Wellingborough's Ashleigh wins another trophy at Crufts with late mum's dog

Wellingborough's Britain's Got Talent winning dog trainer Ashleigh Bulter and her late mum Penny's pet, Eliza, have been crowned winners at Crufts for agility.

The pair lifted the trophy in the Kennel Club Singles Agility (medium) class at world famous dog show Crufts on Friday (March 6).

Eliza, a bearded Collie cross and owner Ashleigh, 25, dazzled the judges beating nine other pairs to the top prize demonstrating jumping and agility skills.

Ashleigh said: "Every year the competition gets quicker and quicker, there’s new training techniques, handling techniques, so the build-up to Crufts was all about building her stamina and getting her in the best shape she possibly is.

“It’s such an honour to bring another dog and be competitive with her and Crufts is like no other show. I still get as nervous ahead of every single run and I still get that buzz from the crowd driving you on down to that last jump and finishing, so I just love Crufts.”

To compete at Crufts, the pair had qualified by gaining points at heats held at Kennel Club licenced shows across the UK.

Ashleigh also competed with her own dog Sully in the Singles Ability (small) class.

Eliza Doolots of Ashpen, Eliza for short, was guided around a course of jumps and obstacles including tunnels and a see-saw, competing against the clock.

Before the show Ashleigh had said on Instagram: “Crufts week and I think its going to be a very different one this year. I've been going and competing at Crufts since I was 4 years old and one thing has always remained the same, my mum was by my side.

"I think out of all the events and shows, Crufts will be the hardest not having her there.

"She was the best groom for me, making sure I had everything I needed, kept me calm, made sure I ate, helped me with course decisions, looked after my dogs, my mini photographer and we shared so so many great memories.

"From competing in numerous events and disciplines in the YKC ring and running around like headless chickens, to watching me and Sully achieve some of our biggest agility successes.

"I know she'll be with me at this years Crufts as well and I can't wait to compete with both Sully and for the first time Eliza, knowing how proud she would be."

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to all of the winners for what were exceptional performances and proved how hard each pair had worked.

“The Singles Agility finals are a wonderful competition and even qualifying is an amazing achievement so well done to every dog and their handler for competing.”

Ashleigh shot to fame for her dog training skills after winning Britain's Got Talent in 2012 with her dog Pudsey.

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk.