BEATING hundreds of dogs and their handlers, Martin Reid and his Border Collie, Spring, from Coventry have won the Large Novice Agility Stakes final at one of the most prestigious dog agility competitions in the world.
Martin, a part-time veterinary nurse, and three-year-old Spring took first place in the Large Novice final at the Kennel Club Olympia Agility Stakes, held at the London International Horse Show just before Christmas.
To get into the finals, the pair competed against the country’s most talented agility dogs and handlers in agility qualifying heats across the country.
Martin, who has been training dogs in agility for 11 years, said: “Spring was stunning – fast and clear, he ran like a dream.
“He was not put off by the people screaming and cheering us on, which was great as this was his first time at the Olympia. I am so pleased with how he performed; it’s a very unique and prestigious event to be part of.”
The Kennel Club Olympia Agility Stakes took place during the London International Horse Show at Olympia, London, from December 17 to 21.
Held in association with Skinner’s pet foods, the competition saw the stars of agility compete in five different finals: small, medium, large novice, large senior, and ABC categories.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary added: “The Olympia Agility Stakes demand such a high level of talent and is always one of the highlights of the dog agility calendar, and this year was no exception.”
“Huge congratulations to Martin and Spring – we wish them the best of luck in 2016.”
The results for this year’s Kennel Club Olympia Agility Stakes can be found online at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/agility/agility-at-olympia/.
