SDAS Championship series 2012

With a great entry to our series opener a return to an old favourite the Ae forest, Dumfries, teams travelled from across the UK to compete. Despite torrential rain and mud a great event took place thanks to organisers Mike and Liz Rigg.

Our next three races suffered with reduced entries due to their Northern locality, Black Isle, Culbin and Darnaway. Darnaway making its debut on the SDAS calendar thanks to organisers Paul and Jacqui Kelly, a fantastic new venue offering a huge variety of testing and technical trails, proved a hit with those who attended.

Next a very healthy entry to the ever popular Ford estate, this year again saw more new and exciting trails to run set in by race organiser Mark Mclintic.

Bowland trails once again hosted the series finale a very early start to racing on Saturday to avoid rising temps ensued, and  on Sunday only six, four and three dog classes running before sunrise as racing was then cancelled due to the unseasonably warm temperatures. All enjoyed the rest of the day chillaxing.

This season also saw the inclusion of two world/European championship qualifiers; the first at Culbin saw a small entry and the second, at The National Championships in Tentsmuir forest, was a huge success. This venue ever popular due to its perfect trail conditions did not disappoint. A variety of trail distances to suit each class were prepared by race organisers John and Mary Carter. This event also included an 8 dog class, a first for SDAS allowing a taster and qualification for this class possible. The event again attracted teams’ countrywide, for many a first visit to this superb venue, and judging by the positive feedback received well worth the journey to attend. Thanks must also go to our partner sponsor for this event TPC (Scotland).

In November saw the first unified selected team from the UK attend a World Championship event; Confirming the commitment made by SDAS in developing  the sport of sled dog racing within Scotland and beyond.

SDAS offers something for everyone from 1-6 dog classes in a friendly and welcoming environment. With tasty treats, food and supplements for our canine partners courtesy of CSJ.

“Go On” herbs for our podium places, a superb supplement for our canine athletes, just look at the results!

 “ Billy no Mates” an appropriate supplement awarded at our season finale ideal for the approaching summer season to ward off those unwanted guests to our pets. Pawfect!

“Hike on” and “CP 30” specialist food designed for the working dog, awarded to our Series and National Champions to help maintain their winning performance!

“Poppets, Dem bones and Fruit and Mutt bars” delicious treats provided for all our dogs, the stars of our wonderful sport to enjoy.

  Huge thanks must once again go to CSJ for helping to make all the above possible, for its continued support and belief in our vision for the future.

For more pictures and further details please visit our website http://www.sdas.org.uk  

Jo Brecknell.

4 dog podium Mick, Danny, Mark
credit: Paulina Saltysiak

Pavlina Bestorastova 2-dog culbin
credit: Paulina Saltysiak

Wayne Fisher 8-dog Tentsmuir
credit: Paulina Saltysiak