LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Sunshine and a light breeze Saturday set a playful mood for the first of two days of competition at the ESPN Sporting Dog Challenge at Little Rock's Murray Park. More than 1,200 fans attended the qualifier for the ESPN Great Outdoor Games, to be held July 11-14 at Lake Placid, N.Y.

"Friendly dogs, families and fans came to cheer on the sporting dogs and handlers. Murray Park is a perfect natural setting for this event, and the enthusiasm of the spectators adds to its success," said Cadence Harkins, ESPN manager of sports and competition.

Secret, a red border collie from La Porte, Colo., and handler Stacy Peardot-Goudy were the only team to run a perfect score in the final round of the large agility competition, securing first place and an invitation to the Great Outdoor Games.

Rhonda Carter and Scout of Houston, Texas and Darrell Bommarito and Raina of Sterling Heights, Mich., took second and third place, respectively.

In the small agility final, 16-year old Kate Moureaux of Woodland Hills, Calif., ran her Shetland sheepdog Heisey with no course faults in the final round to win the competition.

"I wanted to do the best we could ... we were aggressive, but I was very careful not to take too many chances," said Moureaux, who also placed eighth with dog Quick in the large agility competition.

Second place in the small agility contest went to Christine Frank and Kimie of Chesterfield Township, Mich. Michelle Beardsley and Willow of Arlington, Va., took third.

Sunday's final day of competition features the retriever trials final and the big air final.

The ESPN Sporting Dog Challenge features competitions in fishing, target sports, timber events and sporting dogs. For more information, please visit www.greatoutdoorgames.com.