Alan Bray, World Agility Champion, on Preparing for the Christmas Agility Stakes at ExCeL London

Alan Bray and Ticita, his Working Cocker Spaniel, were crowned World Champions at the FCI Senior Open Agility World Championships in summer 2025. With 35 years experience competing at the very highest agility level with many different breeds and heights he has won every domestic honour several times over including Crufts and Olympia and made 5 agility champions on competition journey.  

With the Christmas Agility Stakes at ExCeL London in a few days time Alan has taken time out of his busy schedule to share his update on-

How we train, travel, and keep the dogs (and ourselves!) ready for the big ExCel arena.

Alan and Amy Lou with Ticita, Ticket, Shay, Tia Maria and Aqua.

On Thursday 18th December, we have Ticita, run by me, and Ticket, run by Stacey Irwin, in the Mixi Pairs at 15:25. We also need to be there extra early as Shay is first reserve for the Medium KC Stakes, run by Stacey Irwin at 12:10.

On Friday 19th December, Tia Maria, run by me, is competing in the Small Novice Cup at 08:10, together with Aqua, our medium girl, in the Medium Novice Cup, handled by Amy Lou.

Then on Sunday 21st December, Ticket, run by me, is in the Large KC Stakes at 07:55, so, a very busy week. My daughter Selena is also in the Mixi Pairs so we can catch up before Christmas and I can give her the boys presents!

Training for a Very Different Arena

Training for this event is a bit different to our usual routine. For a start, the contact areas vary by agility equipment supplier so we make sure to train specifically on those in use. The measurements and the feel are bespoke to each supplier, and the dogs notice those things straight away.

We also work on bigger distances because almost anything goes in that huge arena. There’s no point in tight, technical training when the dogs need to be able to sight further and stretch out, so we set up big, spread-out courses. Of course, this is the opposite of what we need for the Team GB try-outs coming up next, so once this event is over, we’ll switch back to shorter distances and tighter lines again.

Routine, Noise and New Experiences

I’ve got no idea how Tia Maria or Aqua will react to such a different venue — the noise, the crowds, the atmosphere — so we treat it as normally as possible. Same routine: feeding, walking, warming up, and bringing them in when it’s time to work. Keeping everything familiar helps them settle.

Timing Is Everything

We always give ourselves plenty of time. No one waits for you, and everything runs to the minute. At the end of the day, we’re part of the entertainment for the paying public, so the schedule is strict and you’ve got to be ready.

Surviving the Docklands Drive

Driving into London Docklands is always an adventure — busy, confusing roads, endless turnings, and trying to find the right car park. We leave extra early because I’d much rather sit in the car with time to spare than panic about being late.

And once you’re inside, progress is slow anyway! The public love to chat about their dogs, and kids often ask for photos with the dogs, so getting from A to B isn’t the quickest process.

Keeping the Dogs in Top Condition

Before any big event, the dogs have their muscle and tissue treatments from our wonderful Sue Julian — who is basically a witch and works absolute magic. It’s no surprise they get a bit of stiffness from all the activity (although with the spaniels, most of it comes from launching themselves on and off the kitchen worktops…).

We keep their feeding routine the same, using Fur Baby Nutrition Adult Legacy 50/50 Grain Free Sensitive Turkey, which keeps all of them at a perfect weight and gives them the energy they need. We never have to adjust amounts whether they’re competing or resting.

They also stay on their Ace Canine supplements:

• FlexSprinkle Green Lipped Mussel for joints and mobility
• Epimmune Superbiotic for digestion                                                                       
• Trimega EPA/DHA Omega 3 Salmon for coat and wellbeing
• Plus, Ticita gets half a Settlers tablet and Shay gets one a day to help with anxiety — works brilliantly without affecting performance.

Keeping Myself in One Piece

As for me, I try to keep fit by going to the gym (not as often as I should — thanks, teaching schedule!) and doing 30m sprints in our indoor arena. And I take my

 Canine I-Flex for joint and muscle mobility, which definitely helps.

The Home Team

Louise always arranges with her mum, Anne, and brother, Andrew, to look after the rest of the dogs while we’re at ExCeL. These days can be long, and we’d have to take all ten dogs if they couldn’t help — so we’re incredibly lucky to have them.

The ExCeL Routine

Once we’re there, the tradition begins: Louise, Amy Lou, Stacey and Selena disappear into the shopping village, and I head straight to the bar before doing the rounds of walking and toileting the dogs. With any luck, the weather will behave so I don’t end up soaked before retreating to the car for a quick snooze!

Ready to Compete

Then it’s fingers crossed and making sure we’ve packed absolutely everything the dogs might need — because once you’re inside, getting back to the car isn’t easy!

🎄 From Team Ace Canine — Good Luck & Best Wishes!

On behalf of Ace Canine, we want to wish Alan — and all of Team Bray — the very best of luck at this year’s event! We hope all your dogs run well, stay happy and healthy, and that you enjoy every minute from training to the final contact. Bring home those ribbons and give all the pups a huge pat from us.

If you can’t make it to ExCeL in person — don’t worry! The event’s linked to the London International Horse Show, and many of the agility classes and arena action are available live or on-demand via online streaming platforms such as ClipMyHorse.TV and FEI.TV. CMH.TV+2The Kennel Club+2

Here’s hoping for clear courses, calm dogs, and a brilliant show all round. GO TEAM! 🐾