With
the show season finally beginning after a very long winter
it seemed appropriate that the Contest of Champions 25th Anniversary
was bathed by glorious sunshine. Run by the Canine Supporters
Charity, the contest last year raised a staggering £14,000
with the beneficiaries being The National Animal Welfare Trust,
The University of Glasgow (for research into canine cancer),
Labrador Rescue, Warnham animal sanctuary, Greyhound and Lurcher
rescue, Pets as Therapy and the Kennel Club Charitable trust.
The event began with the reception that enabled everybody
to lighten themselves of their loose change on the once again
full tombola, ready to spend some serious money on the after
dinner auction. Some of this years auction lots included a
signed Teddy Sherringham football shirt, which eventually
went for £310, ‘Hearsay’ signed goodies, and
three signed football books including one signed by Sven Eriksson
the England manager!
Everybody was also invited to participate in the £5
draw, and a delighted Barbara Gold, The Canaan Dog Club Recording
Secretary won the beautiful Japanese kennel club illustrated
Breed standards.
The
winner of the contest of Champions 2002 was the Basset Griffon
Vandeen (Petit) Ch. Afterglow Woodywoodpecker, bred by Mr
G Robertson and Mike Gadsby and owned by Mr Robertson and
Sara Pettit. Sara handled Woody to victory and is seen here
with the three judges of the contest, Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen
from Finland, Monique Van Brempt from Belgium and Allonso
Thovar y Del Solar from Spain.
The
total raised in the auction was £1142 all of which will
go to this Year's beneficiaries who include Scottish CKCS
rescue, Cambridge University (For research into blood disorders
and Leukaemia Diagnostic Techniques), English Springer Spaniel
welfare and North West Golden Retriever rescue, to name but
a few.
During dinner, the best-dressed bench competition was judged
by Peter Purves, although unfortunately very few participated.
The winner was the Hungarian wire Haired Viszla's bench, (Silvanus
Prince Albert) which was adorned with vast amounts of camouflage
and the odd stuffed duck thrown in for good Measure. I am
sure he will appreciate the huge bag of food kindly donated
By Purina Pro Plan, and I know the owners were delighted with
the bottle Of champagne!
Committee member Kevan Forrest gave the loyal toast, and OUR
DOGS Managing Director, Vince Hogan, toasted 25-years of the
Contest with references to some of the people and dogs which
had been involved during that time. He handed over to the
Chairman and commentator for the night, Mr David Spencer,
who thanked all those involved with the organisation, sponsors
and exhibitors.
The
auction, conducted by Peter Purves, and ‘Mac’ raised
further funds, and then it was on with the show!
This year's Judges were Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen (Finland),
Monique Van Brempt (Belgium) and Allonso Thovar Y Del Solar
(Spain), who were faced with the challenge of choosing one
dog, from 61 of 2001's top dogs to become the overall Contest
of Champion's winner.
*
Click here for more information about
the judges
The atmosphere during the contest, which was judged on the
match system with each round divided equally among the judges,
was electric with many of the dogs appearing to thrive on
this. After the initial round, the following three progressed
quickly with just four finalists left. To increase the anticipation
a short respite was taken for both dogs, and judges whilst
the Hogsmill dog Training club entertained the crowd.
A delightful performance was provided by the team which included
a poodle cross, German spitz' and even an Italian Segugio
amongst others, followed by a performance by cheetah the Ibizan
hound, winner of three res CC's, proving that dogs can compete
in more than one sport!
The final four dogs were soon back in the ring for the final
judgement, which was completed, by all three of the judges.
After much deliberation the winner was announced as Petit
Basset Griffon Vendeen CH Afterglow Woodywoodpecker. Woody
who is owned by Sarah Petit and Gavin Robertson is the winner
of 5 CC's, including the CC, BOB and Group 4 at this years
Crufts yet still not 2 years old. What a future he must have
ahead of him.
The three runners up were:
The homebred Keeshond CH Stratus midnight Legend. Bred and
owned by Mrs Lythgoe from her first keeshond litter Taylor
has amassed 5 CC's, all with Best of Breed including Crufts
2001, 5 reserve CC's and best in show at the Keeshond club
championship show. Due to the lack of homes for male Keeshonds
mrs lythgoe kept all three males, with Taylor's brother currently
on 2 CC's and 5 reserve CC's and the other brother waiting
in the wings.
Photo
by David Cavill
The runners up, the Havanese, Mrs Ridley's Palona de Chaponayof
Tammylan, the Akita, Mr and Mrs Sadler's Ch Keskai Best of
British and the Keeshond, Ch Straus Midnight Legend owned
by Mrs Lythgoe. They are seen here with the judges and CSC
President Peter Purves and Purina Pro-Plan representative
Claire Parry-Baggott, (left).
The
successful Havanese Paloma de Chaponay of Tammylan owned by
Mrs Ridley.
Paloma is now 10 years old and has been top havanese for the
past 5 years, has won best of breed at Crufts twice (classes
have only been provided for Havanese in the last 2 years!).
She is also the first Havanese to win a championship show
group, and has also won numerous group placements.
And last but by no means least the impressive Akita CH Keskai
Best of British who is owned and bred by Mr & Mrs Sadler.
Basha is the winner of 6 CC's all with Best of breed including
Crufts 2002.
Another young dog that is only just 2 years old, he has been
a finalist for the pet plan junior stakes and was the group
winner at South Wales Championship show aged just 16 months.
With the photographs all finished the disco could begin, giving
everybody the opportunity to admire each others attire (as
most dog folk's normal wardrobe is chosen purely upon the
size and quantity of bait pockets, and colours that compliment
their dogs It was quite amazing how different everybody can
look) and for those that remained sober the opportunity to
gain plenty of ammuninition against those that obviously weren't!
A great evening was had by all, and lots of money raised for
one of the few "true" canine charities. Lets hope
next year is as well attended and supported.
sponsored
by
Canine
Supporters' Charity
Photo
by David Cavill
Karina le Mare and David Spencer cut the enormous 25th anniversary
cake.
Photo
by David Cavill
The Contest is supported by Purina Pro-Plan, represented this
year by Joanna Collett; Claire Parry Baggott; Clair Sivam
and partner Kumar Sivam.
*
Click here for more information about
the judges
