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Click here to view the 2008 coverage of AKC Obedience at Crufts
Crufts - 2008 Day Two Update
USA WINS FIRST PLACE IN AGILITY FINALS ROUND!!!
Carrie Jones and Jive running in 18th position knew the time to beat was 33.4 run by Ireland. The course was technical but flowing, and they knew the BBC cameras were rolling. The VIP stands were filled to the brim, and thousands of spectators were cheering and very supportive of the USA.
This inspired them to give the run of their career. They ran fast and clean with the incredible time of 33.1. To the cheers of the crowd, Carrie and Jive were able to circle the arena with spotlights beaming and music playing – the thrill of a lifetime!
Order of finish in finals round:- First place, USA
- Second place, Ireland
- Third place, Belgium
The overall winner was from England.
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Crufts - 2008 Day Two
The early morning start proved the right plan in the huge Saturday Crufts crowds. More than 100,000 spectators will pass the entry gates today.
The ready ring was filled with the International exhibitors and their captains at 9:30 in the morning who were there to find out the running order and countries represented. There were 18 countries, and the USA drew 11th running order spot. The exhibitors from the farthest distance were New Zealand and the USA. Some of the first-time countries represented were Croatia and Portugal.
The first run of standard was a tight and technical course. The majority of the dogs received wrong course calls, as did Carrie Jones and Jive her Border Collie. Only five clean runs were posted. Slower times were due to the many call offs required by the course. Carrie had a major call off on Jive right before the long open run to the weave poles, which was after a very inviting jump on the course. The course posted is not indicative of what was set in the main arena.
The winners of round one were: first, Portugal (Sergio Sousa); second England; and third, Croatia.
The next run of the day for Carrie and Jive will be at 5 p.m. in the main arena in front of thousands of cheering spectators, including a few from the USA. Carrie and Jive's running order will be last: number 18. The pressure will be great, but they are up to the task and will strive for number one.
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Thursday, March 6, 2008
Crufts, the three-day, largest dog show in the world, has begun in Birmingham, England. More than 25,000 dogs will participate in conformation, Agility, Obedience and demonstrations.
The AKC/USA is well represented in Obedience by Dave Gannon and his Golden Retriever, Skater. Carrie Jones and her Border Collie, Jive, represent AKC/USA in Agility. Skater is the number-one OTCH dog in the United States. Jive placed sixth in the world in Norway as a member of the 2007 AKC/USA World Agility Championship team.
The trip to England was the easiest to date for AKC/USA. Fly time was only 7 hours and 5 minutes, and both dogs bounced out of their huge crates ready to perform.
Friday, March 7, is practice day for both Obedience and Agility. (The five acres of shopping will surely be part of the day's activity as well.)
With so many rings to watch, Crufts is like no other dog show. It offers one ring of competition by the Youth Kennel Club, which features a full range of competition by junior handlers; five halls of vendors; rings; and demonstrations. Each hall has a huge overhead screen that features the main arena activity, which includes the Agility competitions.
Watch for daily updates.
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