A dog with a lineage stretching back to the Fochabers-born 4th Duke of Gordon became the first winner of a new prize at Crufts last night.
James, a Gordon Setter and his owner, David Alcorn, from Fife, triumphed in the grand final of the inaugural Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition and then went on to win Best in Group for Gundog breeds qualifying them for a place in the Best in Show final on Sunday.
They celebrated their success in front of a packed Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham.
David commented on his magnificent evening: “This has been an incredible day, really fantastic. It’s been non-stop and James has never stopped performing.
“He loves the big ring and the atmosphere and he always rises to the challenge. Winning the Vulnerable British & Irish Breeds competition and then going back into the main arena for the gundog group is the stuff dreams are made of.”
Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon, who was famously referrred to as the “Cock o’ the North, was credited with establishing the breed now known as the Gordon Setter.
Their numbers decreased during the first half of the 20th century, as the large shooting estates went into decline.
In 2015, only 234 Gordon Setters were registered with the Kennel Club and it is therefore considered to be a vulnerable breed.
The Kennel Club launched the new competition to raise awareness of these breeds and to recognise those who are dedicated to their survival and prosperity.
James and David will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for the final of the 125th Anniversary of Crufts.