Izzy is Grand Champion in Cremona
2010-11-19

Izzy Whittaker, selected to represent the UK, was made Grand Champion of the All-European Young Breeder Championships.

Izzy Whittaker
photo © www.veeteelt.nl

The event was hosted in Cremona, Italy and Izzy from the Knowlesmere herd, Shropshire, was selected to compete in the Senior section along with Junior competitor, Lucy Jones of Sahara Holsteins, Monmouthshire.

The competition took Junior and Senior participants from 17 other European countries, most of whom had been selected as they were national champions in their respective native countries.

The competition was a combination of clipping and showmanship and our girls fought relentlessly for their country and the ultimate title.

Lucy first enjoyed great success winning the Showmanship section, but the elation was heightened even further when Izzy, after her success in the clipping and showmanship categories, was made overall winner of the senior competition.

However, nerves soon soared when Izzy went head to head with the overall junior winner, Marco Quaini from Italy, in a battle for the Grand Champion title. After much deliberation Izzy was crowned Grand All-European Young Breeder Champion with Marco taking the Reserve position.

Both girls were selected to represent the UK as they won at the All-Britain Calf Show in 2009. They were given two days intensive training with their calves prior to the competition day, where they had sole responsibility and were in charge of washing, feeding, watering and leading their animals.

Izzy, who works in the marketing department for leading AI company, Cogent Breeding, said, ‘I just feel so lucky to have been given the chance to compete and I still can’t quite believe what has happened. The show was incredible, the atmosphere was electric and it is a memory I will treasure for a very, very long time to come.’

Spectators from all over the world, including home supporters flocked to see the girls in action in a packed out arena and it was an emotional time for all as the national anthem was played and Izzy was crowned Grand Champion.

Both girls represented their country well, both picking up titles and putting the UK firmly on the global map.

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