Fourth place at Crufts for Darcie and Domino

A 10-year-old girl from Milnrow and her best friend Domino are celebrating after landing fourth place in their first-ever Crufts Dog Show.

Darcie Fleming and whippet Kentwone Darkest Star – known as Domino at home – impressed judges in the Young Kennel Club handling class on Saturday (11 March) and came away with a fourth place rosette.

Of the 13 children aged six-11 in the class, Darcie was shortlisted into the top 8 and then pulled in fourth after showing Domino on a table and performing a piece of pattern work.

Darcie’s mum, Lucy Abbott, said: “To come out with fourth place on the day at the biggest dog show in the world was very special.

“Her dad and I were so nervous watching her at the side of the ring, but Darcie held it together like she’d been there before.

“Domino looked like she was enjoying her time as much as Darcie and nothing fazed her.

“I don’t think Darcie could believe it when she was placed; Domino got the biggest cuddles as she was stood in the line-up waiting to receive her rosette. When she came out of the ring, she was speechless but had the biggest grin on her face.

“The hard work and dedication that Darcie has put into Domino was evident to see on Saturday. The bond they have is very special and Domino certainly is the dog of a lifetime for Darcie.”

 

 

Lucy added: “When Darcie woke up Sunday, she asked, ‘did we actually go to Crufts or did I dream that I came fourth with Domino?’

“As a family, we are absolutely over the moon with the result that Darcie and Domino have achieved - and Darcie is as keen as ever to get back in the ring at more shows with hopes that she can qualify again for Crufts 2024.”

Darcie and her family have been attending Crufts as spectators since she was six years old, after asking to visit when watching on television.

Each year, she would tell her parents that she wanted to be there one day with her own dog.

In order to qualify, the duo began competing in the Young Kennel Club handling classes at shows across the UK in January 2022, and also attended two training days.