by Courtney Keys
The first Texas UKI Classic, held January 31-February 2 at DePaw Dog Sports in Leander, was a truly Texan affair!
The event brought 53 handlers and 81 dogs, all from Texas, to the state capital to compete in Pentathlon, Biathlon and Masters Series events.
Judge Courtney Moore, also a Texan and a favorite judge of many, designed fun and challenging courses that everyone enjoyed. DePaw opened up the ring size to be bigger than normal, and Courtney took advantage of the extra space to make handlers and dogs really run.
DePaw provided special ribbons and a podium for the three Classic events, as well as trophies for
Pentathlon. The facility also offered unicorn and rainbow toys for podium winners, which quickly became a coveted prize, with many saying they didn’t care about the ribbons, they just wanted a unicorn!
Everyone gathered and cheered as the winners were announced and podium pictures were taken. Winners included former and current members of several world teams, as well as some handlers who stood on a podium for the very first time!
DePaw plans to host the event again in 2021 and make it even bigger and better!
List of winners:
Pentathlon
8 inches
1st: Courtney Keys and Francine*
2nd: Letty McNulty and Gucci
3nd: Lory Tannahill and Maverick
12 inches
1st: Melanie Bilicki and Hannah*
2nd: Maggie Schoolar and Cher
3rd: Mary Schaff and Streak
16 inches
1st: Katie Sharp and Louie*
2nd: Giuliana Lund and Rukia
20 inches
1st: Kelsey Kirkpatrick and Endeavor*
2nd: Brenda Kelly and Deja Vu
3rd: Martine Kopka and Legion
22 inches
1st: Catherine Laria and Jelly*
2nd: Meagan Johnson and Brix
3rd: Julie Watson and Wager
24 inches
1st: Maria Badamo and Kenobi*
2nd: Sangie Brooks and Creed
3rd: Michelle Addison and Lady
12 inches (select)
1st: Marilyn Buford and Moon
16 inches (select)
1st: Jody Lolich and Skillz*
2nd: Renee King and Swig
20 inches (select)
1st: Sangie Brooks and Vette*
2nd: Kelsey Kirkpatrick and Legitimate
*Denotes winners of US Open Speedstakes Finals bye
Biathlon
8 inches
1st: Courtney Keys and Francine
2nd: Lory Tannahill and Maverick
12 inches
1st: Maggie Schoolar and Cher
16 inches
1st: Giuliana Lund and Rukia
20 inches
1st: Brenda Kelly and Deja Vu*
2nd: Julianne Booth and Brecker
3rd: Jody Lolich and Honey Badger
22 inches
1st: Catherine Laria and Jelly*
2nd: Lynn Spielman and Tana
3rd: Julie Watson and Wager
24 inches
1st: Michelle Addison and Lady*
16 inches (select)
1st: Renee King and Swig
20 inches (select)
1st: Sangie Brooks and Vette*
2nd: Kelsey Kirkpatrick and Legitimate
*Denotes winners of Double Clear National Finals Round 2 Bye
Masters Series overall
24 inches
1st: Maria Badamo and Kenobi
2nd: Michelle Addison and Lady
20 inches (select)
1st: Sangie Brooks and Vette
20 inches
1st: Brenda Kelly and Deja Vu
16 inches (select)
1st: Jody Lolich and Skillz
16 inches
1st: Giuliana Lund and Rukia
Additional Masters Series qualifiers
12 inches
Melanie Bilicki and Hannah
16 inches
Katie Sharp and Louie
20 inches
Gerry Brown and Dagger
22 inches
Lynn Spielman and Tana
16 inches (select)
Pamela Thompson and Rafa
All overall results posted online at www.courtneypo.com/uki
