Date: 14/03/10 |
DFS CRUFTS 2010 OBEDIENCE WORLD CUP
JUDGE: KATE McCARTNEY
I’d like to thank the Crufts committee for the honour of judging the World Cup event. To say I was delighted when I was invited would be a massive understatement. Taking the invitation very seriously I set about designing a test that would be challenging and flowing – I feel I achieved this and with some of the comments I have subsequently received I think I managed to satisfy most people – competitors and spectators alike.
My next important task was to choose a team that I would have confidence in and that could bring a vast array of skills to the preparation and to performance on the day and also put up with me!!! The friends I knew would take to this like ducks to water were:-
Steward Debbie Aiken – Debbie lives in Norn Irn so I knew it would be easy to practice the round plus I knew I could rely on Debbie to have the round memorised in no time at all. She was FABBY on the day and received so many good comments.
Scribe Gemma Lewis – As Gemma has scribed for me on many previous occasions I knew she would miss nothing…………..
Collecting Ring Michael McCartney & John Clark – alias Morecombe & Wise……………….. need I say more???? I knew this pair would keep the competitors relaxed but they would also ensure that everything was kept ticking over.
Liaison Steward Anne Marie Parker – In charge of ensuring that all things to do with the day were in order, she also had the task of answering competitors questions and more importantly keeping Morecombe & Wise in line!!!!!!!!!!!
Scores Margaret Hillis – On the ball when it came to collecting dumbbells and scores at the same time.
Scent & Dumbbells Elaine Spiers – Scentcloth changer extraordinaire
Super scoreboard Lisa Meikle – In charge of checking Gemma’s addition!!!!! And keeping the lovely Gerard in line – think she had the hardest job of all……………………….
Scent Decoy Crawford McCartney – Fabby job by Crawf; he made sure that every cloth was treated the same. Also in charge of making sure Gerard and the audience were aware of what dumbbell was chosen by the hander.
Thank you to you all – you were all FABBY and I couldn’t have done it without you.
It was great to see a few more teams take part this year. Team USA back with a bang, Canada and Germany taking part for the first time. All of the teams taking part gave a good account of themselves. The girls from the German team really embraced the atmosphere and seem to enjoy themselves immensely. It was nice to see that they were well supported by the Dutch and Belgium teams and before the competition had been receiving some training and help from the Dutch girls Angela and Trudy. The Canadian team seemed to enjoy their day with all of their dogs doing well. David with Buddy was such a character 76 years young and gracing the green carpet, he thoroughly enjoyed the day and even tried to “snog” Debbie as she managed to steer him around the ring without going wrong…….. The Dutch team (as we’ve come to expect) put on a fabulous display with Annelies and Laddie going into pole position. Unfortunately Laddie failed scent – but a fantastic display of teamwork nonetheless. The Doberman from Belgium was so motivated and handled very well – I think the crowd really enjoyed seeing them work. Also putting in a good round of heelwork was Pamela & Crunchie unfortunate with the retrieve over the hurdle. You should be proud of her Pamela (I know your Mum would have been).
At lunchtime myself, Michael and Anne Marie spent some time with the reserves in each team. We had a short heelwork course designed for them to work as I felt it would make it a bit more “real” if the judge and steward were in the ring with them instead of their team manager. Anne Marie led them in and took their lead; just they way the competing teams were treated. We received some nice comments about this and it was our pleasure to help make your day more special.
I hope EVERYONE that took part enjoyed themselves as that was our aim for they and I hope to see you all back again next year.
Individual Results:-
Arrrghhhh – how did it happen that I had a run off for first place?????
After a run off:-
1st Steven Vannieuwenhuyse with Bugsy – I was honoured to award this team overall individual first place. He beat some VERY good dogs to gain this award. I have had the pleasure to judge Steven and Bugsy on a few occasions normally something goes wrong and they end up at the wrong end of the line up – Not today Steven, you and Bugsy were just FABBY. High stepping but controlled heelwork, good sets and finished with a good scent. Enjoy Steven you’ve certainly worked hard for this. Congratulations
Joint runners Up:-
Michelle Dunscombe with Flynn – Flynn is such a powerhouse of a dog, Michelle does really well to contain his “enthusiasm”, not as stylish as Bugsy but accurate. Combine this with Michelle’s handling and they make a formidable team. Well Done Michelle & Flynn
Petra Ford with Tyler - WOW This pair just seemed to light up the big ring, they really blew me away. Fantastic heelwork (a few handler errors) and just a tiny bit slow on taking the sendaway commands. A fantastic team to watch and judge. Hard luck in the run off, but I was delighted with the way you handled it. Well Done it’s easy to see why you two have so many titles under your belt.
3rd Pat Watson with Dizzy – Pat is a regular in my line ups; Pat is a very experienced handler who always manages to bring out the best in her dogs today was no exception. Congratulations
Joint 4th
Janine Brownlees with Jack – Whoop De Woo Janine I know you were so pleased this was just the icing on the cake.
Tracy McKinlay with Storm – Tracy he’s FAB I’m sure he’ll be holding his own in ticket before much longer.
Team Results:-
Would you ever believe it ???? We ran on late and didn’t get to parade in the arena there was still a good crowd around the ring when the results were announced. Seemingly the places changed quite a few times during scent.
World Cup Winners DFS Crufts 2010 – NORTHERN IRELAND –
I was unaware which team had won until Gerard announced the results – so it was a very pleasant surprise to see that Norn Irn had at last clinched first place. They have been close on a few occasions (gaining runner up spot and been third twice) but this time their luck held out and they claimed GOLD. As I was presenting the prizes with Danny Boy ringing in my ears I turned to find my very proud husband had the microphone and was singing his heart out. As many of you know Michael had to step down as Team Manager for the day as he was part of my ring party, it was a very emotional time for him.
This team supported each other all day and had to run first in the competition; a nerve racking time for all – but they came through and managed to secure first place. The team members were:-
1 Sam McCracken with Grenaby’s Ben Blaze of Glory – Ben. But for Skippy – opps Sammy having brain to mouth shutdown on the DC this team would have been placed much higher.
2 Janine Brownlees with Craigys Best – Jack. Well Janine after last year I bet you’re glad you came back for another go??? Jack’s heelwork was just a bit loose today I think your nerves maybe played a part in that.
3 Tracy McKinlay with Belverdale My Charrey Storm – Storm. Tracy and Storm achieved one of the best heelwork marks of the day and fabby retrieve over the hurdle helped secure your place.
Reserve Janine Brownlees with Chloe – Janine and Chloe were part on the Inter Regional Team on Thursday and this was Chloe’s last competitive appearance - fitting for such an honest dog to bow out on such a high. Long and healthy retirement Chloe.
This team didn’t need a ferry to get home – they all just floated.
Runners Up – Wales
Here come the Girls - A very proud and happy Jen Jessop led the girls to second place. Again a team who always seem to do well in this competition, I was very pleased to award them the runners up spot. The team consisted of
1 Heather Witty with Ranger Mouse – Ranger. A good solid performance from Heather & Ranger, scent was just a bit expensive but a good performance with some nice handling from Heather.
2 Michelle Dunscombe with Jaffson Black Magic – Flynn. It’s been a long time since I last saw Michelle and Flynn work and I was not disappointed. A good all round performance saw them running off for first place. You kept your nerves well in check in the run off but the flick of the jump was just the difference. Congratulations
3 Wendy Parkin with Malaridge Penard Island – Gryff. Retrieve over the hurdle was costly for this pair today but the rest of the round was very pleasant to watch. A very nice team to judge.
Reserve Michelle Dunscombe & Forever Magic X-Rated. This team came in at lunchtime and he is certainly one to watch for the future – good job you took the wrong course with him and not Flynn!!!!!
3rd England
As we’ve come to expect England is always there or thereabouts in this competition.
1 Pat Watson with OB CH Danesways Double Delight at Forevermagic– Dizzy. Pat and Dizzy also gained third place as individuals, a very experienced team who always seem to enjoy the World Cup event.
2 Keith Gwillim with –OB CH Kethinna Devil in Disguise Denver. Keith was the reserve in the team and when Sarah’s Norti was taken ill he was called in to work. I do hope Norti is well on the road to recovery. Keith and Denver put in a sterling performance finished off with a good scent to secure England’s third place
3 Mary Ray with Ob CH Woodsorrel Red Devil - Taz. Taz produced the best heelwork of the day and Mary the best handling. A team always to be reckoned with and if only Taz hadn’t failed scent the team results would have been so different.
Congratulations and well done
4th – Belgium
With Lucie at the helm this team are going from strength to strength they keep improving year by year. Keep up the good work.
1 Kirst Crommen with Jazz It Up Benvenida’s Joy – Dixie. Directed retrieve taking most of the points for this team today, quite a few handler errors during heelwork all added up.
2 Martine Verhoeven with Comanchero of the Two Roses – Cheke. This big dog was amazing to watch, just a bit of over enthusiasm and hander nerves during heelwork. He is a credit to you and I’m sure you’ll be back next year you should be very proud of him he’s BRILL.
3 Steven Vannieuwenhuyze with Bytcheck Esquire – Bugsy. Well CHAMP how does it feel?? FABBY??? Lovely teamwork from Steven & Bugsy made it an honour to award them overall FIRST place. Well done Steven & Bugsy.
Reserve Melisa Vercauter with Demma of the Action Farm – Emma. I have had the pleasure of judging this team before and I’m sure with a bit more experience they will be part of this team again.
Well done bet you all floated home.
Before I close a quick mention to Julie Holmes & Logan who made his penultimate competitive performance today – long and healthy retirement Logan.
Thanks to everyone who took time out to compliment my team, I really did enjoy my day and I know that was in part due to all the help I received from Roy Page – he gives up so much of his time for the good of obedience. Thanks Roy you were FABBY and good luck for next year with Linda!!!! Also thanks to Richard Keeble for all his support both before and for a short time on the day – ha ha
Thanks to Sue, Dave, Betty and Malcolm for giving up their time on Saturday night to come and work the round for me – just for the record Dave and Hank won!!!!!
Carole for the DC board and Colin for carrying it for me Thanks. Jackie chief runner and card sticker upper I’m grateful for your help.
If I’ve missed anyone I’m really sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good Luck to everyone for the forthcoming season.
Kate