Omega racing

How did you get involved in the sport?

On holiday in Aviemore during the summer we saw a flyer for the Aviemore race, on return to work Charlie found out that Rob Hyden had been racing for years and he invited us to the Head down race and introduced us to a number of people who were there.

What dogs do you own?

We are now down to 4, having sadly lost Omi to old age last year. Peter Carroll, had some of the best dogs in the country bred all our girls. Jennie now 12, and Yohola, 8, (Jennie’s pup) came first. Willow, 8, arrived a few weeks later, when Jo fell in love with this little ball of fluff. Last but not least Russia, 6, arrived at the end of 97 to complete the team.

Who has influenced you in the sport?

As we said Pete bred all our dogs and supplies us with all our equipment, he certainly helped at the beginning and keeps in contact on a regular basis to hear how we are getting on. He has his faults but don’t we all. He knows a good dog when he sees one and there are many good dogs out there with the Wyphurst prefix.

What do enjoy about going to the races?

Over the years we have made many friends and enjoy meeting up with them during the winter to catch up with what has been going on. There are many characters in the sport and having a laugh is always good. On the competition side we are both competitive, Charlie more so than Jo, so once on the start line the racing becomes the priority.

What have been your greatest achievements in the sport?

Firstly, we have been blessed with the best little girls ever born. Next we have had two back-to-back wins at Aviemore, Charlie in ’99 and Jo in ’00 in the 3-dog class then again in ’03 and ’04 in the 2- dog class. The two years in-between we placed 2^nd beaten by Keith in ’01 and then by Lynn in ’02.

Who is your best dog?

We have had long discussions about this as to who should be the top dog as they all have there own special input to the team. When Omi was about he was the top dog and the girls never ever tried it on with him. As for the girls well Jennie is easy going and dare we say it fantastic off the lead (WHAT huskies cant be let off the lead!!!.) Russia has always been full of energy, which sometimes gets her into trouble. Those at the UKSC race on Saturday may have seen her clearing a path for me in the cani-cross. Willow is top dog in the pack but is so easy going. When she still ran, she ran like the wind and drew many an eye and is Jo’s favourite girl. Now Yohola just oozes power, passion, attitude and ability. She has always been right on the money at the races and never lets up till the race is over. She knows when it is race time and when to perform and is one of those born leaders. (Can you tell who Charlie’s favourite is?)

What training do you do (dogs & Human)?

We start mid to end of September with short runs building up as the season progresses up to 10miles at the end of March when we have finished racing. For us, Mountain biking and walking during the summer. Charlie has the luxury of a fully kitted gym at work. For running the dogs Jo is very small and light so it is Charlie who has to lose the pounds. This winter when the snow has been around we have gone falling about on cross-country skis.

What are your views on racing abroad?

For us it was never a priority it wasn’t available when we started anyhow. For those who have the right dogs, and can afford it, good luck to you. Teams need to go over there and show them what we can do. We have some very good teams going over and already showing what talent we have in this country.

How do you see the sport developing in this country?

Well now! We think it is going to take a good fow years for anything to really change. We now have two organisation allowing the cross breads to race which is a forward step. But so far there have only been a few teams running at each event. Most people get into the sport because of Sibes, Mals or Sammies because of their presence. That is not going to change. The Aviemore rally is still the biggest and best in the UK and the one everyone wants to win. It draws a lot of media attention and is run by a breed club not a racing club.

So how do they attract the entries? 

Due to all the splinter organisations and one thinking that they are better than another, the sport will not move forward to become what should be, a fantastic sport.  There is no governing body recognised by all in the UK to sort the selection process for things like world or European championships. The way it is done now is very hit and miss. We need to look at other sports to see how they do it other wise it will stay just the same. Don’t get us wrong, what we do in this country racing wise we are very good at, and most teams that have gone abroad, have proved this. But it can and needs to be made better and far more appealing to potential sponsors. What happens if it gets to be an Olympic sport? That’s another can of worms. 

What are your plans for the future?

For next season we shall have to see how things go, Russia has just undergone major surgery for a blockage so its possible she wont find running that comfortable next year. But if she’s ok then we will do a few select races the ones we enjoy for their atmosphere. We also plan to take lots of Holidays Mountain biking in the States and Canada. Jo has to finish her nursing course and find a job. As the dogs get older we plan to give them a well-earned retirement with their holidays being with Matt and Helen who so kindly look after them when we go away. Usually, on our return, the girls don’t want to leave. Oh and we don’t plan to get any more dogs it wouldn’t be fair having had the best girls in the world to live and race with. Any others just wouldn’t be able to live up to the standard already set by these girls.

Charlie & Jo Brecknell