On Saturday 9th February 2008 the Southern Border Collie Club hosted the Border Collie of the Year event at the Kent County Showground in the Astor and the John Hendry Pavilions.
To qualify for this event, a dog or bitch must have been awarded a Challenge Certificate or Reserve Challenge Certificate at a Championship show during 2007. Subject to the number of entries received, dogs and bitches who are already champions in their own right can also enter the competition. However, in accordance with Kennel Club rules entries were restricted to a total of 64.
Three experienced judges, Les Crawley, Peter Jolley and Frank Kane, independently assessed each of the entries, awarding points against the breed standard, Border Collie of the Year being the Border Collie gaining the most points. There were also awards for Best Opposite Sex, Reserve Best Dog, Reserve Best Bitch and highest pointed Veteran.
The Committee worked very hard to organise a highly memorable event. Each qualifier was presented with a beautiful rosette upon arrival and the venue was welcoming, with three large rings plus plenty of space for grooming. The tickets had stated 'Dress To Impress' and handlers certainly entered into the spirit of the event, their outfits lifting the showring out of the ordinary. Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed Male and Best Dressed Female Handlers. A special raffle was run and the proceeds presented to a representative from the Air Ambulance, which is the Club’s nominated charity for 2008. Royal Canin kindly offered sponsorship for this event and as well as the main prizes offered, all qualifiers received gifts of Royal Canin food.
The club welcomed guests to watch the event and meet like-minded people. This was an ideal opportunity to see some of the top winning dogs and bitches from 2007. Tickets also covered lunch and light refreshments all day.
BORDER COLLIE OF THE YEAR 2007: MARION TURNER'S LITTLETHORN SAPPHIRE
Best Opposite Sex: Bob Tunnicliff's Sh Ch Littlethorn Galaxy
Reserve Best Bitch: Judith Gregory's Sh Ch / Ir Ch Tonkory Femme Fatale JW
Reserve Best Dog: Elaine and Jo Ratcliffe's Sh Ch Grandver Celtic Quest
Highest Pointed Veteran: Carolyn Ward's Sh Ch Caristan Cheers JW
Best Dressed Female Handler: Marion Turner
Best Dressed Male Handler: Doug Collier
A wider selection can be viewed on the photographer's site here: DE Photo
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