17-year-old junior handler Megan Slack with a Japanense Shiba Inu called Delphine (Vormund Camp Crystal Lake) has won the Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling final at Crufts 2026. The British pair were awarded first place on Friday evening, in the bp pulse LIVE arena, by judge Adrian Hili, from Malta. This is the first time UK has won this competition since 1995 when Tamara Dawson won for the UK.
Runner-up was chosen as 16-year-old Maria Flores Ribeiro, from Portugal, handling a Hungarian Vizsla called River (Oroshaza Iren at Cazadorado), and third place was Nowd Vaazen, representing Belgium, also handling a Hungarian Vizsla called Bebe (Ir Sh Ch Oroshaza Be Be at Cazadorado JW).
Other countries which made the top ten included Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and Slovenia.
36 junior handlers from around the world and aged between 11 and 19 years old took part in the prestigious final, which showcased their handling skills and breed expertise with a dog they only met that morning.
Megan is 17 and lives in the United Kingdom, where she handles and shows several different breeds. She began showing dogs at the age of eight after attending a ringcraft class with her family’s Golden Retriever, where she quickly caught the bug for dog showing. At home she has a Brittany, Portuguese Water Dog, German Spitz (Klein) and a Golden Retriever, and she also co-owns several others including an English Springer Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dogs and a Standard Poodle.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club, said: “It was a truly impressive final, showcasing not only the skill and professionalism of these talented young handlers but also their deep love of dogs. Congratulations to all the competitors who reached this stage, with special celebrations for Megan on securing the top spot. We would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the dog lenders who generously allowed the handlers to partner with their dogs on the green carpet.”