Lincolnshire Dog Owner achieves Heelwork to Music Hat-Trick at Crufts

Lucy Heath, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, has achieved first place in three consecutive heelwork to music competitions at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts.

Lucy and her Border Collie, Foxy, won the Heelwork to Music Final on Thursday, 6 March. Lucy also claimed victory with her Pomeranian/Maltese cross, Trip Hazard, in both the Freestyle Heelwork to Music and International Freestyle Heelwork to Music competitions, which took place on Friday 7 and Saturday 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.

The three-time winner Lucy said: “It feels unbelievable and amazing to have won back-to-back with two different dogs. 

"I really love to choose popular and crowd-pleasing themes or songs. I've always thought more about everyone knowing it and getting behind us. It's  why I choose all the music I do, because they're popular, well-known songs and it suits the dog as well. With Foxy it's always slow and graceful whereas with Trip, it's all the upbeat Disney style, which is fun."

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, commented: “Congratulations to Lucy, Trip Hazard and Foxy for their wonderful performances in the arena at Crufts. Heelwork to music is a challenging activity that demands a lot of time, dedication and skill. The trio have perfectly demonstrated the patience and close bond needed from both the dogs and handler, as well as being a great example of what can be achieved.

"The three of them are an inspiration for any dog owners out there who are interested in taking part in this fun and rewarding activity."

For more information on heelwork to music, please visit thekennelclub.org.uk/htm

Crufts took place from 6 - 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.