Young Agility star from Dartford crowned winner at Crufts

Island, a Border Collie, and Amy Challis, aged 17 from Dartford, Kent have won the Young Kennel Club Agility Dog of the Year at Crufts on Thursday 7th March.

The competition, which was open to Young Kennel Club (YKC) members aged from 6 to 17 and their dogs, saw top young agility handlers compete for the coveted title of YKC Agility Dog of the Year before Amy and Island took first place in the Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.

Proud owner Amy said: “The atmosphere is so good when you’re out in the arena. I was concentrating on what I was doing and trying to push the speed. It’s so hard to come off and watch the others go while you wait, especially if they are putting in a good, clear run.

“It’s so nice to be a part of it and have everyone there supporting you. I can’t really explain the feeling.”        

To reach the Crufts final, YKC members competed in their categories for under and over 12s, and for small, medium and large dogs, looking to complete an agility course in the fastest time in a YKC qualifying class.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Huge congratulations to Island and Amy for winning YKC Agility Dog of the Year. This is such a fantastic achievement and their performance in the ring will no doubt inspire future young dog handlers in the UK. We look forward to seeing more of them at Crufts for 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 emailing our YKC team or by visiting www.ykc.org.uk.

Crufts takes place from 7th - 10th March 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, please visit www.crufts.org.uk.

For free downloadable images from Crufts 2019, please go to www.ppauk.com.