On 29th June UKSS Team UK took 22 dogs to Kristianstad, Sweden for the World Coursing Championships.
Amongst the team everyone had their own travel routes. Some took a longer journey to take in sightseeing, holidays, breed shows or other coursing events but all finally came together at the venue to celebrate the opening ceremony of this epic event.
18 nations ran 809 hounds over 4 different courses during the 5 day competition and Team UK had some amazing successes, punching well above our weight for such a small entry.
UK dogs scooped podium prizes in 5 categories including first place in CSS Saluki mixed and Galgo Español mixed. It was a poignant moment at the nightly awards ceremony as the Union Jack flag was raised to ‘God Save the King’.
In other classes, such as CACIL Salukis, achieving a high place in a field of 60 entries was an enormous achievement and celebrated by the team.
There were lows too of course with vetting issues and a phenomenal whippet run followed by withdrawal due to injury.
What was most uplifting was the goodwill from UKSS members following the event from home, and team support which was fantastic; cheering on every high and sharing the disappointments. Laughter, tears, hugs, puppy-cuddles and high-fives… it was exactly what a team should be.
