.seancameronphotographic.com.

The Winners

1.  Jan Gordon with Lilhaze Kwik Save Me - 38.185 secs  (C)

2.  Karen Sanders with The Merle of Valgrays - 40.908 secs  (C)

3.  Melissa Royall with Fairground Floss - 41.038 secs  (C)

4.  Lou Pink with Follyfleet Thief of Time - 45.611 secs (0.611f)

5.  Alan Brickley with Gary The Gooner - 36.083 secs (5f)

6.  Rachel Williams with Blamorder Just Like Magic - 38.232 secs (5f)

7.  Craig Woodhead with Buffalo Girl Go Round the Outside - 39.948 secs (5f)

8.  Julia Mclean with Freyasways Emerald Yolo - 43.109 secs (5f)

9.  Barbara Flood Page with Tilly Quickstep - 45.912 secs (5.912f)

10.  Trevor Many with Magical Maisie - 47.780 secs (7.180f)

Holkham County Fair

The theme for this year’s Holkham County Fair was celebrating land, sea and sky which was appropriate as the Showground is just a stone’s throw from acres of beach and a coastal pine forest. We arrived in brilliant sunshine which encouraged both holidaymakers and local residents to visit the fair.

With the lake and ducks close by the Agility ring, the temptation for the dogs to take a dip was great but resisted by all, although several took a very close look much to the amusement of the crowds and the discomfort of the handler. No duck was harmed during our Agility weekend.

Our judge Jackie Kenny surprised some by announcing that today would be her last Agility judging appointment. Hopefully she enjoyed her day and the happy faces of some of the qualifiers - the rest were discovering the delights the fair - bore testament to an enjoyable time.

Heat 7 - Holkham Country Fair

1. Laurence Blake with Bruno's Barmy Army

2. Trevor Manby with Magical Maisie

3. Eliza Fisher with My Curly Tailed Boy Jasper

4. Lisa Holler with Morgansr Kissed The Blarney

5. Emma Austin with Gainsthorpe Gillyweed

Invitations will shortly be sent across the country to all 50 finalists for this year’s Agria Agility Challenge and we very much hope all will be able to join us at the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday, 29th September 2019, for the final of Agria Agility Challenge, to be judged by Championship Agility judge, Hannah Banks.

Rugby DTC Championship Weekend

Rugby Championship Weekend was a really busy show, and one which produced some of our fastest Agria Agility Challenge finalists to date.

Judged by Doc Doherty, the top five completed the full agility course in under 30 seconds, making them hot contenders for the Agria Agility Challenge final to be held at the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday, 29th September 2019, judged by Championship Agility judge, Hannah Banks.

With the heats of the competition almost over, the opportunities are reducing of joining us at this year’s final, so do make sure you check out the remaining host clubs dates and details.

Heat 6 - Rugby Championship Weekend

1. Sam Clarke with Lalapaws Shaken Not Stirred - 27.133 secs (C)

2. Kathrin Tasker with Cha Cha Cha Charlie - 27.998 secs (C)

3. Gwynne Lyons with Borderpops Buzz Lightpaws - 28.288 secs (C)

4. Isabel Austin with Jonanelle Portia - 28.359 secs (C)

5. Marilyn Murphy with Indistorm Lyte of Neon - 29.461 secs (C)

RVA Championship Weekend

Heat 5 of Agria Agility Challenge heat took place at the RVA Championship Weekend show which, for the first time, was held at Peterborough FC. As usual, it attracted a great range of breeds including a very agile Boxer, and it was great to see a Bearded Collie in the final line up.

Grace Mead might have been the unluckiest competitor to take part in the Agria Agility Challenge thus far.  for the rising stars of the Agility world, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance and kindly judged by Lynne Garstang. With the fastest time of class, her five faults might have cost her a place in the FInal at the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday, 29th September 2019 to be judged by Championship Agility judge, Hannah Banks.

Happily for her, good fortune took a hand and Grace, who had traveled from Wales to attend the event, secured that last qualifying place.

Heat 5 - RVA Championship Show

1. Gemma Walchester with Bexonolly Miss Dior - 34.994 secs (C)

2. Pauline Droy with Moore with Kalizar Dakota - 41.096 secs (C)

3. Jane Gemmill with Holtend Harmonica - 43.464 secs (C)

4. Rachel Wilcox with Two Oh Two Llanbister Tyke - 52.811 secs (C)

5. Grace Mead with Kaiyanita Midnight Charm - 34.748 secs (5f)

Huge congratulations to all of our qualifiers so far!

Dogs Unleashed

The phrase 'Bustling Bakewell' describes this Peak District town perfectly. The showground is within walking distance of the town centre, and Dogs Unleashed weekend arrived in the warm sunshine with a host of canine activites, trade stands and dog things to watch. The deluge waited until late Sunday night.

Dogs Unleashed, this year on the weekend of 22nd-23rd June, drew visitors from across Central England. It was a truly active doggy event giving an exciting, fun filled and informative weekend for everyone with the  Agility ring centre stage. The judge for the Fourth Heat of the Agria Agility Challenge, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, was Pat Wallis.

Completing the course in a lightning speed clear round was Michael Adams with Cloud City Destroyer, followed hot on the heels by Clarissa Brown with Miss Rose Strike A Pose.

Well done to you both, and the other finalists who have made it through to join the at the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday 29th September 2019, for the final of Agria Agility Challenge, to be judged by Championship Agility judge, Hannah Banks.

Heat 4 - Dogs Unleashed

1. Michael Adams with Cloud City Destroyer - 22.004 secs (C)

2. Clarissa Brown with Miss Rose Strike a Pose - 22.776 secs (C)

3. Nicola Trickett with Thorntonfern Kestrel - 24.054 secs (C)

4. Craig Asker with Jinxy Lynx Paws a While - 32.142 secs (C)

5. Mandy Welton with Dogtanian a Journeys Eve - 37.134 secs (C)

Huge congratulations to all of our qualifiers so far!

Top Agility on Display at Top Barn!

Worcester's Premier Agility Show, held at Top Barn on the 18th May, was a brilliant event at a great venue which also provides a location to several agility events throughout the year. With a backdrop of a farm shop, a maize maze, 44 tonners loading chilled crops and an activity centre, it was a perfect day out for the 150 rising stars of the agility world who came from far and wide, seeking one of the five quaifying places at each heat of the Agria Agiity Challenge.

This was the third heat of the Agria Agility Challenge, judged by Agility Team GB Manager Mark Laker, who set a course that sent handlers from one side of the ring to the other, just to get going! Those making it have joined the finalists at the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday, 29th September 2019, set to be judged by Championship Agility judge, Hannah Banks.

In a fast and thrilling clear round, Hilary Jordan, with Amduki's Crispy Temaki Zooka, took 1st place, beating her nearest rival by almost two seconds.

Heat 3 - Worcester Premier Agility Show

1. Hilary Jordan with Amduki's Crispy Temaki Zooka - 24.295 secs (C)

2. Carolyn Davies with Mister Wisdom - 26.003 secs (C)

3. Julie Stevens with Kinaway Grease Lightening - 26.357 secs (C)

4. Anne-Marie Waugh with Chazak Skys The Limit - 29.494 secs (C)

5. Ian Radford with Adric of Alzarius - 29.507 secs (C)

Huge congratulations to Hilary and all of our qualifiers so far!

The second heat of this year's Agria Agility Challenge 2019 was held at the fantastic North Somerset Show. With car parks overflowing, the fine day had everything from award-winning cattle to unbelievable tractor pulling – and of course, the wonderful spectacle that is the Agria Agility Challenge!

Many different breeds - from a greyhound to a boxer – took part in the second heat of the competition, which is especially designed for the rising stars of the Agility world. Judged by David Sweeney, the course resulted in many clear rounds right up until the last fence.

Winner Ally Weller, with My Teddy Boy, did manage to retain her clear until the end – completing the course in an impressive 31.96 seconds. She was thrilled to have won and qualified for the Agria Agility Challenge Grand Final at the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday, 29th September 2019 and commented, 'I am very excited and slightly stunned to have won a qualifier!'

The Agria Agility Challenge 2019 is open to Grades 1- 4 dogs, with heats throughout the year. The top five placed at each heat will qualify for September’s final, be judged by Championship Agility judge Hannah Banks.

Heat 2 - North Somerset Show

1. Ally Weller with My Teddy Boy - 31.967 secs (C)

2. Lou Pink with Follyfleet Thief of Time - 33.039 secs (C)

3. Julie Palmer with Alfie Loves a Sweetie - 35.098 secs (C)

4. Hilary Bowden with Son of a Gunner - 36.967 secs (C)

5. Lesely Dean with Melindhowr of Godrevy - 37.825 secs (C)

The Season's First Winners at Andoversford

The competition, appropriately judged by ex-jump jockey Veronica Hill, was every bit as exciting as we could have wished for, with five fast clear rounds taking the top five places. Beating their nearest rivals by 1.5 seconds were Becky Bryant with Batfink Bombs Away, who completed the course in just 29.761 secs.

Becky said, 'I was extremely happy when we found out we had qualified for the final! Bomb has a mind of his own sometimes, so clears can be rare. We are both very much looking forward to the Final and fingers crossed he listens when it matters! But whatever happens, we are going to go and have fun as that’s what it’s all about!'

Heat 1 - Andoversford Point to Point Festival

1. Becky Bryant with Batfink Bombs Away - 29.761 secs (C)

2. Rachel Williams with Blamorder Just like Magic - 31.262 secs (C)

3. Karen Sanders The Merle of Valgrays - 32.860 secs (C)

4. Rosie Reid with Splatterday Night Fever - 35.667 secs (C)

5. Peter Dowie with Fearless Seal - 38.759 secs (C)

Hopefully the Andoversford weather will continue across the outdoor season as Heat 2 of the Agira Agility Challenge heads southwards to the North Somerset Show to find the next five Agria Agility Challenge 2019 qualifiers. Congratulations to our first set of finalists, and good luck to those taking part in the remaining heats!

Agria Backs Agility in 2019

Agria Pet Insurance will continue to support the Agria Agility Challenge in 2019. With it's regional heats for dogs at Grades 1- 4, this competition is for standard height Large dogs during the spring and summer, culminating in a thrilling final in September in the Top Dogs Arena at The Malvern Autumn Show.

Tom Vaughan, Head of Marketing at Agria Pet Insurance, said, 'We’re delighted to announce continue Agria support of Agility in 2019. It’s fantastic to see the speed and skill of the rising stars of the Agility world and we cannot wait to watch their progress through to what no doubt will be thrilling final in September. Agility is an outstanding activity for the health and well-being of both dogs and handlers – great for fitness and mental well-being, and to deepen the bond for the most rewarding of animal-owner partnerships. We can’t wait to follow the up and coming agility stars of 2019 through to the final in September. It’s going to be an exciting year!'

Heats for the Agria Agility Challenge 2019 have been announced at the following venues:-

April 2019

• 07 April - Andoversford Point to Point Festival (Gloucestershire)

May 2019

• 06 May - Severnside at The North Somerset Show (Wraxall, Somerset)

• 18 May - Worcester Premier Agility Show (Top Barn, Worcestershire)

June 2019

• 22 - 23 June - Dogs Unleashed (Bakewell, Derbyshire)

July 2019

• 05 -07 July - RVA Championship Agility Show (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire)

• 13 - 14 July - Rugby Championship Agility Show (Royale Farm, Staffordshire)

• 20 -  21 July - Holkham County Fair (Holkham, Norfolk)