The Kennel Club has congratulated Agility Team GB on their outstanding performance at the FCI European Open Agility Championships.

The team secured six medals, including one gold, during the event held this past weekend.

Agility Team GB competed over three days, showcasing exceptional skill in both team and individual competitions. Notably, this was the first time in the Championship’s history that Team GB achieved three medals in the team finals.

The European Open Agility Championships took place in the UK for the first time, hosted by The Kennel Club at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam. The event was sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, with additional support from Galican, South West Agility Goods, and 4 Legged Flix.

Medal Winners

Gold Medal:

  • Martin Reid from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, with his Shetland Sheepdog Get It With Eager to Work (Selfie) in the Small Individual competition. This pair successfully defended their title from the 2023 European Championships.

Silver Medal:

  • Marita Ogilvie from Bourne, Lincolnshire, with Border Collie Darleyfalls Cryptic Enigma (Cicada) in the Intermediate Individual competition. This was Marita’s first international medal.

Bronze Medals:

  • Euan Paterson from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, with his Border Collie Ag Ch Devongem Quick Time (Crazee) retained their bronze medal in the Intermediate Individual competition, having won the same medal in 2023.
  • Team GB Time for Tea won a bronze medal in the Small Team finals, marking the first Small Team medal for Team GB. The team included Jo Gleed and Devongem Classic (Sinner), Karen Boardman and Devongem Tiz Unbeatable (Robyn), Laura Farrow and Quinlent Dubplate Special (Dubs), and Liz Naylor and Devongem Bright Skye at Hornspike.
  • Team GB Remake won a bronze medal in the Medium Team finals, securing a medal for the third consecutive year. The team comprised Dalton Meredith and Ag Ch Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive (Munchy), James Adams and Ag Ch Devongem Tiz Gold Standard (Willow), Lily Dakin and Wavesong Honky Tonk Blu (Scout), and Stephanie Best and Z-Atomic Spice Koryfej (Skedaddle).
  • Team GB Place Your Bets won a bronze medal in the Large Team finals. The team included Chris Kerton and Infinity Runners Shanapu (Cop), Dave Munnings and Ag Ch Comebyanaway Wot A Legacy (Legacy), Martin Reid and Ag Ch Lilhaze Spring Into Shape (Shape), and Naarah Cuddy and Ag Ch Lilhaze Dark Pleasure (Lemon).

Additional Achievements

The team also achieved notable placements in various competitions:

  • 1st place – Euan Paterson and Border Collie Ag Ch Devongem Quick Time (Crazee) in Intermediate Individual Jumping.
  • 1st place – Martin Reid and Shetland Sheepdog Get It With Eager to Work (Selfie) in Small Individual Agility.
  • 2nd place – GB New Endeavour To Win in Medium Team Agility.
  • 2nd place – James Adams and Working Cocker Spaniel Devongem Tiz Gold Standard (Willow) in Medium Individual Agility.
  • 3rd place – GB Remake in Medium Team Jumping.
  • 3rd place – James Adams and Working Cocker Spaniel Devongem Tiz Gold Standard (Willow) in Medium Individual Jumping, marking their sixth medal for Team GB.

The team was selected following tryouts at Dog Sports Derby. Agility Team GB is supported by The Kennel Club, Natural Instinct, South West Agility Goods, Dog Sports Derby, and Galican.

Manager and Sponsor Comments

Agility Team GB Manager Greg Derrett commented: “Competing on home soil added a little extra pressure this year on our handlers to perform and I am thrilled with the results they achieved while representing Great Britain at this year’s European Open Championships! Winning so many medals from all four heights and in both the individual and team events shows the depth of talent we have in British Agility.”

A spokesperson from Natural Instinct, sponsor of Agility Team GB, said: “Natural Instinct are proud to sponsor Agility Team GB and we congratulate the team on their fantastic success at the European Open Championships. We are extremely proud of all those who competed. Well done to all!”

Daniel Millwood, owner of SWAG K9, added: “The European Open 2024 was our first time being able to watch Agility Team GB live at a major championship and they didn’t disappoint! We witnessed some amazing runs, giving great results and some of those very nearly runs that show what an exciting future Team GB has! SWAG K9 are proud to have been there to support the event and we look forward to continuing our support of Team GB.”

Image by Simon Peachey.