Gwent dogs wow Crufts judges (From Free Press Series)

Gwent dogs from Pontypool and Goytre wow Crufts judges

10:10am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

TWO Gwent dogs have proved every canine has its day after walking away with some of the top prizes at Crufts.

Rocko, a two-year- old, from Pontypool, and Jack, a four-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, from Goytre, both won two of the top prizes at the international competition.

Both were just two of more than 25,000 dogs which took part in the event at Birmingham’s NEC, and both won the prestigious Best of Breed award over the weekend.

Rocko’s owner, Gary Thomas, 47, secretary of Wales Pekingese Association, fought off competition from a number of other dogs to scoop the coveted prize.

He said: “I have been coming here for 35 years. I had Best in Show in 1989 with another toy dog, but this is the first time I have won a major award with this dog at Crufts, though. It’s very special.

“It’s the best show in the world. Everyone wants to be here. We have already been celebrating with the champagne.”

Rocko wasn’t the only Gwent success story, with Pontypool’s Rebecca Morris also winning a Best of Breed award with Jack.

Ms Morris said: “It is absolutely brilliant, Jack has done so well and I am so proud of him”

“His grandmother competed here and has won Best of Breed too, but she is retiring after this Crufts so it is lovely for Jack to win.”