The Eukanuba World Challenge Qualifying Event, hosted at FCI European Dog Show in
Bucharest saw two spectacular dogs win their place to attend and compete in the
Eukanuba World Challenge final in Orlando, Florida on 15th & 16th December. This
Qualifying Event presented a fabulous opportunity to 23 FCI European Member Kennel
Clubs that were invited to nominate dogs to represent their country and participate
in this, the fourth consecutive, annual Eukanuba World Challenge European Qualifying
Event. The participating dogs were judged by the highly respected judge and AKC
/ Eukanuba National Championship Show Chair, Mr Ron Menaker from the USA. He selected
two dogs that qualify to compete in one of the sections at the Eukanuba World Challenge
in Orlando.
Representing Bulgaria is the Bullmastiff “FCI International Ch. / Multi Ch. Gamekeepers
Play My Game” owned by Todor Baev Markovo and handled by Fabrizio Manni. Three-year-old
“Teddy” was bred in Norway by Trude Hegle & Rune Aga. Fabrizio has handled him to
his many titles including his multi BIS’s and Multi Reserve BIS’s, FCI Junior World
Winner 2010. President of the Bulgarian Kennel Club, Kamen Litov said, “I am delighted
that our representative from Bulgaria is going to the EWC. It is a great success
for all cynology in Bulgaria. I wish the team much success in Orlando and this is
a great opportunity.”
Representing Malta is “Multi Ch Travella Special Feature” owned by Johann Schembri
& Ivan Calleja who handled him to his win. Berti was bred in the UK by Bill Browne-Cole
under the well established, highly successful kennel “Travella”. Berti has won many
highly regarded accolades in his show career including Multi BIS, Groups and BOB
at the largest show in the UK, Reserve Top Dog All Breeds in the UK, Top Dog in
Malta 2010 & 2011.
© Deya
Judge, Ron Menaker said, “I was extremely pleased with the quality of the two dogs
that I selected as the EWC QE winners. Both exude breed type, moved beautifully
and will be formidable competitors at the World Challenge event.
Rafael De Santiago FCI Vice-president said, “It was great to see the EWC Qualifying
Event received as one of the best supported entries and quality of dogs from all
the countries. It proves that breeders are more concerned about producing healthy
dogs. The two selected dogs will be excellent ambassadors from their FCI countries
Bulgaria and Malta.”
The Eukanuba World Challenge 2012 final will be hosted at the AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship in December where the two winning dogs from the Qualifying Event will
undoubtedly enjoy good company with over 40 of the World’s Top Winning dogs, all
of whom will be competing fervently in Orlando for the title Eukanuba World Challenge
Champion 2012 along with the prize money of $10,000. The runner up and the first
runner up will each be awarded $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.
For further information visit
www.eukanubaworldchallenge.com
Media contacts:
Lorna Hastings
PR Consultant
Lars Ortlieb
ER Communications Mgr EMEA & Asia