The SOATC Hustlers from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, have taken a top prize at Crufts today (Thursday March 10th), winning the Kennel Club Team Agility - Large dog final.
The team of four dogs and handlers, who train at Scunthorpe Obedience and Agility Training Club, beat off competition from top agility teams around the UK in the hotly contested final at the world's greatest dog show, Crufts. Finalists in the large dog Kennel Club Team Agility competition had previously qualified at heats throughout 2015.
The winning team consisted of Border Collies, Devo and Rhyme, and their owners Mark and Karen Laker; Border Collie/Golden Retriever cross, Jingo and owner Roger Teasdale; and Border Collie, Oz and owner Julie Chapman, who all live in Scunthorpe.
Team member, Roger Teasdale said: "To win is fabulous; it's obviously what you hope for, but two of the dogs haven't ever competed before so it's wonderful. It's always exciting to come to Crufts; it's the best dog show in the world. I'm so proud of the whole team". Fellow team member Julie Chapman added: "the dogs have done so well, they didn't seem fazed at all. We're really happy to win, it's just the best thing."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "We would like to congratulate The Hustlers on their achievements as the standards this year were very high. The dogs and handlers performed exceptionally during the competition. They have all demonstrated what can be achieved with training and good team work."
Crufts takes place from 10th- 13th March 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, please visit www.crufts.org.uk.
The results for Crufts 2016 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2016, please go to www.w-w-i.com/crufts_2016/.