The Kennel Club is to continue its support of the Special Beginners Competition in 2020 with £100 in prize money once again on offer in each group at participating shows, it has been announced.
Each general and group championship show society has been encouraged to schedule a Special Beginner class for dogs and bitches in each breed which can be a single mixed sex class or a separate dog and bitch class, plus Any Variety Not Separately Classified and Imported Breed Register classes. The Best Special Beginner declared for each breed will go forward to the Special Beginner group competition.
The class definition will be stated in the schedule as “For owner, handler or exhibit not having won a Challenge Certificate or Reserve Challenge Certificate, or for those breeds not allocated Championship Status, Best of Sex or Reserve Best of Sex at a Championship Show.” Exhibitors are asked to note that these restrictions also apply to the equivalent overseas awards, ie CAC, Reserve CAC etc.
The Kennel Club also wishes to highlight that ‘handled’ in this context refers to the exhibition of a dog in any competitive classes, challenge or group.
If time does not allow for all Special Beginner group judging to take place in the main ring at the show, pre judging can take place in another ring. However, all eligible exhibitors must enter the main ring for the final judging and awarding of placings.
Kathryn Mansfield, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Kennel Club is delighted to be sponsoring the Special Beginners Competition for another year. Sad to report, there have been a number of instances of dogs being incorrectly entered in these classes, which goes against the spirit of the competition which has the encouragement of newcomers at its heart. On the plus side, we have seen 23 shows holding these classes this year, which is an increase of seven shows on 2018 when the competition was launched. There is clearly a place for offering a special platform for newer exhibitors, which is very heartening to see.”
The Kennel Club will provide sponsorship in the form of prize money of £100 for each group to be awarded as follows – £40 for first prize, £30 for second, £20 for third and £10 for fourth. Rosettes for these placings will also be provided.
Read the frequently asked questions about the Kennel Club Special Beginners Competition. All enquiries should be directed to our breed shows team.