Hove border collie wins award at dog show Crufts

A ten-year-old border collie from Hove delivered an ‘impressive routine’ to win at dog show Crufts.
Caroline Garrett with Fawkes (centre) and runners up Lucy Creek and Skiffle (left), from the West Midlands, and Pamela Sullivan and Mack (right), from West Yorkshire. Photograph: Sandy Young/ Flick.digital/ The Kennel ClubCaroline Garrett with Fawkes (centre) and runners up Lucy Creek and Skiffle (left), from the West Midlands, and Pamela Sullivan and Mack (right), from West Yorkshire. Photograph: Sandy Young/ Flick.digital/ The Kennel Club
Caroline Garrett with Fawkes (centre) and runners up Lucy Creek and Skiffle (left), from the West Midlands, and Pamela Sullivan and Mack (right), from West Yorkshire. Photograph: Sandy Young/ Flick.digital/ The Kennel Club

Fawkes, owned by Caroline Garrett and known as Wildsea Phoenix of Fire, topped the field in the Heelwork to Music final on Friday (March 6).

They beat nine other finalists with their routine set to music on what was the second day of the contest at the NEC in Birmingham.

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On Friday, Caroline said: “I’m absolutely delighted as Crufts has been a big goal of mine over the last months.

Heelwork to Music competition winners Caroline Garrett and border collie Fawkes. Photograph: Sandy Young/ Flick.digital/ The Kennel ClubHeelwork to Music competition winners Caroline Garrett and border collie Fawkes. Photograph: Sandy Young/ Flick.digital/ The Kennel Club
Heelwork to Music competition winners Caroline Garrett and border collie Fawkes. Photograph: Sandy Young/ Flick.digital/ The Kennel Club

“I’m so proud of how well Fawkes performed today.

“I’ve already given him two new toys and he’s going to be getting lots of treats this evening!”

Crufts, now in its 129th year, is organised by health and welfare organisation The Kennel Club and ran from last Thursday (March 5) to 
yesterday (Sunday, March 8).

Each year it hosts the finals of both heelwork to music and freestyle competitions.

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Show manager Vanessa McAlpine said: “Very well done to Fawkes and Caroline for an impressive routine in the main arena.

“Heelwork to music is a challenging activity that demands patience, skill and talent to perfect – it was wonderful to see so many wonderful dogs and their handlers at Crufts this year.”

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