Crufts: Tranent girl, 9, retains first place title with dog Luna

Rachel Devlin and her 10-year-old Border Collie Luna competed in the Young Kennel Club intermediate agility pairs category for aged six to 11.

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Paired with Grace Dall, 9, from Fife, and her dog Bow, the pair ran out winners on the day.

Rachel, who has been training with Luna for about two and a half years, competed in the event last year, also taking home first place.

Her mum Lisa, who serves as show secretary for East Lothian Dog Training Club, where Rachel trains with Luna, said she was proud of her daughter’s achievement.

She said: “She did brilliantly well. It was quite emotional seeing her win. She works hard, training every week and has formed a real special bond with Luna over the time they’ve worked together.”

Rachel and Lunca (pictured at a show at Larnark Racecourse last year) have been performing together for two and a half years

Lisa, who has been competing at dog shows for about 35 years, said her daughter began working with childhood pet Luna during the pandemic and formed a “special bond” with her.

She said: “I had taken Luna to a few shows so she was already well trained. Rachel got involved during Covid and we quickly saw that she had a special bond with Luna.

“It’s not easy competing and it takes a lot of work. She’s done so well with her and there’s a real special bond between them.

“I know a lot of the competitors can get a bit nervous before a show and I think Rachel did too but once she started she was brilliant.”

Rachel, a Primary 5 pupil at Windygoul Primary School, will continue to perform with Luna at events and shows across the country this year with the hope of returning to Crufts to defend her title next year.

Lisa said: “She works really hard. Her and Grace did fantastic to win the event and I know Rachel is eager to compete again.”