A RINGWOOD resident and her dog has qualified for the final at Crufts which will take place in March 2024. 

Stephanie Best, 32 and her dog, Z-Atomic Spice Koryfei (Skedaddle) a Shetland Sheepdog, won the Crufts Medium ABC (Anything But Collie) Semi-Final.

The pair will be heading to Crufts after being crowned in the competition which was hosted by the Kennel Club and sponsored by Agria at the London International Horse Show at ExCeL, London on Thursday, December 14. 

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Stephanie said: “I’m extremely delighted and proud of  Skedaddle and his achievement and performance at this event. Skedaddle has had a great competition season this year.”

The judges this year were Paul Hinchley and assistant judge, Leslie Osborne. 

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Head of events at The Kennel Club, Catherine Guiver, said: “This is the first time we have held the Crufts Semi-Finals at The London International Horse Show and the excitement was incredibly high. Well done to all competing dogs and their owners for showing great skill in the arena.

“Congratulations to Stephanie and Skedaddle for their impressive performance – we look forward to seeing the pair compete in the final at Crufts in March.”

The Kennel Club is the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training. Its objective is to ensure that dogs live healthy, happy lives with responsible owners. It licenses shows and clubs across a wide range of activities, which help dog owners to bond and enjoy life with their dogs.