Isle of Man agility star crowned winner at Crufts

Ella, a six-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and owner, Janine Coleman from the Isle of Man, won The Kennel Club Intermediate Novice ABC (Anything But Collies) Agility competition, after battling it out against seven other finalists at Crufts, the world's greatest dog show, on Friday 8 March.

The final, which was sponsored by YuMOVE, saw eight intermediate dogs (those who compete in Grades 1-5 of agility), other than Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs, taking part, having all qualified from the semi-finals at The London International Horse Show in December 2023.

Proud owner Janine said of their win: "It is a dream come true; I've never even been to Crufts before now! I have loved every minute of it and I'm so happy with Ella!

"It has taken me so long to move on from Grade 2 but since then it has been bish, bosh, bang!"

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: "Well done to Ella and Janine for their impressive run in the Intermediate Novice ABC final at Crufts. The pair should be very proud of their dedication and training to reach this point and their close bond was clear to everyone watching."

Fiona Hope, CEO of YuMOVE which sponsored the event, commented: "Congratulations to Janine and Ella on their fantastic win in The Kennel Club Intermediate Novice ABC at Crufts!  

"YuMOVE has been an agility sponsor of Crufts for many years, and we're proud to support canine athletes with our wide range of products so they can keep doing what they do best in the arena." 

Crufts takes place from 7 -10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.