Flyball champion team Extremely Salty took the top prize on Sunday 13thMarch, winning the flyball final at the world's biggest dog show, Crufts.
Extremely Salty is made up of dogs and handlers from two flyball clubs, the Extreme Racers from Sheffield and the Supersonic Saltires from Edinburgh. The team beat off competition from fifteen other top flyball teams from around the UK in the exciting final at Crufts. These teams competed in eight qualifiers held at a range of shows during 2015 for the chance to make it to the 'grand prix' of GB flyball at Crufts.
The winning team consisted of Border Collie, Mac and owner Lee Murray; Whippet cross, Lou and her owner Chris Haslam; Border Collie, Indie and owner Claire Kennedy; and Border Collie, Sparky and owner Ryan Davis. Reserves included Irish Water Spaniel, Tristan and his owner Spencer Thomas and Border Collie, Spirit and owner Shannon Mills, who ran in the semi-finals as well as in qualifying heats.
Team captain, Jenny Cousins said: "I can't believe we've won really - earlier this morning we were saying we'd be pleased if we only came third or fourth.
"Then when you get to the final, the adrenaline kicks in and the incentive completely changes."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "We would like to congratulate Extremely Salty on their achievement - the dogs and handlers performed exceptionally during the competition. They have all demonstrated what can be achieved with good team work."
Crufts took place from 10th - 13th March 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, 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/.