Third time lucky for Crufts winner

It was third time lucky for this three-year-old Pekingese who was crowned Best in Show at the Crufts centenary show yesterday (Sunday 9 March).

Best in Show judge Albert White chose the Pekingese — kennel name Yakee A Dangerous Liaison — but known at home as “Danny” from more than 120,000 dogs for this prestigious award which holds international acclaim.

Danny, who was the best group winner in the Toy category, also reached the final seven at Crufts in 2001 and 2002.

Joint owners Albert Easdon, who handled Danny, and Philip Martin, from Glasgow, have bred Pekingese for 30 years taking Crufts Reserve Best in Show twice.

“I’m delighted,” said a shell-shocked Bert moments after winning. “I was quite tense before but in the ring I felt happier because I knew Danny was behaving so well and that make me feel better.

“I couldn’t believe it when the judge picked us out first. Danny is extra special because he’s got a wonderful show temperament, a great disposition, is a beautiful mover and comes up to the breed standard.

“It’s been a lifetime’s ambition to win and that’s come true tonight.”

Danny has won nine Best in Show prizes, excluding Crufts, since he began his show career at the age of three-months. He will be bowing out at the very top of his career and will now retire from competition.

The Reserve Best in Show went to Mr R Ramsay’s Torums Tonde Bayou, a four-year-old Kerry Blue Terrier from Birkenhead, who won the Terrier group on Saturday night.

Group winners

• Utility group: Penling By Design At Namkia (Standard Poodle)
• Hound group: Mistweave Making Waves (Greyhound)
• Working group: And I’m Great To Be Back (Newfoundland)
• Pastoral group: Hamble Huckleberry (Bearded Collie)
• Gundoggroup: Inkwells Named Shadow (Flatcoat Retriever)