Young Agility Star Crowned Winner At Crufts 2016

Barney a crossbreed from Weston-Super-Mare and his 13 year-old owner, Alicia from North Somerset took a top prize at Crufts on Thursday March 10th, winning the medium category Kennel Club Novice Agility Cup.

Alicia Hancock, who is a Young Kennel Club member, and Barney claimed first place within the medium category after an exciting agility final at the world's greatest dog show, where she was up against agility competitors of all ages. The top ten large, eight medium and eight small dogs from the Novice Cup competition (Grades 3, 4 or 5) held at the KC International Agility Festival last August took part in the finals on Thursday at Crufts.

This was Alicia's first time at Crufts after she began training in agility at the age of 10. Barney, who is a four year-old German Spitz cross Japanese Spitz, is Alicia's first agility dog.

Proud owner Alicia said: "It was an amazing experience to qualify for Crufts and I am very happy that Barney and I managed to win the Novice cup.  I am so proud of him although he was tired he kept going and was the only medium dog to get a double clear."

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "The Novice Cup is a special event and just to qualify for a Crufts final is a wonderful achievement.

"Barney and Alicia's performance at Crufts was brilliant and they worked very well as a team, which is crucial when competing in agility at Crufts. To have won the Novice Cup at such a young age is very impressive and we would like to congratulate both Alicia and Barney on their fantastic achievement."

Crufts took place from 10th - 13th March 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2016 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2016, please go to www.w-w-i.com/crufts_2016/.