Crufts 2024: Penrith woman wins Best of Breed with Pointer

Jackie Radcliffe, who lives near Penrith, has been going to the world's biggest dog show for 25 years now, but is celebrating her first ever best of breed award with her beloved pointer Ava. 

The three-and-a-half-year-old pup, who also goes by the show name Show Champion Edge of Glory, came close last year but was crowned the winner at this year's event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. 

Ava standing tall after her best of breed win (Image: Supplied)

In an interview with the News & Star, Jackie said: "She took best of breed out of 224 pointers. It was a day to remember. She's a pet first and foremost but she's a joy to show. She's always happy and she didn't put a foot wrong. I've had many compliments and friend requests from people who have seen her at Crufts and thought she was lovely, so that's nice."

Other breeds will need a thorough grooming before Crufts but pointers just need a wash and they are ready to go, so after a bath and plenty of exercise, Ava did more than enough to impress the judge.

Ava at home in Cumbria with her pointer sibling (Image: Supplied)

Jackie added: "Nobody had a clue what the judge was going to do, so it was a total surprise to everyone. Ava was up against another pointer dog, who was a show champion, but the judge picked Ava and I was really pleased."

After a long day in Birmingham, Ava was suitably treated following her impressive win. 

Jackie said: "She was definitely spoiled. She'd only had small bits and treats while we were showing but she had sausages on the way back and then half a ham quiche at the hotel. She walloped it down, and was very tired the next day.

"But she never tired in the ring, I couldn't ask any more of her. She absolutely deserved the treats. She gives her everything and to get best of breed out of that many dogs is marvellous. I'll probably never do it again, because she's a once-in-a-lifetime dog."