The Kennel Club would like to congratulate Agility Team GB for their fantastic performance at the European Open Agility Championships in France over the weekend (28th - 31st July 2016).
In Sunday’s Team Relay finals, ‘Team GB Red’ qualified in second place and ‘Team GB White’ in 13th place. Despite their good runs however, they did not secure any of the coveted medals. Team Red was made up of Greg Derrett with Rehab, Jess Clarehugh with Cara, Matthew Goodliffe with Quincy and Louise Raine with Trigger. Team White comprised Alan Short with Bruce, Lee Gibson with Sadie, Louise Raine with Trigger and Dave Munnings with Fame.
The team members who qualified for Sunday’s individual finals were Dave Munnings with Fame, Lucie Hinchley with Pixie, Jess Clarehugh with Cara, Lee Gibson with Sadie, Matt Goodliffe with Quincy, Natasha Wise with Dizzy, Steven Richardson with Libby, Lucy Osborne with Fling and Louise Eden with Fuze. Although no individual medals were achieved, the event provided a great opportunity for the team to compete against top class competitors and world champions from around the world.
The European Open Agility Championships attracted 800 dogs and handlers from 35 countries around the world, including Brazil, Japan and Canada. This was the eighth time a team from Britain has competed at the championships.
Agility Team GB Manager, Mark Laker said of their achievement: “This has been one of the most successful European Open competitions we've had. Having two large teams and nine individuals qualify for the Sunday finals is the highest number of dogs we've ever had reach the final stages of this competition. This success has shown the incredible dedication, skill and commitment by the team members.
“I'd also like to recognise the fantastic support put in over the weekend by the coaching team, grooms and supporters who helped ensure the competitors arrived best prepared for their runs.
“The level of competition at the European Open increases each year and this improvement has been exponential at all levels this year. The current world champions and top handlers from over 35 counties were represented in what built up to be one of the most exciting finals we've ever seen."
Agility Team GB is sponsored by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds, Gencon, Khyam, First Contact, Nottingham Trent University, Eurotunnel, Agility1st, Vale Referrals and supported by the Kennel Club. The coaching team consisted of Mark Laker (Team Manager), Marc Wingate (Team Assistant), Maria Johnston (Team Physiotherapist), and Hana McNicholas (Team Vet) who travelled to France with them.
Ceri Rundle, CSJ’s founder and sponsor of Team GB, said: “Congratulations to all the qualifying achievements at the European Open, as well as all the other team GB members. Keep up the good work.”
Agility Team GB were chosen following this year’s squad selection process, which concluded at the Performance Weekend hosted by Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts at its Open Agility Show over the weekend of 23rd - 24th April.
To find out more about what it takes to become a part of Team GB in 2017, please read more about the squad selection process. Details on squad training days and the performance weekend dates will be available in due course.