Georgia Brown, aged sixteen from Greens Norton, Northamptonshire has won the Young Kennel Club Handler of the Year award at Crufts on Sunday 12th March with her seven year-old English Springer Spaniel, Toby.
The competition, which was open to Young Kennel Club (YKC) members from the ages of 6-24 years and their dogs, saw top young handlers compete for the sought after title of YKC Handler of the Year before Georgia and Toby took first place in the YKC ring.
Proud owner Georgia said: “I come to Crufts every single year and to be Young Handler of the Year means everything to me.
“Wow, just wow. I’m still trying to take it in – it’s all a bit crazy. Toby is amazing, bless him.
“I love coming here and this is the most special year yet. I’m so proud of Toby.”
To reach the Crufts final, YKC members competed in age appropriate categories: 6-11, 12-16 and 17-24 years. YKC handling qualifiers were held across the country throughout the year and the first place in each age group qualified for their respective finals at Crufts, with Georgia taking the ultimate title of YKC Handler of the Year.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Very well done to Georgia for winning YKC Handler of the Year. It is an excellent achievement for a young handler to win and we looking forward to seeing more of her at Crufts for many years to come.”
If you would like to find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join please contact the Young Kennel Club team by email or by visiting the YKC website.
Crufts took place from 9th-12th March 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, visit the Crufts website. The results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. View free downloadable images from Crufts 2017.