Four agility stars crowned winners at Crufts

Four agility dogs were crowned winners in the Royal Kennel Club Novice Cup final on Thursday 5 March in their respective categories, for small, medium, intermediate and large dogs, sponsored by Antinol.

• Hippy, (Breezyblue Do Da Hippy Shake), a Crossbreed, and owner Chris Kerton from Bridgend won the Royal Kennel Club Novice Cup for small dogs.
• Indie (Ultraviolet Flair), a three-year-old Crossbreed, and owner Kiera Henley from Shrewsbury won the Royal Kennel Club Novice Cup for medium dogs.
• Winnie (Foxlightning Winstar), a five-year-old Working Sheepdog and owner Steph Simpson from North Shields won the Royal Kennel Club Novice Cup for intermediate dogs.
• Salem (Braunsden's Fantouche AW(G)), a four-year-old Retriever (Labrador), and owner Amy Keirl from Newcastle-upon-Tyne won the Royal Kennel Club Novice Cup for large dogs

The top eight small, medium, intermediate, and large dogs from the semi-final round of the Novice 
Cup, held at the London International Horse Show in December 2025, took part in the finals on 
Thursday at Crufts.

Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club: “Congratulations to all
the winning dogs and their handlers for their fantastic performances in the Crufts arena. Everyone who reached the final of the Crufts Novice Cup should feel immensely proud of the  dedication and training that brought them to this stage, and we wish them continued success in 
their future competitions.”

Emma Leeke, UK Commercial Manager at Antinol said: “Congratulations to all the owners and their dogs on their fantastic win in the Royal Kennel Club Novice Cup at Crufts.

Antinol is proud to support the agility community and champion canine athletes with our advanced joint and mobility support, helping them stay active, comfortable and ready to perform at their very best in the arena.”

Crufts took place from 5 - 8 March 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results 
from the show, visit crufts.org.uk