A Bristol dog and its handler have been crowned winners at one of the most ‘prestigious agility competitions in the world.’ Dalton Meredith, 34, from Yatton, in North Somerset, and his Border Collie, Ag Ch Fandabidozi Eclipse Of Dust (Eclipse), won The Kennel Club Large Dog Agility Stakes final last Friday (December 20).
Dalton and Eclipse competed in qualifiers, the quarter-finals and the semi-finals to earn one of just ten places in the intermediate final at The Kennel Club Agility Stakes held at The London International Horse Show at ExCeL London. The judge this year was Jackie Gardner, with assistant judge Nic Jones.
Proud handler Dalton said of his achievement with Eclipse: “I’ve won this event two years in a row with the same dog. I love it here, there is a great atmosphere.” Held in association with Skinner’s, The Kennel Club Agility Stakes saw top agility stars of the highest grades (Grade 5, 6 or 7), who had earned qualification in competitions throughout the year, compete in five height finals across small, medium, large, intermediate and large ABC (Anything but Collie) categories.
Ben Skinner, of Skinner’s, commented: “Huge congratulations to Dalton and Eclipse for such an amazing performance at this year’s Kennel Club Agility Stakes final where the talent and dedication of both dogs and handlers are celebrated. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this amazing team.”
Catherine Guiver, Head of Events at The Kennel Club, said: “Congratulations to Dalton and Eclipse for their impressive performance, the pair should feel very proud of their win. The Kennel Club Agility Stakes is a tough competition and requires commitment and hard work, which was displayed by all competing dogs and their handlers throughout the qualifying process.”
The Kennel Club Agility Stakes were held in association with Skinner’s at The London International Horse Show, at ExCeL London, from December 18 to 22.