Co-sponsors of the 2023 Winning Out Certificates


 

LOW 550 and LOW 550 ABC are national jumping cup competitions for handlers wishing to compete in a prestigious qualifier at the same height as the Lower Height Option at Kennel Club Agility tests. This special event is open to all dogs in the Large height category i.e. measuring over 430mm at the withers.

 2019

LOW 550 National Jumping Cup Final Report

Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire was the enchanting location for the last ever LOW 550 final on 31st August. Finalists had travelled from all around the country, via 10 qualifying heats and hundreds of other competing dogs, to give their all over a fabulous course designed by this year's Crufts Judge Hilary Bowden.

The final was to have two parts for CG1-4 dogs and CG5-7 dogs with separate awards for all the prize winners, but all dogs running over the same course. As well as beautiful crystal bowls for 1st to 3rd places, awarded by The SMART Veterinary Clinic, there would be special awards for Best ABC sponsored by Tailends and Best Rescue donated by Mandy Dumont. Everyone taking part would also receive luxurious rosettes, supported by Norton Rosettes and the overall winners would go away with a sumptuous sash. To top it all off, there would be generous prizes from Henley Raw Dog Food for all the finalists.

The day dawned sunny and bright, and finalists had a leisurely check in during the morning where they got their first sight of the course plan and received a special LOW 550 cupcake! Access to the ring that evening, after the close of Prestbury Park show, was a little later than anticipated but the hard working ring party got the course set up in record time and a good-sized crowd gathered to cheer everyone on. White Dog honours went to Daniel Gee and his BC Mick, previous winners of the event in 2017, and we were ready to go!

First of the CG1-4 partnerships to the line was Sharon Neal with her three year old WSD, Misty. They went clear in a fabulous time of 37.337 seconds, really putting the pressure on those to follow. Three eliminations followed before Helen James put in a neat performance with her enthusiastic three year old Labrador, Milo, owned by Sara Lucas. Their time of 38.442 was to prove to be good enough to secure 4th place. Soon after this, we were treated to a lovely run by Mandy Davenport and her ESS, Marley, nicknamed 'the trotting tortoise,' according to Mandy. Marley picked up a few time faults but their efforts won them the Best Rescue award in CG1-4, to everyone’s delight. The next clear round came from Bernadette Cook and her BC Storm, who enjoys agility in his time off from working the sheep on the family farm and this was to put them into 5th place.

There followed some great 'nearly' runs from Andy Sandercock and Katy Moffat, in particular, while Jump 18 claimed a few eliminations. The only other clear round in this part came from Lindsay Bentley and Fred, the Bedlington Terrier x Lurcher. Fred’s time of 37.807 put them into 3rd place and they also scooped the Best ABC award. The final dog to step up to the start line was Panda, a three year old BC bred by her handler Michelle Waugh and owned by Michelle’s friend Faye Woodward. The pressure was on but Michelle and Panda put in a scintillatingly paw perfect run, to storm into the CG1-4 winner’s spot with a time of 30.694.

There was no time to relax as the excitement continued in the shape of Maria Jenkinson and Flyte, the first of the CG5-7 dogs to run. They were to pick up 10F. Debby Styles and Zippy, a five year old WSD, were next to go and they went clear in a time of 32.958 to set the standard in this part. The next clear soon came from Rita Hutchings with her Many Tears rescue WSD, Pimms. These two had qualified earlier in the day in the 'last chance' heat and their super time of 31.948 put them into the lead, deservedly earning them the Best Rescue award. The clear rounds then came thick and fast with some brilliant performances by these experienced dogs and handlers, and lots of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the thoroughly entertained spectators.

All too soon we were down to the remaining two CG5-7 pairs – Angela Williams with Tic-it and Andy Sandercock with Spy. Angela and Andy are partners and both dogs belong to Angela, so this was to add extra spice to the sauce of excitement while we watched, hardly daring to breath. Steely determination was required as Angela and Tic-it set off, typically running eyeballs out, and their clear round took the lead by a whisker with a time of 31.732. This just left Andy and Spy to show what they could do. One got the feeling that Andy must thrive on such a situation as no quarter was given and every hundredth of a second was shaved off where possible, as he steered Spy to victory in the fastest time of the day of 30.030!

Best ABC in the CG5-7 part also went to Lindsay Bentley and her other Bedlington x Lurcher, Maddie. Becky Salisbury from Tailends, who would be making both dogs a bespoke collar as part of their prize, jokingly commented that it 'would save on the postage.'

This was the exciting conclusion of the last ever LOW 550 series as the long-awaited new Kennel Club jump heights will be introduced in 2020. The organisers would like to thank our amazing sponsors, judges, host shows and, of course, every handler and dog that has taken part and supported the event over the years, making it worthwhile. We hope you’ve enjoyed it.

That's a wrap folks!

LOW 550 National Jumping Cup 2019 Final Results
Course Length: 169m  Course Time: 55 secs

CG1-4

  1. Michelle Waugh with Chazak Reach for the Sky - 30.694 (C)

  2. Sharon Neal with Blue Mist in Motion - 37.337 (C)

  3. Lindsay Bentley with The Cooler King - 37.807 (C)

  4. Helen James with Gorefieldfen Milo - 38.442 (C)

  5. Bernadette Cook with  High Pow Storm - 48.001 (C)

  6. Andy Sandercock with Karven Sunn - 31.464 (5)

  7. Katy Moffat with  Rosmarinus Spring Flowers - 32.025 (5)

  8. Mandy Davenport with And Then There Were Three - 62.832 (7.832 )

  9. Wendy Smith with Sky Blue Apple of My Eye - 58.831 ( 8.831 )

  10. Jemma Parke with Devongem Lite of Nite Comet - 38.645 (10)

  • Susan Temple with Buddy Nightmare - E

  • Alan Score with Trubon Ganaki Tryak - E

  • Jilly Holness with Borderlair Sixth Sense at Looky Looky - E

  • Jen Lewis with Nedlo Black Hole Theory - E

  • Margaret Lowe with Reivermorada Aster la Vista - E

  • Jilly Holness with Sarkam Secret Ring Ouzel at Lookylooky - E

  • Carol Giles with Kaleai Show Me The Way - E

  • Brendan Sweeney with Woodford Peach - E

  • Bernadette Cook with That'll Do Driftby - Withdrawn

Runner up Sharon Neal  

CG5-7

  1. Andy Sandercock with Nedlo Wild Ting - 30.030 (C)

  2. Angela Williams with Sanduck Tick Topp - 31.732 (C)

  3. Rita Hutchings with Many Tears Pint Sized Pimms - 31.948 (C)

  4. Pauline Pearce with Dusters Special Edition - 32.108 (C)

  5. Sioban Speedie with Fern 'and Then She Was Gone!' - 32.887 (C)

  6. Debbie Styles with Lestys Zip Zip Hooray - 32.958 (C)

  7. Jenny Kimber with Raeannes Falcon - 33.379 (C)

  8. Ken Whittington with Tri Again Ben AW/S - 34.171 (C)

  9. Lindsay Bentley with Blazing Ray of Madness - 34.509 (C)

  10. Lorna Goodban with Astra Bex - 35.678 (C)

  11. Deena Freeman with Ginny’s Chance - 35.727 (C)

  12. Sammie Cooper with Tlws Tecwyn AW/B - 38.212 (C)

  13. Georgia Hatton with Upsy Daisy Here We Go - 38.547 (C)

  14. Maria Jenkinson with Devongem Freedom of Flyte - 47.100 (10)

  • Laura Sivell with Weavers Wave - E

  • Kate Howlett with Leias Queen of Naboo at Bonbellini - E

  • Sarah Millwood with Harrjak It's All About Phaze - E

  • Mark den Dunnen with My Rex is on Fire - E

  • Max Glover with Borderstorm Midnight Blue at Soldaze - E

Winner Andy Sandercock 


The Final Finalists

Congratulations to everyone who has achieved a place in the very last LOW 550 JJumping Cup Final, to be judged by the amazing Hilary Bowden, on Saturday, 31 August at Cirencester Park, home of Prestbury Park Show. We wish them all the very best of luck!

Here’s how they qualified.

Hare 'n Hounds

  • Bernadette Cook with High Pow Storm (CG1-4) 

  • Bernadette Cook with That’ll Do Driftby (CG1-4)

  • Laura Sivell with Weavers Wave (CG5-7)

  • Lorna Goodban with Astra Bex (CG5-7)

Wallingford

  • Michelle Waugh with Chazak Reach for the Sky(CG1-4)

  • Jilly Holness with Sarkam Secret Ring Ouzel at Lookylooky (CG1-4)

  • Sioban Speedie with And Then She Was Gone! (CG5-7)

  • Jenny Kimber with Raeannes Falcon (CG5-7)

Blackdown

  • Jemma Parker with Devongem Lite of Nite Comet (CG1-4)

  • Susan Temple with Buddy Nightmare (CG1-4)

  • Mark Dendunnen with My Rex is on Fire (CG5-7)

  • Pauline Pearce with Dusters Special Edition (CG5-7)

Kelluki

  • Katy Moffat with Rosmarinus Spring Flowers (CG1-4)

  • Brendan Sweeney with Woodford Peach (CG1-4)

  • Kate Howlett with Leias Queen of Naboo at Bonbellini (CG5-7)

  • Ken Whittington with Tri Again Ben AW/S (CG5-7)

Lincoln

  • Lindsay Bentley with The Cooler King (CG1-4)

  • Lindsay Bentley with Blazing Ray of Madness (CG5-7)

Oswestry

  • Wendy Smith with Sky Blue Apple of My Eye (CG1-4)

  • Mandy Davenport with And Then There Were Three (CG1-4)

  • Georgia Hatton with Upsy Daisy Here We Go (CG5-7)

  • Samantha Cooper with Tlws Tecwyn AW/B (CG5-7)

Golden Valley

  • Sharon Neal with Blue Mist in Motion (CG1-4)

  • Margaret Lowe with Reivermorada Aster la Vista (CG1-4)

  • Andy Sandercock with Nedlo Wild Ting (CG5-7)

  • Angela Williams with Sanduck Tick Topp (CG5-7)

Godmanchester

  • Helen James withGorefieldfen Milo (CG1-4)

  • Alan Score with Trubon Ganaki Tryak (CG1-4)

  • Maria Jenkinson with Devongem Freedom of Flyte (CG5-7)

  • Deena Freeman with Ginny’s Chance (CG5-7)

FAB

  • Andy Sandercock with Karven Sunn (CG1-4)

  • Jen Lewis with Nedlo Black Hole Theory (CG1-4)

  • Debbie Styles with Lestys Zip Zip Hooray (CG5-7)

  • Max Glover with Borderstorm Midnight Blue at Soldaze (CG5-7)

PLUS four finalists waiting in the wings, to be decided at the 'last chance' heat at Prestbury Park on the day of the Final itself!

With grateful thanks to our sponsors, judges and host shows, and everyone that took part. There's a winner sash and 1st-3rd place trophies in each part, awarded by SMART Veterinary Clinic. There are also special awards for Best Rescue. awarded by Mandy Dumont, and Best ABC, awarded by Tailends, in each part, plus prizes for everyone from Henley Raw Dog Food - and all of this topped off with luxurious rosettes supported by Norton! 



Introducing Hilary Bowden - Our Amazing, Top Notch Judge for the Final

Here’s what Hilary has to say about her appointment.

'A big thank you to the organisers for their invitation to judge the last ever LOW 550 National Jumping Cup Final at Cirencester Park, home of Prestbury Park show, on 31st August 2019.

This is a great privilege, as I judged the very first heat of the 4th Height Jumping Cup, held at Wallingford in 2015, and of course this competition became LOW 550 under the present sponsorship from 2017. The introduction of this wonderful event has, I believe, had a very positive part to play in the moving forward of jump heights for the smaller Large dogs.

A little bit about me. I began Agility 24 years ago with a naughty Jack Russell. I started to judge shortly after this as I was totally hooked! That's when my life changed completely and now I compete, teach and judge. I have found judging is a great way to put something back into the sport which gives me so much pleasure.

In a few weeks time I have the honour of judging at Crufts 2019 in the main arena, alongside Dave Deaville and I’m feeling very excited but also a little apprehensive.

Finally, I would like to wish all the LOW 550 finalists the best of luck and I hope we have a blast!'


LOW 550 National Jumping Cup 2019

There will be ten qualifying heats held around the country for CG 1-4 and CG 5-7. The top two dogs and handlers from each part will qualify for similarly split Finals taking place at Prestbury Park Premier Agility Show on Saturday, 31st August 2019, at Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire GL7 6JT.

There will also be a last chance heat at the on 31st August

Heats 

Date

Show

Venue

3rd March 

Kelluki Open Agility Show

Merrist Wood, Worplesdon, Surrey GU3 3PE

27th - 28th April 

Wallingford DTC Open Agility Show

Newbury Showground, Berkshire RG18 9QZ

26th - 28th April 

Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts Open Agility Show

Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire LN2 2NA

12th May 

Blackdown Agility Society Premier Open Show

West Buckland, Somerset TA21 9LN 

18th May 

Hare 'n Hounds 8 Day Spring Show

Raygill Farm, Barnard Castle DL12 9DG

1st - 2nd June 

Oswestry Open Agility Show

Churches View Farm, Ashton, Chester CH3 8BH

8th - 10th June 

Godmanchester DTC 3 Day Open Agility Show

The Camp, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire PE26 2XD

15th - 16th June 

Golden Valley Open Agility Show

Top Barn Farm, Worcester WR6 6NH

13th - 14th July

FAB Open Agility Show

Gillingham Turnpike Showground, Dorset SP7 9PL

31st August - 1st September

Prestbury Park DATC Premier Open Show

Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire GL7 6JT

Chris Garrett Ralphs said, 'Thank you to our amazing sponsors SMART CLINIC, Mandy Dumont, Tailends, Henley Raw Dog Food and Norton Rosettes. Without their generosity, this competition could not take place.'

Rules

  • The LOW 550 is open to all grades of Large dog (i.e. measuring over 430mm at the withers).

  • The LOW 550 for the 2019 final will consist of 10 heats held at agility shows around the country.

  • Each heat will be split into two parts for Combined Grades 1-4 and Combined Grades 5-7. The host show can choose whether to run both parts together or separately as a Special class/es, or as the LHO part of Standard Progression classes.

  • Where the heat is a Special class the tyre shall not be included, and if the long jump is included it should be set at KC minimum length for Large dogs. Where the heat is run as part of a Standard Progression class, normal Kennel Club regulations will apply.

  • Competitors entering the competition are deemed to have agreed to abide by the rules and regulations of the host club.

  • Competitors may enter more than one dog in a heat and qualify more than one dog for the final.

  • Qualifiers may enter further heats for competition, providing they are eligible.

  • Competitors who gain a qualifying place in a heat with a previously qualified dog should inform the Show Secretary on the day of the show and the place will go to the next dog.

  • In the event of a dog being unable to attend the final, reserves may be invited.

  • Trophies for 1st and 2nd place in both parts of each heat awarded by SMART Veterinary Clinic.

  • Rosettes to 6th place in both parts of each heat, supported by Norton Rosettes.

  • Finals. The top two dogs and handlers from each part of the heats will be invited to compete at the finals at Prestbury Park DATC Premier Agility Show held at Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire GL7 6JT on 31 August 2019. All dogs will run over the same course, with separate results for each part. Winners sashes and trophies for 1st-3rd awarded by SMART Clinic at the finals; special trophy for Best Rescue dogs awarded by Mandy Dumont; awards for Best ABC dogs (souvenir LOW 550 lead and handcrafted collar of choice) awarded by Tailends. Prizes for 1st-3rd (£40, £30, £20 vouchers), and all finalists (10% off voucher), awarded by Henley Raw Dog Food, to redeem for products in the shop or online. Souvenir rosettes for all unplaced finalists.

  • The LOW 550 organising committee reserve the right to revise these rules at any time.

 Introducing Our Sponsors...

The SMART Veterinary Clinic - Major sponsor of heats and Finals

The SMART Veterinary Clinic will continue to be a major sponsor of the LOW 550 National Jumping Cup qualifying heats and finals for 2019.

Here’s what they have to say:

'The SMART Veterinary Clinic is pleased to have the opportunity to support continued improvements in welfare for sporting dogs. As Agility progresses, we welcome changes that enhance our ability to care for these outstanding animals and recognize that lower jump heights help preserve the health of body and mind. Likewise, KC Agility is a competitive sport and it is fantastic to see this recognized by an approved height proposal for 2020 that gives consideration to both individual goals and the athletic demands of the game. We wish the very best of luck to all competitors and enjoy your time in the ring!'

The SMART Veterinary Clinic has emerged as a centre of excellence within the UK in the field of Canine Sports Medicine. Their reputation has been established through repeated success in returning patients to competition at the highest level, both nationally and internationally. Perhaps even more important in this field is the ability to prevent injury. Many handlers have reaped the benefit of Fitness Assessments. Each sporting discipline is different, not only in the type of injury it predisposes to, but also in the type of conditioning program that is best suited to that discipline. At SMART they will tailor a program that not only addresses specific injuries but can also help prevent injury from occurring in the first place, meeting a dog’s individual requirements to ensure peak performance throughout the season. There are clinics in Swansea and Cardiff, easily accessible from the M4 http://www.smartvetwales.co.uk .

Care of the Canine Athlete is the ultimate must-have book for Agility competitors. Leading sports dog vet Lowri Davies and the SMART Clinic team offer outstanding advice on every aspect of preparation and care for the canine competitor. Available to purchase on-line.

Mandy Dumont - Best Rescue Awards at the Finals

Mandy Dumont, sponsor of the Best Rescue Awards at the Finals, said, Rescue dogs deserve recognition so I am presenting the awards to celebrate their achievements as well as the introduction of the new height.

'I have been doing agility for over 30 years and I have only had rescue dogs for a long time now. I will never buy a dog again as there are so many lovely dogs waiting for homes.

Two of my current dogs came through rescue as puppies with one of them even being born in rescue. I had hoped that they would both be Medium but they grew just too much! Ty has enjoyed LHO ever since it was introduced and even qualified for the LOW 550 final one year. Intermediate might be coming just in time for her as she will be 10 by 2020. Jet is my youngster and I am looking forward to an appropriate, competitive height for her.

Tailends – Best ABC Awards at the Finals

Owner of Tailends, Becky Salisbury, is well known in the agility world for competing with her super Bearded Collies, especially her boy Gadget who claimed the ABC crown at Olympia.

She is a skilled craftswoman who makes beautiful, bespoke, embroidered or beaded collars, leads, harnesses and other personalised accessories for your dog. The lucky winners of the Best ABC awards will be presented with a unique souvenir LOW 550 embroidered lead and a voucher for a collar of their own design. See https://www.tailends.biz .

 

Henley Raw Dog Food – Prize Vouchers for Finalists

Henley Raw Dog Food offers a natural, nutritious way of feeding your dog, for a happy and healthy life. Owner Nikki Thatcher is passionate about her raw food range and supervises the production herself to ensure the highest standards possible. Customers can shop at the premises in Henley-on-Thames, or order online for local or national delivery. Prize winners will be able to spend their vouchers (1st place £40, 2nd place £30, 3rd place £20, and 10% off for all finalists) on food, or other products sold in the shop. Nikki loves meeting her customers' dogs and is always available to give raw feeding advice - she’s pictured here with the delightful “Teddy” a young Bernese Mountain Dog, doing very well on HRDF and weighing in at 52Kg! See https://henleyrawdogfood.com .

 

Norton Rosettes

Norton will once again be supporting the rosettes for the qualifying heats and finals. Hand sewn in Cumbria, using superior grade satin ribbon, these beautiful rosettes make any sporting occasion extra special. See https://www.nortonrosettes.co.uk .


2018


Judge Anthony Bray's Report on The Final

I feel very lucky to have judged the LOW 550 National Jumping Cup Final 2018, on 1st September at Cirencester Park. It’s made me even more addicted to judging Agility and has been a real highlight of my career so far. The enthusiasm of the organisers, the beautiful venue, the fantastic competitors and their dogs and the enthusiastic spectators, just made for an amazing experience for me!

I was really pleased with the way my course ran and received a lot of positive comments from the participants and those watching. There were plenty of good, clear rounds, with the odd fault scattered around the course and a few eliminations. Two skilfully-handled 'if only' rounds that stood out for me were by Michael Newns with his petite Belgian Shepherd in the CG1-4 part and Kirsti Dix with her compact Labrador in the CG5-7 part – both of them just taking an unlucky pole in otherwise paw-perfect runs.

It was really gratifying to see the variety of dogs taking part. In addition to the sprinkling of lovely Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs and those mentioned above, there was a NSDTR, a little Spanish Water Dog, a Weimaraner, an English Springer Spaniel and some crossbreeds. It was brilliant to see them giving it their all.

Congratulations to everyone, especially the two fabulous winners Hayley Laches and Julie Hutton.

LOW 550 National Jumping Cup Final 2018 Results

CG1-4 Winners

  1. Hayley Laches with Hayleys Total Pixelisation - 29.070(C)

  2. Jenni York with Dansharley Maverick - 32.879(C)

  3. Michelle Elkin with Tollelkin Water Dancer - 35.461(C)

  4. Sheila Stewart with My Poppet Rocket - 37.141(C)

  5. Ingrid Minter with The Ginger Ninja Man - 38.497(C)

  6. Kay Luis with Brookview Brisa - 42.54(C)2

  7. Michael Newns with Bergau thru Chaos 'nWyzz to Bandarlog - 30.741 (5)

  8. Vanessa Tamsett with Bordertime I Am Special - 31.4909 (5)

  9. Ruth MacGill with Ranchstar Agent Zero - 37.373 (5)

  10. Sarah Cook with Whitecross Enigma - 48.057 (5)

  11. Colleen Banfield with Colsika Lysander - 35.625 (10)

  12. Shirley Elkins with Korsabian Got to Have Faith - 42.726 (10)

  • Ros Etheridge with Jay Dee on Ice - E

  • Dominque Fuentess with The Countess Fuentes - E

  • Samantha Cooper with Twls Tecwyn - E

  • Dawn Warnock with Tragility Rocket Rio - E

  • Alan Score with Genabacab the Dark Side - E

  • Gail Seymour with Rooqui’s Truly Madly Lexi - E

Hayley Laches with Judge Anthony Bray
Photo: Yellow Hound

CG 5-7 Winners

  1. Julie Hutton with Back to Snafuture - 28.666( C)

  2. Jenny Hastie with Nessa Ainmhithe Girl - 29.619 (C)

  3. Maria Jenkinson with Devongem Freedom of Flyte - 29.733 (C)

  4. Jayne Bateson with Polyvinall Maroubra Chip AW/P - 31.815 (C)

  5. Samantha Hall with Miss Issippi Blu AW/G - 31.921 (C)

  6. Alison Naylor with Wynwich Wot the Heck - 32.207 (C)

  7. Kya Cooper with Tymbars Mac Jester - 33.627 (C)

  8. Emily Fothergill with Nidderdale Twister N' Motion - 33.995(C)

  9. Sammy Pegg with Tonkory Devil in Disguise - 30.777 (5)

  10. Kirsti Dix with Pilning Polly - 31.372 (5)

  11. Alison Hitchins with Bordadale a Blush of Coral - 35.920 (5)

  12. Selena Short with Rull’s Take That AW/B - 28.626 (10)

  13. Emily Fothergill with Fantastic Fella - 43.780 (10)

  • Barrie James with Mendipstar Rumour Has It - E

  • Daniel Gee with Makeitso Take The Mick - E

  • Rebecca Fletcher with High Flyer Flossy AW/G - E

  • Kim Davie with Mossco Dynamo - E

Julie Hutton with Judge Anthony Bray
Photo: Yellow Hound

Best Rescue awards presented by Fun with Fido went to Ros Etheridge and Julie Hutton

Thank you to the sponsors and the LOW 550 team for making this wonderful event possible and not forgetting everyone who took part in the heats - judges, host shows and the Prestbury Park Show Committee for allowing us to share their venue for the Final.


Results of the LOW 550 ABC Series

LOW 550 ABC has been a national agility series of six Special CG 1-7 classes for handlers wishing to compete at the same height as the Large LHO (550mm) at Kennel Club Licensed Agility shows. Open to dogs that are not a Border Collie, Working Sheepdog or their first cross, this sponsored series, based on a points system, has proved to be extremely popular and hotly contested wherever it has taken place.

Congratulations to newly crowned Series Champion, Tony Parmiter and his Groenendael, Jetaime Elegance du Futur. They receive the fabulous first prize of a Dog StreamZ Smart Collar with a personalised embroidered attachment by Tailends, plus a You StreamZ Ankle Band for the human in the partnership.

Well done to joint runners up, Bridget Storer with her Labrador, Rock Sea Mist, and Monique van de Laarschot with her Kelpie, Rooqui Come Fly with Me Jordan. They both receive a beautiful, bespoke, embroidered or beaded collar made by Tailends to their own design.

Series Champion

  • 1st - Tony Parmiter with Jetaime Elegance de Futur - 15 points

Runners Up

  • =2nd - Bridget Storer with Rock Sea Mist - 11

  • =2nd - Monique van de Laarschot with Rooqui Come Fly with Me Jordan - 11 points
     

  • =4th Andrea Hobbs with Cartmel’s Deballador - 8 points

  • =4th Claire Murray with Alfie’s Legacy - 8 points
     

  • 6th - Gemma Swann with Oli’s Little Halo Kid - 7 points
     

  • =7th - Claire Cannon with Green Boy AW/S with 6 points

  • =7th - Gill Vann with Greenines Arran - 6 points
     

  • =9th - Rona Harris with Springpet Harry - 5 points

  • =9th - Ann Sizer with Rowanbriar Prima Rendezvous - 5 points
     

  • 11th - Bridget Storer with Deep Sea Urchin - 4 points

  • 12th - Rona Harris with Iberia’s Pride Because I’m a Star - 3 points

Special thanks go to our sponsors Dog StreamZ, Tailends, Nutriment, Judith Trickett, Threecross Agility Group, Lagotto Romagnolo Association, The Toller Club of Great Britain and Erikachen NSDTRs. Without their generous support, this competition could not have taken place.

Finally, well done to our host clubs and judges and everyone that took part in the Series. We hope you enjoyed it!



LOW 550 Finalists 2018 Announced

Congratulations to all the Finalists! We look forward to seeing them on Saturday, 1st September at Cirencester Park, home of Prestbury Park show – where Judge Anthony Bray will be waiting.

There will be separate parts to the Final for CG1-4 and CG5-7.

The list shows at which heats the Finalists qualified, in chronological order.

Combined Grades 1-4

  • Samantha Wilkins with Magical Trevor - Prestbury Park

  • Shirley Elkins with Korsabian Got to have Faith - Prestbury Park
     

  • Sarah Price with Mr Red Hot Fox - Tenterden Magic

  • Vanessa Tamsett with Bordertime I am Special - Tenterden Magic
     

  • Sue Batley with Hainan’s Tuhot Twandle - Suffolk Five Rivers

  • Gail Seymour with Rooqui’s Truly Madly Lexi - Suffolk Five Rivers
     

  • Dominique Fuentes with The Countess Fuentes - Phase Purple

  • Lori Buetow with Royal Flush Buster - Phase Purple
     

  • Colleen Banfield with Colsika Lysander - Wallingford

  • Jenni York with Dansharley Maverick - Wallingford
     

  • Dawn Warnock with Tragility Rocket Rio - Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts

  • Michael Newns with Bergeau thru Chaos n’Wyzz to Bandarlog - Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts
     

  • Hayley Laches with Hayleys Total Pixelisation - Blackdown

  • Ruth MacGill with Ranchstar Agent Zero - Blackdown
     

  • Samantha Cooper with Tlws Tecwyn - Oswestry

  • Lynn Mann with Dashelberry Bunting - Oswestry
     

  • Alan Score with Genabacab the Dark Side - Godmanchester

  • Michelle Elkin with Tollelkin Water Dancer - Godmanchester
     

  • Ros Etheridge with Jay Dee on Ice - Golden Valley

  • Kay Luis with Brookview Brisa - Golden Valley
     

  • Sheila Stewart with My Poppet Rocket - Scotland Winner

Combined Grades 5-7

  • Daniel Gee with Makeitso Take the Mick AW/G - Prestbury Park

  • Lorraine Abbott with Bailstails Cleopatra - Prestbury Park
     

  • Denise Catt with Bachero Redwood C’Mikki - Tenterden Magic

  • Amanda Wilkinson with Alfa Leather - Tenterden Magic
     

  • Eleanor Green with Tragility October Sunlover - Suffolk Five Rivers

  • Kya Cooper with Tymbars Mac Jester - Suffolk Five Rivers
     

  • Emily Fothergill with Nidderdale Twister n’ Motion - Phase Purple

  • Emily Fothergill with Fantastic Fella - Phase Purple
     

  • Barrie James with Mendipstar Rumour Has It - Wallingford

  • Julie Hutton with Back to Snafuture - Wallingford
     

  • Sammy Pegg with Tonkory Devil in Disguise at Raylisa - Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts

  • Linsey Toon with Little Miss Barksalot - Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts
     

  • Rebecca Fletcher with High Flyer Flossy AW/G - Blackdown

  • Selena Short with Rull’s Take That AW/B - Blackdown
     

  • Samantha Hall with Miss Issippi Blu AW/G - Oswestry

  • Alison Hitchins with Bordadale A Blush of Coral - Oswestry
     

  • Jenny Hastie with Nessa Ainmhithe Girl - Godmanchester

  • Maria Jenkinson with Devongem Freedom of Flyte - Godmanchester
     

  • Kirsti Dix with Pilning Polly - Golden Valley

  • Alison Naylor with Wynwich Wot the Heck - Golden Valley
     

  • Kim Davie with Mossco Dynamo - Scotland Winner

Please come along and support everyone taking part in the Final, which will take place as soon as the show has closed.

We are delighted that our sponsors SMART Veterinary Clinic and Fun with Fido will be on hand to present the awards once again. Without their support, this event would not be able to take place.

SMART will be at the show all weekend with their mobile clinic, providing fitness assessments by some of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation specialists. Please contact the Clinic if you wish to reserve a space beforehand by emailing mail@smartvetwales.co.uk .


Introducing Anthony Bray, LOW 550 Cup Final Judge 2018

I have been judging agility for eight years and have completed training courses with the Kennel Club, UK Agility and the Global Judging Program.

I got into the dog world by getting my first puppy about 15 years ago, a Working Cocker Spaniel called Alfie. We had done basic training with him but unfortunately lost him at two years old. Then we got an English Springer Spaniel called Amy and got involved with agility. Amy was an absolute superstar. The bond I had with her both in and out of the ring was amazing and the agility addiction took hold completely. Since then, we have had a number of dogs but I am now training my lovely boy Flynn, who is a Springer/Collie X. It’s still early days with Flynn but the potential is shining through and I feel there are good things ahead.

Judging agility has become a great passion of mine and nearly every weekend is spent judging at one show or another. I love the camaraderie, the enjoyment, the handler/dog bond, the excitement of seeing competitors when they get their first clear round, the smiles when the competitors get a placing, the happiness that exudes around the rings and generally, you could say, everything about agility!

I feel privileged to have been asked to judge the LOW 550 National Jumping Cup Final by the organising committee and thank the sponsors for supporting this wonderful event. I’m looking forward to it immensely and wish all the finalists the best of luck!”

The Final will be taking place at Prestbury Park DATC Premier Agility Show at glorious Cirencester Park on Saturday, 1st September, shortly after the show has closed. Please do come and support the competitors in the culmination of this exciting national competition for dogs jumping 550mm.

Keep an eye out for the confirmed list of finalists – coming very soon!

 With grateful thanks to sponsors SMART Veterinary Clinic, Fun with Fido and Tick Tock the 4th Height Dog.

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/low550, Website: http://areyou4it.org.uk, Email: fourth_height@yahoo.co.uk



LOW 550 National Jumping Cup 2017 - 2018

The LOW 550 National Jumping Cup will continue for another exciting series of qualifying heats during 2017-2018, for a Final in September 2018.

This prestigious event is open to all grades of Large dog, with hurdles set at 550mm (Large LHO). Once again, there will be separate competitions for CG 1-4 and CG 5-7 and an award for the Best Junior, but, this time, host clubs will also have the choice of running their heat as a Special class or as the LHO part of a Standard Progression Class/es.

There will be 10 opportunities to qualify at different Kennel Club shows around the country for the Final at Prestbury Park Premier Agility Show in 2018.

The heats for 2017- 2018 have been confirmed as below. To read the show report, click on the link.

September 2017

  • Prestbury Park Premier Agility Show - Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire GL7 6JT

  • Tenterden Magic Open Show - Ashford, Bethersden, Kent TN26 3DQ

  • Suffolk Five Rivers Open Show - Trinity Park, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8UH

  • Phaze Purple Open Show - Mains Farm, Kirkoswald, Penrith CA10 1DH

April 2018

  • Wallingford DTC Open Agility Show - Newbury Showground, Berkshire RG18 9QZ

  • Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts Open Agility Show - Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire LN2 2NA 

 May 2018

  • Blackdown Agility Society Premier Open Show - West Buckland, Somerset TA21 9LN 

June 2018

  • Oswestry Open Agility Show - Whitchurch Rugby Club, Shropshire SY13 1EU

  • Godmanchester DTC 3 Day Open Agility Show - The Camp, Cambridgeshire PE26 2XD

  • Golden Valley - Top Barn Farm, Worcester WR6 6NH

 September 2018

  • Prestbury Park DATC Championship and Premier Agility Show - Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire GL7 6JT

With grateful thanks to our generous sponsors

For more information about LOW550, email: fourth_height@yahoo.co.uk or go to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/low550 or website: http://areyou4it.org.uk



Wallingford Judge's Report for Combined Grades 5-7
By Jan Smith

I was pleased to be asked to judge this qualifier at the Wallingford show on 22nd April.

In addition to the smaller Large dogs, I thought there may be some older dogs or dogs coming back from injury amongst the runners, so I wanted to set a flowing course that could be handled in different ways which would test the handler’s skill in interpreting the course.

I decided not to use any curved tunnels because I didn’t want dogs hitting the bend at speed and, with the ground still soft after so much rain, I didn’t want to be replacing pulled pegs all day. This was a good decision as my tunnels stayed put the whole day. Not one peg needing to be replaced, and our ring finished first.

The course produced 32 clear runs, 14 faulted runs and 29 eliminations.

So how did the course run?
A few people lost their dog over Number 8 after the tunnel at Number 3. One or two dogs seemed intent on doing that no matter what, but a few handlers just didn’t call their dog whilst in the tunnel. Those running up to handle Number 4 from the front appeared to inadvertently send their dog straight on, whereas those who recalled over Number 4 from the backside and scooped into Number 5 didn’t have the 3-8 issue.

The course at Numbers 6-7 didn’t cause many problems but I felt pushing around the back of Number 6 and then pushing into the tunnel was more efficient than recalling to the back of 6, sending the dog over 6 and then pulling in to scoop to the tunnel leaving you out of position for jump 8. A few dogs having been sent over Number 6 continued to the wrong end of Number 7.

The dogs were tight coming out of the tunnel at Number 10, in contrast to the earlier tunnel at Number 3 where the dogs had wanted to go on. This was smartly handled by pushing to the tunnel with the left hand and holding the right hand back to collect the dog, whilst turning towards Number 11, so that as the dog entered the tunnel it was already aware that the handler was going back in the other direction.

Jumps Number 12-14 could be handled in many ways, so the challenge was to find the efficient line. Some pulled in from Number 12 to 13, then turned the dogs left to wrap the wing although a few of these back jumped Number 13. I thought those who ran past Number 12 and pushed into Number 13, then either wing wrapped the dog left or turned the dog right and pushed into Number 14, had the better lines.

The home run required the handler to be at jump 18 to push the dog out or have a good right command to take the correct course. In an impressive run, the winning handler left his dog at Number 14 and cut across to Number 18, knowing his dog would complete the rest without him. I think that was possibly my scariest moment - seeing Barrie James - who is a little bit bigger than me - hurtling in my direction with his eyes back on his dog. My turn to move swiftly.

I really enjoyed my day and hope everyone who ran in this qualifier did as well. I wish the two qualifiers, Barrie and Julie, all the best in the Final.

  1. Barrie James with Mendipstar Rumour Has It - 28.622

  2. Julie Hutton with Back to Snafuture - 30.594

Special thanks to LOW 550 sponsors SMART Clinic, Norton Rosettes, Fun with Fido and Tick Tock the 4th Height Dog.

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