A Didcot man and his dog, who were favourites to win one of the world's top agility contests, had to withdraw at the last minute when his border collie got a cough.
Simon Peachey and his agility dog Diesel
Simon Peachey, from Hamble Road, Didcot, was delighted when he and his dog For by For Turbo Diesel, won a place in the competition at the Olympia International Show Jumpingchampionship, in London.
But instead of taking part, the 37-year-old dog-lover could only watch from a ringside seat at the arena as another border collie, Magical Madge, took the trophy on Sunday, December 22.
Diesel -- as the family pet is known -- went down with highly contagious kennel cough last week, which meant he was withdrawn on vet's orders.
Mr Peachey, a carpenter, represented Great Britain with Diesel in the world championship in October.
He will now focus on preparing Diesel for Crufts at the NEC, Birmingham, in March, when he and his son Mark, 12, will take both part in agility events with their dog.
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