as mentioned before the top ten beagles were:

Jesse, Jet, Leo, Matthew, Maya, Oscar, Poppadom, Roger, Roti and Sam.

Unfortunately Jesse did not join us, as he had a run in with a car during the week… We all send him well wishes to be back on his feet SOON!! So, there was just a top nine this morning.

--- FROM LEFT: Glen, Vicky & Lyn with Vicky's hounds Sam and Leo. Shaw with Matthew. Roelf with Maya. Trevor with Roti. Dilene with Poppadom. Tanya and Peter with Oscar. Claire with Jet. Raymond with Roger. ---

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The scent was laid by motorbike (about 7km long) and the nine beagles were taken to the starting point, scented and released. We had a pretty good view of the line from our position back at the cars. Leo took a very early lead with Matthew, Jet and Oscar not too far behind. Poppadom, Roti, Roger, Sam and Maya brought up the rear.

About three quarters of the way, the beagles encountered a group of about 5 guys walking through the mountains. The more experienced beagles didn’t pay any attention to the people, and carried on with their race. The younger dogs, however, stopped and barked and howled at the group… Unfortunately this threw the younger dogs off a bit

We were eagerly watching the dogs on the line, and waiting for them to start coming in…

LEO did Vicky proud for the umpteenth time, and came in waaaaaaay ahead of everyone else! Leo is 10 years old and is still super fit and a fantastic hunting hound! Well, well done boy!!

--- Congrats to Leo - who wins Top Ten 2009 again! ---

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In second place was ROGER! He came in, tongue hanging and looking ever so proud of himself! I think Raymond almost did a somersault at the sight of his boy

In third place was little JET! All of 15 months old! Fantastic job boy! Claire was very proud of her little boy when he came running over the finish line!

Fourth place was old MATTHEW who is very nearly 10 years old as well. He has been in the Top Ten for a few years now, but hasn’t finished one in a while. Shaw was also very very proud of his boy for doing such a great job.

A little while later, young SAM (Leo’s grandson) came in with a big beaglish smile on his handsome face.

Unfortunately, the other 4 beagles did not manage to complete the line (but all came back us without any problems, or anyone getting lost). So, even though they did not place, a big congratulations to: POPPADOM, ROTI, OSCAR and the rose among the thorns, young MAYA. Even though they didn’t finish, we are very proud of all of them… And JESSE too!

We have had over 100 beagles come through this season, so, being in the Top Ten is a real honour!

After the challenge, we feasted on a wonderful breakfast provided by Jane – who has done a great job at organising the events this season.

--- See Pippen's head in the cooler box? ---

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There were also some beagles at the hunt to cheer on the Top Ten/Nine. Thanks to these guys for joining us, and supporting the top ten/nine for the morning: Snoopy, Bella, Purdy, Pippen, Rebel, Ninja & Zena (cheering for their little brother Jet), Harry (cheering for his little bro, Oscar), Little Kitana (who is related to Roger) and Meisie.

the date of the Top Ten Challenge has been changed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The new date is SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER at 7:30am

Please note that this event is only for the top ten beagles who have accumulated the most points throughout this season! Other beagles are welcome to come and watch though… but will need to remain ON LEASHES while the ten working beagles do the trail.

If you do plan on coming to watch, please register HERE