The Royal Kennel Club International Agility Festival came to a spectacular close yesterday (Sunday 9 August), as competitors battled for the final titles of the weekend at Rutland Showground, with the event proudly supported by sponsors Skinner’s and Antinol.
The four-day event, now in its 22nd year, welcomed more than 3,200 dogs and almost 2,000 handlers from 11 countries and territories, celebrating the incredible partnership between dogs and their handlers across almost 300 classes of competition.
The final day saw some of the festival’s most prestigious events take place, including the International Finals, where top agility partnerships competed for championship glory, alongside the final Crufts 2027 qualifying opportunities.
Sunday’s highlights included:
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Small International Final
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Medium International Final
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Intermediate International Final
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Large International Final
The final day saw the festival’s International Finals take centre stage, bringing together some of the most talented agility partnerships from across the UK and overseas.
In the Small International Final, Cocker Spaniel Taxi (Devongem Pride Rock), handled by Sam Sanchez from Barcelona, Spain, claimed victory after an impressive display of speed, accuracy and teamwork.
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Sam Sanchez & Taxi (Devongem Pride Rock)
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Susanne Bonk & Penny (Little Penny)
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Laurine Daniel & Rufus
In the Medium International Final, Spanish Water Dog, Mojito (Keep Calm It’s Mojito Time) handled by Jessica Garcia Garcia from Barcelona, Spain took home the top prize.
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Jessica Garcia Garcia & Mojito (Keep Calm It´s Mojito Time)
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Emer Page & Khama (Moifara Kham Before The Storm)
In the Intermediate International Final, Border Collie Katniss (Shepworld I Want It All), handled by Nicola Giraudi from Como, Italy claimed their second win of the festival, having already taken home the Intermediate Championship prize on Saturday 8th August.
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Nicola Giraudi & Katniss (Shepworld I Want It All)
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Anais Canet Salvador & Pruna (Pruna De L´estany)
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Cristina Garcia Daura & Ness (Loch Ness)
In the Large International Final, Crossbreed Harper (The Harpoon), handled by Laura Murphy from Dublin, claimed victory after an impressive display of speed, accuracy and teamwork.
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Laura Murphy & Harper (The Harpoon)
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Nicola Giraudi & Brant (Shepworld I'm On Fire)
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Rachel Stevens & Deejay (Deejay Blue Ice De La Mano Charra)
The Royal Kennel Club International Agility Festival once again demonstrated the growing popularity and international appeal of agility, bringing together competitors of all ages, breeds and experience levels to celebrate one of the most exciting canine sports.
Throughout the weekend, competitors took part across 18 rings, with events ranging from novice classes through to elite-level championship competitions. Alongside the competition, the festival provided opportunities to qualify for Crufts 2027, compete in Young Royal Kennel Club events and progress towards the Agility Team GB selection pathway for the 2027 Championships.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive at Royal Kennel Club said: “This year’s International Agility Festival has once again highlighted the inclusive and welcoming nature of the sport. With competitors travelling from all over the world to compete, the festival was a fantastic celebration of agility and the international community that surrounds it. Whether people were competing, volunteering to make it happen behind the scenes, or watching the fast-paced action from the ringside, the enjoyment was unmistakable. The amazing partnerships on display demonstrated the importance of working together and having fun with our dogs to enrich their lives. We hope the festival inspires more people to discover agility and become part of this joyous community.”
The Royal Kennel Club International Agility Festival will return August 12-15 2027, continuing to celebrate the exceptional bond between dogs and handlers and inspiring the next generation of agility competitors.