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.
![](../magazineimages/images2007/olympi2006_mediumfinalists.jpg)
Medium Finalists
THE KENNEL CLUB MEDIUM AGILITY STAKES FINAL
Supported by Premier Show Jumps
Place |
Handler |
Dog |
Time |
Faults |
1 |
Fiona Vaughan |
Ag.Ch.
Hooligan Nell |
33.03 |
C |
2 |
Rosie Ison |
The Cartoon Classic |
34.08 |
C |
3 |
Karen Smith |
Mission Accomplished |
34.21 |
C |
4 |
Hannah Mitchell
|
Shanandi Hit and Run |
34.90 |
C |
5 |
Suzanna Dry |
Dazzling Lady Gemma |
38.27 |
C |
6 |
Carol Wallace |
Last of the Summer Wine |
34.53 |
5 faults |
7 |
Karen Bugler |
Niaben Gaelic Storm |
35.39 |
5 faults |
8 |
Pamela Keith |
Telshador Handsome Hamish |
39.18 |
5 faults |
9 |
Petra Craven-Houghton
|
Defeur's Bracken Bank |
E |
|
9 |
Amanda Hampson |
Winfren Vulpecula Kayla |
E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
![](../magazineimages/images2007/olympi2006_smallfinalists.jpg)
Small finalists
THE KENNEL CLUB SMALL AGILITY STAKES FINAL
Supported by Pedigree
Place |
Handler |
Dog |
Time |
Faults |
1 |
Dawn Weaver |
Ag.Ch. Piquant Painted Sunshine |
32.99 |
C |
2 |
Dave Alderson |
Ag.Ch. Steelthorn Rum Truffle |
33.70 |
C |
3 |
Alan Bray |
Ag.Ch. Harvest Geld for Aprika |
34.83 |
C |
4 |
Angela Sallis |
Zeta the Dark One |
36.80 |
C |
5 |
Sharon Brewster |
Upanova Limited Edition |
35.53 |
5 faults |
6 |
Linda Hutchinson |
Upanova New Edition |
36.45 |
5 faults |
7 |
Helen Davey-Smith |
Rescue Me Henry |
36.49 |
5 faults |
8 |
Susie Josty |
Ag.Ch. Spratt Attack |
36.64 |
10 faults |
9 |
Miranda Frankham |
Chandling Idiots Charger |
39.45 |
15 faults |
10 |
David Sweeney |
Peartbrook Silver Dream |
E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 11th -20th 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
Place |
Handler |
Dog |
Time |
Faults |
1 |
Toni Dawkins |
Ag.Ch. Spellcast Made in Heaven |
33.95 |
C |
2 |
Helen Nelson |
Wholly Chad |
34.83 |
C |
3 |
Amanda Pigg |
The Jagged Edge |
35.13 |
C |
4 |
Simon Peachey |
Ag. Ch. Forby For Turbo Diesel |
35.24 |
C |
5 |
David Munnings |
Mister Billy Whizz |
35.32 |
C |
6 |
Lee Windeatt |
Tenita Princess Lyla |
36.63 |
C |
7 |
David Ryant |
Bucks Blue |
36.81 |
C |
8 |
Rob Davies |
Magical Liquorice Alsorts |
40.78 |
15 faults |
9 |
Sue Rolfe |
Kestrel GTX |
E |
|
10 |
Lynne Ward |
Waggerland Kite |
E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 22nd 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.
![](../magazineimages/images2007/olympia_novicefinalists.jpg)
Novice finalists
THE KENNEL CLUB NOVICE AGILITY STAKES FINAL
Supported by Pedigree
Place |
Handler |
Dog |
Time |
Faults |
1 |
Brad Moyler |
Persian Spice |
28.67 |
C |
2 |
Leah
Gardner |
Chaffords Hyper Connection |
30.65 |
C |
3 |
Jo
Richardson |
Waggerland Away |
30.12 |
5
faults |
4 |
Mike
Douglas |
MNM's
Deed Ream Believer |
30.29 |
5
faults |
5 |
Tom
Green |
Blimey Brocko |
31.62 |
5
faults |
6 |
Mark
Powell |
Waggerland Who |
33.74 |
5
faults |
7 |
Laura
Derrett |
Silvertips Fly Catcher |
29.20 |
10
faults |
8 |
Sarah
Stokoe |
Highfield High Jinx |
29.72 |
10
faults |
9 |
Lucy
O'Neill |
Doodle Bug |
31.18 |
15
faults |
10 |
Denise Wilkinson |
Tinker Tia |
33.71 |
15
faults |
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!
![](../magazineimages/images2007/olympia2006_abcfinalists.jpg)
ABC finalists
THE KENNEL CLUB ABC AGILITY FINAL
Supported by Pedigree
Place |
Handler |
Dog |
Time |
Faults |
1 |
Daphne Loveland
|
Dragonheart Tyke
|
33.47 |
C |
2 |
Andy
Brown |
Heidron
Chasing Stormy Sky |
33.75
|
C |
3 |
Nigel
Staines |
Dragonheart Dark Destroyer |
31.63
|
5
faults |
4 |
Petra
Craven-Houghton |
Mr
Defeur D’oh |
32.41
|
5
faults |
5 |
Keira
McGrouther |
Precious Skip |
33.78
|
5
faults |
6 |
Brenda
Hollis |
Baudwin
Cappamore |
35.31
|
5
faults |
7 |
Carl
Lumley |
Woolstone Dingo Dile |
40.55
|
5
faults |
8 |
Niki
Keeler |
Nickila
Highland Cruise |
E |
8 |
Colin
Skeaping |
Pelham
Tully |
E |
8 |
Melanie
Engelbrecht |
Spirit
of Thomas |
E |
|
|
|
|
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
|