Newark woman and her border collie win heelwork to music freestyle final at Crufts in Birmingham

A Newark woman and her border collie have taken top prize in their category at the famous Crufts dog show for a third year in a row.

Nicci Hindson and six-year old Elsa won the heelwork to music freestyle final at the event in Birmingham yesterday (March 9).

Crufts hosts the finals of both heelwork to music and the freestyle competitions.

The participants devised routines of up to four minutes, set to music, and performed them with their dog in the Resorts World Arena at the NEC.

Nicci said: “It's amazing! It is Elsa’s third year in a row that she's won it and honestly, I do not deserve that dog!

"She is just a dog in a million, and she just gives and gives and gives. She's just an incredible dog!

“There is nothing like Crufts because it feels like a performance as well as a competition, with all the lights and the announcements, and especially under the spotlight it is just insane. It’s just surreal.”

All advanced level dogs and handlers can qualify for Crufts by entering one or more of a series of qualifying events held throughout the previous year.

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts show manager, said: “Congratulations to Nicci and Elsa for their impressive performance.

"Heelwork to music is a challenging activity that demands a lot of time and dedication, and the pair perfectly demonstrated the patience and skill needed from both the dog and the handler, as well as being a great example of what can be achieved.

“Nicci and Elsa are an inspiration for any dog owners out there who are interested in taking part in this fun and rewarding activity.”