The winners have been announced for three consecutive Heelwork to Music competitions at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts.
Lucy Heath, from the UK, achieved first place in the Heelwork to Music Freestyle competition. Lucy and her 11-year-old crossbred (Trip Hazard), Trip, won the competition on Friday 6 March.
Anastasiia Beaumont, from France, took first place in the Heelwork to Music International Freestyle competition. Anastasiia and her 7-year-old Border Collie, Salsa (Pure Treasure Borders Harbour), won the competition on Saturday 7 March.
Michelle Dodson, from the UK, has achieved first place in the Heelwork to Music competition. Michelle and her 6-year-old Border Collie called Mia (Kinaway Heart on Fire (A.I)),won the competition on Sunday 8 March.
Each year Crufts hosts the finals of both Heelwork to Music and Freestyle competitions. All advanced level dogs and handlers can qualify for Crufts by entering one or more of a series of qualifying events held throughout the year.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club said: “Congratulations to Lucy, Michelle and Anastasiia for their fantastic performances in the Crufts arena. Heelwork to Music is a demanding discipline requiring patience, precision and dedication, and they demonstrated all of these qualities beautifully. Their routines were an inspiring example of what can be achieved through skill, creativity and the close bond between dog and handler.”
For more information on heelwork to music, please visit https://www.royalkennelclub.com/activities/other-activities/heelwork-to-music/.
Crufts took place from 5 - 8 March 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.