The last word

It seems a long time ago now since Andy Hudson was invited to judge the 2006 Olympia agility finals but it was something he had always wanted to do so he accepted without hesitation. At the time of being asked, there were still 15 months to go before the event, plenty of time to deliberate over courses etc. but the time flew by.

At that time I was also offered the opportunity to spend a couple of days at the 2005 Olympia finals to work on the ring party, shadow the judge, John Gilbert, and generally gain some behind the scenes experience before taking the helm in 2006. The time proved to be invaluable.

I had been to Olympia on many occasions, sadly only as groom for Nancy, having failed on at least nine occasions to get further than the semi-finals, but I had no idea how much organisation and hard work went on behind the scenes in order to provide the polished event that we all strive to compete at. I take my hat off to all those who, year in year out, dedicate their time and expertise to provide what I think are the most prestigious agility finals anywhere.

I soaked up the experience of 2005 like a sponge, gathering all sorts of knowledge that would ultimately assist me in every element of my preparation. I wanted the finals to reflect my determination to create an Olympia that competitors would enjoy even if they weren't lucky enough to take home some crystal.

Thursday - The Kennel Club Medium Agility Stakes Final
The day began with the Kennel Club Medium Dog Jumping resulting in Fiona Vaughan with Ag.Ch. Hooligan Nell picking up the first trophy of this year's Olympia finals. I was acutely aware that I would have to have my wits about me throughout the next few days when Suzanna Dry's Gemma almost caught me out at the weaves as the dog made a perfect weave entry, spun through 360 degrees and carried on correctly! This put me on my guard for the final in the evening. The Medium dogs were not to be underestimated.

Pamela Keith ran first but unfortunately picked up five for a dropped pole and, in this company, it wouldn't be enough. Next up was Suzanna Dry setting the tone by producing the first clear round of the final. The rest now knew what was required!  Karen Bugler then picked up five followed by Hannah Mitchell with a lovely clear round with her miniature poodle Gem.

The clear rounds were now coming thick and fast. Rosie Ison set Olympia alight with a classic clear round which I thought unbeatable. But this was Olympia and the best was yet to come!

Petra Craven unfortunately picked up the first elimination, swiftly followed by our second by Amanda Hampson, leaving three to run. Karen Smith tried her best but a rather over cautious dog walk contact cost her valuable time. Our penultimate dog turned out to be our eventual winner. Fiona Vaughan, who'd already won the morning event, was determined to make it a double victory. With the crowd cheering her every inch of the way, Nell gave her all and crossed the line clear just ahead of Rosie. The place erupted!

With Carol Wallace and Compo picking up five on the dog walk, Fiona and Nell were crowned champions.

Medium Finalists

THE KENNEL CLUB MEDIUM AGILITY STAKES FINAL
Supported by Premier Show Jumps

Friday – The Kennel Club Small Dog Agility Stakes Finals
Would we finish, as we did Thursday, with a double winner? Dawn Weaver with Sharon Brewster managed the only double clear round to start our Small dog competitions by taking this year's Kennel Club Small Dog Agility Pairs Relay. The two poodles Chelsea and Ruby looked a good bet for the evening final.

Angela Sallis with her ten year old Patterdale, Zeeta, showed that age was no barrier when they crossed the line clear in 36.80 seconds, setting a very high target for the rest to follow. Helen Davey-Smith followed with a similar time but unfortunately taking the first pole. David Sweeney's first time at Olympia with his Sheltie, Pearl, was to end unfortunately in our first elimination. However, I was delighted when David took the time to tell me at the champagne reception later 'what a fantastic time we had.' Olympia has such a special magic, win or lose.

Incurring five faults at the A-frame did not deter Sharon Brewster with her miniature poodle, Ruby, who put in a very respectable time of 35.53. At least she wasn't going home empty handed, having taken the crystal this morning. Miranda Frankham who was next to run with her cracking Sheltie Chico was one of the pre-final favourites, but the tension of the occasion seemed to get the better of them, picking up 15 faults.

It was Linda Hutchinson's first time at Olympia. What a shame that a bit of enthusiasm on the A-frame cost them any chance of a piece of crystal. Susie Josty's run of bad luck continued when this morning's accumulation of faults was compounded with the second elimination of the evening.

Olympia never seems to run to form and our crystal winners for this evening would come from the last three to run. Dave Alderson's Toy Poodle Libby did him proud by putting in round which I thought wouldn't be beaten. The Olympia crowd went ballistic. This tiny little poodle ran her heart out. Having been adopted as a rescue pet, what this dog has achieved beggars belief.

The penultimate partnership was the veteran Portia with the veteran handler Alan Bray (Just teasing, Alan!) Portia, as ever, gave her all and produced another stunning performance to put her into second place at the time of running.

Running last was Dawn Weaver with her miniature poodle, Chelsea. Would we have a repeat of yesterday's results? The spectators as ever urged Chelsea on every inch of the way. They were determined to make this a fairy tale ending. Dawn guided her to perfection and when she crossed the line clear, shaving 7/10s off David's time, the roof came off Olympia with the sheer noise of the applause.

What a fantastic final! The dogs and handlers did me, and more importantly themselves, proud.

Small finalists

THE KENNEL CLUB SMALL AGILITY STAKES FINAL
Supported by Pedigree

Saturday - The Kennel Club Large Dog Agility Stakes Semi Final
Nerves were once again jangling in the collecting area as the formalities got under way with 35 competitors vying for the coveted top ten places in this evening's final.

Ian Smith set the ball rolling with a classic clear round. I couldn't have wished for a better start but unfortunately for Ian such was the calibre of the competitors it wasn't fast enough to qualify. Running third was Toni Dawkins, a world class competitor who would not disappoint, putting in the first sub-thirty second clear round, ultimately ensuring a place in the final.

Having just returned from a very successful overseas trip Simon and Diesel were in top form – not quite up to Kite's speed but still ensured fourth overall. Nobody wants to be 11th but, sadly for Greg and GT, this was what happened as the last but one to run sealed their fate.

We have never had a run off at  Olympia but today we had a three way one! David Munnings, Lee Windeatt and David Ryan all crossed the line clear in a time of 33.89. Thankfully it wasn't going to effect the overall final line up as all three were within the top ten.

Helen Nelson with the very strong Wholly Chad was possibly one of the dark horses of the competition. They took no prisoners and put in the fastest round of the day in 32.53 - stunning to watch and certainly shortened the odds on a bet for the final.

Amanda Pigg, running 17th with Jag, certainly gave them a run for their money, however, benefiting immensely from this years upgraded weave bases. Lynne Ward returned to Olympia with Kite looking polished and determined and ending up with a clear round in 33.12 and fifth place. Having been placed third in the 2004 final, Rob Davies with Dizzy knew exactly what was required - a faultless performance in 33.78 achieving his goal with  a place in  yet another Olympia  final. Our penultimate partnership was Sue Rolfe with Kes, a previous Olympia final winner. They took the last place in the final ten.

The standard of competition in this semi final was breathtaking and without doubt one of the most exciting competitions I have judged.

For those placed 11^th -20^th an afternoon knockout competition took place. After three very exciting preliminary rounds Lorna Peachey and Ian Smith ended up as the final two. Unfortunately for Ian, he ran two rounds consecutively so the gas tank was on empty but this did not detract from the very exciting final run when it would be Lorna and Ammo who took home the crystal.

Saturday - The Kennel Club Large Dog Agility Stakes Final
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation when the finalists lined up for the start of the competition. First to run was David Munnings with the infamous Billy Whizz. He gave the crowd a taste of what was to come with a brilliant clear round in 35.32 seconds. Lee Windeatt with Shy ran next and although clear Shy was unusually wide in a couple of places which cost them valuable time - clear in 36.63.

David Ryan had an unscheduled start but held it together well coming in clear in a time of 36.81 which by now I knew would not be good enough. Sue Rolfe the winner in 2004 made an untimely exit with an unfortunate elimination when Kes back jumped early on in the course. Rob Davies also had a difficult time when Dizzy missed two contacts and a refusal at the last fence, which was out of context following a very successful season. Lynne Ward, who'd had a wonderful semi final run, suffered our second and last elimination of the night for back jumping, very unfortunate as Kite had looked so impressive earlier in the day.

The pace then  picked up again as Simon Peachey and Diesel crossed the start line. The further he got around the course the louder the crowd became. How the dog heard the instructions was beyond me. The roof came off. Olympia again when the time stopped at 35.24 taking the lead from David and Blue.

The last three to run were this morning's one, two, three. Would the order stay the same? I knew in this cauldron of excitement anything was possible. Toni Dawkins with Kite was first to the run of this trio and put in one of the most stunning rounds of agility  I've ever judged. She stormed into the lead with a clear round in 33.95. The Olympia crowd went wild.

Amanda Pigg running second to last was up for the challenge, however, and gave it her all – another stunning round going into second place behind Toni in 35.13. Last to run was this morning's winner Helen Nelson and Chad. Would she make it a hat trick with the morning winner taking the evening honours for the third day in a row?  She gave it her best shot and split the first and second place dogs by nudging Amanda into third place in a time of 34.83.

If I thought the semi-final was amazing then I'm lost for words to describe the final. Some fantastic runs with the dogs and handlers showing British agility at its best. The top three rounds were absolutely amazing – one just a little more amazing than the other two!

THE KENNEL CLUB AGILITY STAKES FINAL
Supported by Pedigree

Sunday - The Kennel Club Novice Agility Stakes
After the excitement of last night's final, we were once again drawn into a somewhat quieter atmosphere and returned to the collecting ring with a lot a white faces on parade! There was such a wide spectrum involved. Hopefully I had pitched a course that would suit all abilities. This appeared to be the case as there were no eliminations during the event.

Once again the top ten would be invited to the evening final and for this, the requirement was going to be clear round. We had 15 clears in total with only those less than 32.24 reaching the final, just two and half seconds separating the top ten places.

Mark Powell was lucky enough to hold on to tenth place with the only clear over 32 seconds qualifying. Fourth to ninth places were all 31 seconds – Mike Douglas, Lucy O'Neill, Leah Gardner, Denise Wilkinson, Jo Richardson and Tom Green.

Running sixth Laura Derrett and Fly were our first sub-31 second clear with a smooth, well controlled round but her lead was short lived when Brad Moyler ran next shaving half a second off her time.

The eventual winner Sarah Stokoe with Jinx running 22^nd with the only sub thirty second round without faults. It was a super performance and well deserved first place. My appetite was whetted for tonight's final.

Here I feel I should add a post script. Unfortunately all the old timers, Croxford, Chuter, Roberts and Jolly obviously hadn't put in enough training with their local club Saga!

The Sunday afternoon event was an agility pairs competition which proved to be a great crowd pleaser. Kathrin Tasker and Sarah Osborne took the crystal with the only double clear and the fastest time of the afternoon – 54.52 seconds.

As we stood in the tunnel ready to set the scene for our fourth consecutive final, we heard the familiar theme tune and the dulcet tones of Mike Tucker announcing the start of the 'diggy dogs agility final.' Mark Powell and Trigger began the proceedings but unfortunately picked up five faults for a refusal at the wall.  

Next to run was Tom Green with his collie X also picking up five faults at the see saw but improving on Mark's time in 31.62. Jo Richardson with Pippa was third to run and eventually ended up in third place with the fastest five (rolled pole) in 30.12.

Denise Wilkinson didn't quite retain her form of this morning with 15 faults which unfortunately put her out of the running. Leah Gardner with Link came to the line next, no doubt hoping to repeat her clear round which she'd achieved in the morning's semi final. Link didn't disappoint with a very exciting, edge of the seat clear round in 30.65 which ultimately earned her second place.

Lucy O'Neill, despite her young years, guided Doodle Bug round  like a seasoned handler but unfortunately, with her foot on the gas, the faults started to mount up. But for a fault on the see saw Mike Douglas with Dee Dee might have been taking home some crystal but this is Olympia and, with the crowd and the dogs at fever pitch, he was to end up in fourth place.

Laura Derrett with Fish gave it her best shot, but the need for speed yet again caused her ten faults on contacts. With two to go Leah was still holding on to the lead, but Brad Moyler and his WSD Saffi had other ideas! With caution thrown to the wind, he crossed the line in 28.67 almost two seconds clear, stirring the crowd to a frenzy and second round of applause erupted.

This morning's winner Sarah Stokoe with her border collie Jinx running last could not repeat her form of the semi final. Pushing a little too hard, she ended up with two rolled poles but a very respectable time of 29.72.

It was a cracking final which showcased our sport in a really positive way.

Novice finalists

THE KENNEL CLUB NOVICE AGILITY STAKES FINAL
Supported by Pedigree

Monday – The Kennel Club ABC Agility Stakes Final
The last day of Olympia arrives with the turn of the ABCs, always a real crowd pleaser. It just reinforces the fact that agility is accessible to any breed and anyone with a determination to succeed.

A variety of breeds were present to battle for the crystal in the Speed Jumping event including kelpies, a GSD, BSDs, a crossbreed and a Beardie. Taking the honours and the crystal were Petra Craven-Houghton and her crossbreed Defeur with a superb clear round in 31.97.

Doesn't time fly when you're having fun! Monday already and the last event of Olympia 2006, the ABC Final.

First to run was Carl Lumley with his Kelpie, Aussie. Things were going well until he picked up a refusal at the weaves just two obstacles from home, still a remarkable achievement considering that Aussie is deaf. Next to run was Nikki Keeler with her BSD, Cruise who proved to be a bit of a handful with the extra hype created by the crowd and ending up with an unfortunate elimination.

Colin Skeaping with his Beardie Tulley, were next to go, but also picked up an elimination. I suspect his thoughts were with his dear Wurzel at the vets back home. Since writing we have learned that Colin lost Wurzel and I offer him my sympathy at this sad time.

Brenda Hollis with her BSD Bailey were over half way round and looking good before being drawn off the dog walk early by the sight of the wall, picking up 5 faults. Next was the turn of Melanie Engelbrecht with the only GSD of the competition. Alas, it was not to be their day. Thomas picked up an elimination but appearing to thoroughly enjoy himself in the process! Running seventh was Andy Brown and his BSD Skye who set the crowd alight with a stunning clear round in 33.75. It was difficult to see it being beaten.

Nigel Staines and his Kelpie Zico ran next putting in the fastest time of the final, 31.63, but it wasn't going to affect the result with a rolled poll incurring five faults. Running second to last was Petra Craven-Houghton with her crossbreed Defeur in form after winning the afternoon's speed jumping event. They gave it their all crossing the line in 32.41 but with a missed dog walk contact and 5 faults, eventually finishing in fourth place.

Last to run was Daphne Loveland and her Kelpie Tyke, in determined mood. As the clock ticked by Andy Brown, the current leader must have been holding his breath. Tyke crossed the line clear shaving 0.28 of a second of Andy's time taking first place in the ABC Final to the delight of the crowd and thunderous applause. What a finish!

The day wasn't finished yet. It was to be a memorable and very special end to Olympia for the first four placed ABC dogs and handlers.  Following the champagne reception there was an invitation to meet the Duchess of Cornwall who didn't disappoint, taking time to chat with the handlers and meet their canine partners. A great day for the ABCs and a great way to conclude Olympia 2006.

With the 2006 finals now over and a chance to reflect on the past week, I would like to say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I'd do it all again tomorrow. Well maybe not quite tomorrow, but you know what I mean!

ABC finalists

THE KENNEL CLUB ABC AGILITY FINAL
Supported by Pedigree

Thank you
At this point I'd like to say thank you to the following people

• The ring party comprising John Gilbert, Rob Hunter, Gwyn Roberts, Mary Ray, Alan Pollock, Liz Pollock and Nancy Hudson who tirelessly set up courses in two minutes' flat; make sure the equipment stays in place for each competitor; crash the equipment under 10 minutes later and prepare it all again for the next event  a few hours later.  

• Chief Steward – John Gilbert for keeping the team ticking over like clockwork;

• Jackie Brett for her quiet, reliable and supportive role as scribe sitting up in the commentary box deciphering my hand signals and recording the competitor information; Ann Roberts for multi-tasking and covering for any eventuality as well as sitting at the PC after each event helping me to remember details to write this report (not easy following the champagne receptions!);

• Nancy for her unwavering support in the lead up preparations and throughout the whole event;

• The Sponsors – The Kennel Club, Pedigree and Premier Showjumps for their continued financial support without which Olympia couldn't happen;

• The Competitors – thank you all for being such good sports and showing agility off to its very best.

• Last and by no means least, the unsung hero, the old 'Silver Fox himself (aka Dave Ray) who clucks around all week like a mother hen, checking up on us all - even when he's promised not to - in order to make sure that the whole event runs as smoothly as possible. Dave, you do an incredible job and it wouldn't be the same without you so keep on doing what you do so well!

I've had the time of my life. If everyone else had enjoyed their time at Olympia half as much as I did, then I'd succeeded in what I set out to do.

Good luck to everyone on the agility circuit for 2007. I'll see you at the shows back in my track bottoms and trainers with the latest edition to the family, a tri-coloured bundle of fluff, a sheltie! Watch out Olympia 2008 (ha ha!)

Photos: Heather & Keith Noddle

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