Many Happy Returns to Hunter Hunter McDonald took Groomer of the Year title at this year’s Young Kennel Club (YKC) competition at Crufts and it was his second success – having won the coveted accolade previously in 2017.
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he 18 year-old from Contin, Ross-shire won YKC Groomer of the Year with 12 year-old Jock, a Border Terrier who is an old hand at Crufts - he last won the overall title for 12-17 year-olds in 2017 with Jock. Hunter commented: “I ended up on the table right in front of the judges so I was really nervous. I think the judge wasn’t sure I would be able to come in under the three hour time limit but I literally got there with seconds to spare. “It made the nine hour car trip worthwhile and I’m really happy. All I want is a good night’s sleep but when we get back to Scotland the celebrations will be immense. “Jock is a mischievous little character. We started training together when he was five and we haven’t really looked back since then. We do all the strip classes together but he’s owned by my uncle so I would just like to say a big thanks to him.” To reach the Crufts final, YKC members had to compete in their categories for under and over 12s, and over 18s for Groom Through and Clip/ 18 | Total Grooming Magazine
Hunter McDonald, winner of YKC GOTY, with Jock
Trim & Strip classes. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Many congratulations to Hunter for winning YKC Groomer of the Year – he showed outstanding talent and we wish him the best of luck for the future.”
For further information about Crufts visit www.crufts.org.uk. If you would like to find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join please contact the Young Kennel Club team by emailing ykc@thekennelclub.org.uk or visit www.ykc.org.uk.
