Eukanuba Champion Stakes - A Dynamic Finale

KENNILWORTH, England - A dynamic Eukanuba Champion stakes final was held at the Kennel Club building at Stoneleigh Park on Sat. 31st October. Presided by a panel of three renowned judges: Zena Thorn Andrews, honoured breeder of the famous Drakesleat Kennel and UK all breed judge; Sean Delmar IKC President and FCI all breed judge and Ken Sinclair, multi breed judge, from the famed Araki kennel and breeder of Crufts BIS Winner Ch / Am Ch Araki Fabulous Willy. They were assisted by the very proficient ring stewards, Jeff Horswell, Mark Cocozza and Phil Davies. Andrew Brace expertly providing the apt commentary.

The event opened with Mike Gadsby and Crufts 09 RBIS Winner, EWC 08 Representative, the outstanding Standard Poodle, Donny; Ch Am Ch Afterglow The Big Tease doing a lap of honour to a rapturous applause from the audience. This followed by all participating dogs being presented in order of the shows where they won the Eukanuba Champion Stakes. They each entered the ring, many accompanied by the judge who had selected them, and stood in front of their large photo displayed ringside. The judges were introduced. All dogs were requested to vacate the ring enabling the judging process to commence with the return of the first pairing of dogs. The draw, observed by all present, allowed the dogs to compete in a match like system. The intense anticipation was maintained throughout the entire competition to the delight of the enthusiastic audience. The pinnacle culminated in points being awarded by the judges to the remaining six dogs winning through to the final round. These dogs were called into place in reverse order from sixth to first.

The ultimate Eukanuba Champion Stakes Winner handled to his terrific success by John Thirwell was Naomi Cragg and Kathryn Armstrong’s Sh Ch / Aus Ch Hungargunn Bear It’N Mind, Multi BIS Winner, Top Dog All breeds in 2006, Top Gundog 05,06,07, 08 and currently 09, Top Hungarian Vizsla 05, 06, 07 and is the Breed Record Holder with 62 CC’s. In second place was Sue Harris’ owner handled German Shorthaired Pointer Am Ch VJK-Myst Sterling of Barleyarch. Third place was Julie Brown. Marian Ward-Davies and Tim Hutchings’ Boxer Ch Winuwuk Lust At First Sight handled by Julie, fourth place was the Finnish bred / owned by Tarja Jarvinen’s Bulldog, Ch Int. Fin Swe. Est Lt Ch Black Hope Brando handled by Glynn Payne, fifth place was Matthew Bostock, Janet Armstrong and Chris McLean’s Akita Ch Ruthdales Ready to Rule handled by Janet and in sixth place was Charlotte Page, Ian Page and Karen Page Dalmatian Ch Winflash Spring Angel, handled by Charlotte.

Zena Thorn Andrews said “The organisers at Eukanuba must be congratulated on hosting such a well organised and spectacular event. I recommend that all owners of Champion show dogs enter the heats next year and try to qualify to attend, you won’t be disappointed. It is a great event.”

Visit www.eukanuba.co.uk

Source: Eukanuba

For further Press information contact Lorna Hastings lorna4ann at yahoo.com or T: +44(0)1622-843310. For further event details contact Mike Bloxsome bloxsome.m at pg.com or Julie Hearsey hearsey.jp at pg.com