Pictures to either side are of Speakman's GR CH Holsten and Pup enjoying training. Father and son, Holsten aged 13 years, Pup aged 3 years. Photos taken January 2005.

On September 25 th, 2005; Sheffield, England played host to the first U.K. National Championship sanctioned by the APA. The event was hosted by Steve and Elle Owen of Sheffield. A total of 15 dogs took part in the countries first national weight pulling championship.

Pup (Chris Speakman) pulled 1,200lbs to win the 50lb weight class over Boomer (Alan Gentry), Boomer successfully pulled 850lbs to place 2nd. Pup finished his first season of weight pulling with a perfect 5-0 record, while competing in the 40lb and 50lb weight classes. He also won the most weight pulled percentage (MWPP) at each of the events he entered. Pup became the first dog in England to win an APA Stat Title, by accumulating 101.5 pts during the season. He is currently ranked 1st in the United Kingdom and 8th in the U.S. National Rankings on wheels.

A big congratulations goes all those who competed in the U.K.'s first weight pull national and to all those who competed in there first season of pulling. Good Luck to everyone in 2006.