Résumé of the Qualification trial of 26-27 Jun (Meerhout)
The last trial for the EC18 in the Czech republic was a thriller!!
The field of 400 meter was a real challenge for the handlers and their dogs. The sheeps were placed in an identical starting position thanks to the beautifull work of the supporting handlers.Well done!
The trial: exciting until the last minute when 15 potential candidates are fighting for 8 available seats for the EC18 .
The field but even more the distance and the sheep appeared to be severe judges. Hilde de Waerhert with Roy, Paul Reynders with Mosh, Johan Blocks with Mirk and Jef Van Laer with Pam experienced some difficulties with these factors.
Even Marcel Peeters with Ghlen, future "teamcaptain", experienced a terrible start with a cross during the outrun.
The experienced handlers and dogs were on top on Saturday Nicolas Annoloro of France with Pearl (n.b. a Belgian dog), Chris Caerts with Mac and Marcel Peeters with Sweep obtained a place on the podium.
Ross and Arran Games were on duty as judges and came from South-Wales.
Sunday was a heavy day for the sheep. The heat and the distance cause many lifts and fetches to be problematic. Many dogs lost their temper and hurried up with the sheep not necessarily along the right way. This cause quite bad results on the fetch.
Paul Vanhoof with Zeb and Ines Broes with Moss showed during the 2 days remarquable runs. They knew that this was vital for the selection and the nervosity was great in waiting for the final results.
The trial was finally won by Nicolas Annoloro of France with Pearl, Chris Caerts with Mac and the same Nicolas wih Judy.
More important is the result of the qualification for the EC18.
10 handler-dog combinations are selected for the 8 effective places in the team.
remarkable: 5 of the 10 selected dogs are linked to Pero of Chris Caerts. Means a good end of carreer for the dog!
- Marcel Peeters with Ghlen and Sweep
- Eliane Verboven with May Ellis and Mona
- Chris Caerts with Mac and Per
- Jef Van Laer with Pam
- Ines Broes with Moss
res: - Johan Blocks with Mirk
- Paul Vanhoof wih Zeb
Congratulations and success in August !!