Allsorts had somehow managed to stay in Div 3 (the lowest today), which was lucky, as they would be running slower than their current seed time. Hotdogs, however, remained in Div 1 after putting in a sub 19secs last year!
We started the day with Allsorts (Breeze, Monty, Badger, Eddie, Ben and Lady). We managed to beat the Ball Busters 3-2, even with Eddie running twice (the opposition must have had more problems!) and recorded our best time of the day, 21.48secs.
Next we were up against the Malvern Missiles, and then the Chitchats. Both races went to 3-2 again, and we were the losers on both occasions!
After a break (Div 2) we had the slightly amended Hotdog team (Bazil, Abby, Barley, and wearing ‘P’ plates were Spencer and Toddy!) First up we were against the Buccaneers. Things didn’t go to well in this first race, and we lost 3-2. Next we were up against Back on Track. No chance here unless they make a mistake (which they did) but we still lost 3-1.
Back to the Allsorts, this time against the Cracker Jacks. Still the racing was very close, but again another loss, 3-2. And the last race of the day saw us against the Stonechats, who were having as bad a day as us! (And we were the two top seeds!) This time though, Eddie was on his better lane, and we managed a 3-0 win. Overall we came 5th in Div 3.
And finally, 6pm, the Hotdogs had their final two races. First up we were against the Jumping Jacks. We managed to beat them last time out, although they had a faster seed time than us this time. Could we do it again? Spencer had lead dog position, and as far as I could see from the box, had some very good starts. If he maintained his speed with J. Jacks lead dog, Bazil and Abby were able to keep their nose in front of the opposition as well. But passes had to be spot on, and no mistakes. So it was finally down to Barley and Claire NOT to make a mistake. As it was, we managed to force the J. Jacks into a flying pass, and won the race 3-2. It was very close and exciting racing. And it produced another new seed time of 18.32 secs. And on to the last race of the day against the Bad Dog Meecos. They were on top form, and beat us 3-0.
And so we came 3rd overall in Div 1.
So another 0.27 was shaved off our seed time. That put us 100 in the World Rankings, and apparently (according to Gwain) 9th in the UK. Anton is expecting us to go sub 18 this year!! And says it’s down to the handlers to get it right first time out!! (Whilst the dogs are ‘fresh’) But, hey, no pressure……………!