Darcie and Domino set sights on Crufts 2023

Darcie and Domino with their certificates and rosettes from the show

A nine-year-old girl from Milnrow and her beloved whippet are aiming to compete at Crufts next year after winning two first place prizes at the Royal Cheshire County show.

Darcie Fleming took part in the Kennel Club affiliated show on 22 June with her 18-month-old whippet Kentwone Darkest Star – known as Domino at home.

The duo took first place in the Junior Handling Class, which involved presenting Domino in the correct stand for the breed and then complete a piece of pattern work by leading her around to show her off.

They then went through to the Best Junior Hander of the Show, which they also won, competing against juniors aged 6-17 years old, and also placed second in the open whippet breed class.

Darcie, who received Domino on her eighth birthday, started showing this year in January and had never stepped foot in a show ring before then. She has competed in six Kennel Club affiliated shows this year so far with Domino up and down the country and is aiming to qualify for junior handling at Crufts.

To qualify, Darcie and Domino must accumulate points over the year by competing at the shows and placing first, second or third. When they reach 30 points, they will qualify to compete at the prestigious dog show.

Darcie’s mum, Lucy Abbott, said: “Domino has been her best friend since the day we got her. She puts endless hours into training her and takes her to shows at every opportunity up and down the country. 

“Darcie’s dream is to compete at Crufts 2023 with Domino and she is already on her way to getting there as she continues to build up points from the variety of shows she competes at. She is trying her little heart out to build up these points. 

“Domino and Darcie are a fantastic pair and Darcie is always looking to involve Domino in anything she can including charity walks and fun dog events.”