'Alladin' opens to the door to success for Tracy!

For Tracy's two-year-old dog, 'Alladin' was judged first in his class and Reserve Challenge Certificate winner at Crufts held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham earlier this month.

For Tracy it was a moment to savour as her handler, Paul Barrett, made all the right moves to impress the judges.

Tracy, from Ballycastle, faced tough competition with more than 100 dogs in her section and with fourth place success last year she wasn't preparing herself for what was to come.

"I went to Crufts with the hope of winning something, but nothing as spectacular as this. To get an award at Crufts is something you don't forget in a hurry," Tracy told the Times.

Siberian Huskies are a demanding breed and need company and lots of exercise. Tracy has had two litters in her ten years of owning Huskies and has to work hard to keep them in shape. If they are bred to work and not just looks they are healthier as they have better conformation.

She would like to thank Coleraine University for giving her the time off to compete at Crufts as well as Halfords of Coleraine who helped with servicing her equipment.

The dogs run in harness for miles around the countryside and more and more people are wanting to experience this adventure, but according to Tracy, it has to be done on a cold morning as warm weather exercise is bad for huskies.

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