Scent of a scandal at Crufts?
- 00:01:21
- ITN
Scent of a scandal at Crufts?
Bookies William Hill have closed betting on Crufts before the world's largest dog show even started.In a statement the bookmakers said it had taken the unprecedented step following a massive gamble on a Utility Dog being named Supreme Champion.William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams said: "We cannot lay any of the other breeds and have such a one sided book that we have decided to close it."The show has not even started but there must be an exceptional dog out there that we have not heard about. It looks like we stepped in one here."But Caroline Kisko from the show's organisers, the Kennel Club, said it is ridiculous anyone could second-guess the judges. "Whichever dog this is has to win its breed, and then it has to win the group, and then finally it's got to win Best in Show."And these are three different judges, all with their own opinions on a particular breed - because judging is subjective even though it's done against a breed standard."Almost 23,000 dogs, including 1,165 from overseas, are expected to take part in the four-day event in Birmingham's NEC from March 6-9.Founded in 1891 by entrepreneur Charles Cruft, it is recognised as the world's largest dog show by the Guinness Book of Records.Organisers have said this year will be the second largest show in Crufts' history - the biggest being the centenary show in 1991.Of the 209 dog breeds recognised by the Kennel Club, 183 are showing at Crufts 2008.Last year, a Tibetan Terrier named Willy scooped the Best in Show title.© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
ITN | March 6, 2008
