from Helen Rishworth
Reading Linnet’s last blog made me think about New Year’s resolutions. Looking back at my aims for 2011, I think I managed to achieve about half – whether this is good going or not will depend whether you’re a ’half full’ or ’half empty’ person!
One goal that I was able to put a tick next to was ’A placing in the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Toy finals’. Crufts is not far off now, and I think I can speak on behalf of quite a few YKC members in saying that the Crufts finals, in all disciplines, are very special to compete in. They are what we work towards all year. Championship shows throughout the season hold classes for YKC members which are qualifiers for finals held at Crufts. The qualification criteria varies between events but usually winning the class secures a place in the final.
If you haven’t been to Crufts before, it is unique! There is a taster of everything, from agility to obedience, heel work to music through to multiple displays. Combine the enormity of this show with its prestigious reputation and you get one special event! Hence why competing in finals at Crufts is such so special.
Now, back to my ‘goal’ that I set at the beginning of 2011. I have been lucky enough to compete in the YKC Toy Stakes Final for several years now, achieving placements, most notable of which, a 2nd in 2009 with Anna (Ir. Ch Sumobi Love Me Tender Artmeis). Since coming 2nd, winning the Toy final became the next aspiration. And at Crufts 2011 this was realised! To be honest, it was all a bit of a blur as the day had been quite relaxed until the later afternoon. Italian Greyhound judging had been second in the ring and was going strong when the 4pm start for the YKC stakes arrived.
Carrying Charley (Ir. Ch Artmeis Fidanzato), I battled my way through the halls to get to the YKC ring. Charley put on a superb performance and we were shortlisted, and this was when the nerves really kicked in! After a final straight up and down, the award boards came out…my heart was pounding on the adrenaline! When the judge came towards us, I could not believe it! One feels a mixture of emotions from happiness, to excitement through to disbelief! I think my Dad was watching, but unfortunately this was the one occasion that Jo Amsel hadn’t been ringside because she was at the breed ring. So Charley and I headed back through the crowds and showed off our winning rosette and trophy!
We didn’t have much time to celebrate because we had to pack our stuff and head to the Main Ring. The winners of the seven group finals return to the Best In Show ring to compete in the YKC Stakes Finals. Charley and I joined the other six handlers and dogs ready to compete on that green carpet. We went no further, but being in the main ring was a great feeling and a day I will not forget! So although I only achieved half of my 2011 aims, achieving this particular goal was pretty special!
For more information about the Young Kennel Club please visit: www.ykc.org.uk
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