A young dog handler from a village near Oswestry, Shropshire, has proved he is top dog after winning at Crufts for the second year running. Twelve-year-old Michael Broadbent, from Llangedwyn, won the Best Young Handler under 14-years-old in the gamekeepers’ and working gundog classes run at Crufts 2010 by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
Gamekeeper’s son Michael won the Mustwork trophy with his cocker spaniel Spike.
He also won the trophy last year and came second and third in the class in 2008 and 2007. This year, he also came fifth in BASC’s any variety spaniel dog class.
The Broadbent family has attended Crufts for the past four years. Mum Tracy said it was a real family affair, with Michael’s sister Natalie, 18, also competing this year. She came fourth in the any variety spaniel bitch class with her dad’s dog Millie and the family also entered two other dogs.
Mrs Broadbent said: “Michael goes beating and picking up. He likes shooting. I’m really pleased for him; he was up against some strong competition there. Mikey has had a really good day. It’s a real family event, one we look forward to. It’s a good way of meeting BASC members and gamekeepers and of showing our gundogs.”
Sponsored by Chudleys dog food, BASC hosted and ran the gamekeepers’ and working gundog classes at Crufts’ gundog day yesterday (14th March) at the NEC in Birmingham.
Tom Blades, BASC’s head of game and gamekeeping, said: "The gamekeeping classes at Crufts are where the public can see true working dogs. Each has just finished a shooting season and is in its prime. Crufts is an international stage and it’s fantastic to see young people like Michael come through to show their abilities with dogs."
ENDS