UPTON Noble schoolgirl Amelia Tatum triumphed at Crufts recently in the Young Kennel Club 6-11 Gundog Finals, as well as the 6-14 Gamekeepers Best Young Handler. Amelia was paired with Renata, a Weimaraner, in the former class, while she used Sienna, a Bracco Italiano, for the gamekeepers’ final. Additionally, Amelia formed a part of the victorious Gamekeepers Working Gundog team, beating 14 teams from all over the country to secure first prize.

During the finals the judges are looking for excellent presentation of the dog, straight lines and tight corners. The handler should have an excellent rapport with their dog, while in the Gamekeepers’ class they also should be as a team. Amelia was required to ‘stack’ her dog, presenting it to the judge to its best advantage. She was also required to run her dog in a triangle, up and down and around the ring. She had to show the dog’s teeth properly, and ensure that she never came between the dog and the judge. This means that when Amelia was running the dog, she had to constantly be aware of the judge’s location, ensuring that she didn’t break this golden rule.

“The best part of the display was watching them run around the ring in unison — it was wonderful,” said Claire Tatum, Amelia’s mother. “I thought that she had a very good chance of being placed in the YKC, and we were hoping she would do well. She wasn’t too nervous — in fact, she has less nerves than me.”

Amelia is now the proud owner of a trophy, awarded in the Gamekeepers 6-14. It occupies pride of place in her bedroom.

As she is only 10, Amelia was too young to celebrate with champagne, but she had a friend to stay to mark her amazing Crufts achievements. 

“One of her friends who also does handling but lives in the Peak District came back with us on the Friday, so she had a great weekend, but what gave her the greatest pleasure was taking the trophy in to Upton Noble School on the following Tuesday to show everyone,” added Claire.

Amelia’s next challenge will be to qualify for next year’s Crufts. In order to book her ticket she must win a YKC class.