RKC International Agility Festival Kicks Off with Crufts Qualifiers and Stakes Winners

The world’s largest dog agility festival began on Thursday, 6 August, at Rutland Showground. Now in its 22nd year, the four-day event hosts nearly 2,000 handlers and more than 3,200 dogs from 11 countries and territories. Competitors aim to secure Crufts 2027 qualification places and advance toward representing Agility Team GB. Day one action included the Royal Kennel Club Agility Stakes, where top performers earned spots at the London International Horse Show in December. Hayley McKenzie & Crossbreed, Tinder won the Small RKC Agility Stakes in 33.082 seconds, while Liz Carpenter & Crossbreed, Maggie took the Medium class in 33.105 seconds. Siân Illingworth & Border Collie, Design claimed the Large RKC Agility Stakes with a time of 35.346 seconds. The opening Crufts qualifying competitions also concluded. In the Small Crufts Novice Cup C3-5, Lauren Langman & Skittles (Devongem Distinct) finished first in 36.005 seconds to secure a semi-final place. Reuben Parrish & Border Collie Yama (Proserpina Yamari) won the Medium category in 34.896 seconds. These victories grant the pairs entry into December finals, where they can qualify for Crufts 2027.