Local team scoop gold at Crufts 2010

The team, who train at the Red Cross Hall on Pond Park Road, Lisburn and is led by Lisburn man Michael McCartney, finally got the gold after having finished third on two occasions and finishing second two years ago.

Having fought off stiff competition from 11 other countries, including England, Netherlands, USA, Canada, Germany and the Republic of Ireland, the team of four, which included Lisburn man Sam McCracken and his Border Collie Ben, took the title "Crufts Obedience World Cup Winners 2010."

Team Manager Michael McCartney, who has led the team for nine years, said he was delighted to see his team take the coveted title at the prestigious competition on Sunday March 14.

Michael stated: "It was magic. We put a lot of work in over the years, this is actually the third team we have had over the nine years it's been going and it will change again next year as you have to keep upgrading and learning new exercises to keep up, so it was wonderful to take the gold."

The team were presented with a silver trophy at the event in the Birmingham NEC, which will stay in the NI Kennel Club, with Northern Ireland proudly having their name carved onto it.

"Only England and Holland have ever had their names on the trophy," said Michael. "They are the only teams to ever win so it was amazing to have our name added. We were also presented with a crystal trophy to keep and our gold medals.

"We had loads of support with 20 from the Lisburn and District Dog Training Club alone going over and the club helped to sponsor some of the travel arrangements. The day was really good, they played Danny Boy for us when we were coming in and everyone had flags, it was a brilliant atmosphere," Michael explained.

"The Dutch were so competitive but they were happy enough because they knew we had had a perfect round. It was good for Sam McCracken too as he has been the only members in the three different teams we've had over the nine years.

"All of the members of the team were just consistent, hitting the mark each time, they were fantastic."

Team member Sam McCracken stated: "I'm still pinching myself. This is some achievement and I'm really proud of Michael for getting us there, it is all thanks to his patience and dedication."