Cambridgeshire agility stars qualify for Crufts at London's biggest dog event

Becci Hodson from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, and her dog, Heikym Rumba at Beninja (Jaffa), a seven-year-old Kromfohrländer, won the Medium Novice Anything But Collie (ABC) Semi-Final at Discover Dogs, and have qualified for the finals at Crufts 2023, the world’s greatest dog show, run by The Kennel Club.

The Medium Novice ABC semi-finals saw 16 dogs and their handlers compete having earned enough qualifying points during heats taking place at agility competitions throughout the year.

Excited owner Becci said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won the Medium Novice ABC and qualify for Crufts. Kromfohrländer are a very rare breed in the UK, and I'm delighted to show how amazing they can be!
“I'm incredibly proud of my tiny dog with a huge heart, who always gives me all she has whenever we run together. We had so much fun. Jaffa is my little piece of perfection, and I adore her.

“A big thanks to Natalie Webb for great courses, and The Kennel Club for a well organised event. Roll on March!”

Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at The Kennel Club said: “The Medium Novice ABC competition always brings a level of excitement due to the possibility of gaining qualification for Crufts!

“Congratulations to Becci and Jaffa for their impressive performance - we look forward to seeing them compete at Crufts in March!”

The Discover Dogs semi-final consisted of two rounds, a jumping round and an agility round. The top eight competing dogs which earned the highest combined score across both rounds have qualified for the finals taking place at Crufts in March.

1st – Becci Hodson with Heikym Rumba at Beninja (Jaffa)
2nd – Rosie Cavill with Bobe of the Sportyheroes (Boo)
3rd – Adele Moran with Devongem tiz wizardry (Wizard)
4th – Russell Mason with Wesley Persian pride (Wes)
5th – Nigel Staines with Morgans golden eagle (AW) D (Zico)
6th – Lauren Langman with Basilea American Classic At Devongem (Classic)
7th – Colette Attewell with Sirenson smooth criminal (Jacko)
8th – Sue Midgley with Licosateria Tangerina (Zephyra)

Discover Dogs, run by The Kennel Club, took place on 15 and 16 October at ExCeL London.

For further information visit the Discover Dogs website. Find out more about getting started in dog agility and results from the show.