Well that’s me done in the role of Crufts Chief Obedience Steward, and what an outstanding four days of competition it was. I am completely over-whelmed and grateful for the many cards , gifts and messages received from the Obedience and Rally fraternities over the past few days, your generosity is humbling, thankyou.
As I hand over the reins I make no apologies for the length of my list of thank-you’s. Firstly Roy Page for giving me the opportunity in the first place back in 2010, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time since then firstly as assistant and then taking on the mantle when Roy retired.
Now it’s time for me to retire I have the utmost confidence in, and am leaving it in the safe hands of, Kate McCartney who succeeds me and who I know is going to make a fantastic job of it ably assisted by Michael McCartney . I am so grateful for your support especially this year which has been quite emotional at times. I look forward to watching you work next year. We have two first class commentators in Jane Prince and Clare Williams who keep the audience informed throughout the show. Grateful thanks to Rachel Bradley and Bev Smith for co-ordinating the team events. Lastly all the judges and stewards over the years in our competitions especially Rob Bint for a fabulous finale to my time at Crufts.
Finally I would just say that my goal was to leave the arena in Hall 5 in as good a state as I found it and if I have achieved that then I retire a very happy man. My thanks to you all, Richard