It was an absolutely fabulous night.
Sage, the dapper poodle, won the title of “Best in Show” at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Tuesday evening.
The 3-year-old miniature poodle from Houston took home the top prize at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens after beating out more than 3,000 puppies during three exciting days of competition.
“No words,” remarked manager Kaz Hosaka, who revealed this year’s Westminster would be his last after spending 45 years in the ring.
The Best in Show win marked Hosaka’s second – he led another miniature poodle, Spice, to the trophy in 2002.
“So happy – exciting,” Hosaka said, adding that the uniquely styled pup “gave me a great performance.”
Sage – who sported giant ’80s-style hair – was awarded the crown after the competition was narrowed down to what top show judge Rosalind Kramer called an “absolutely glorious” line-up of dogs: Mercedes the Shepherd German, Comet the Shih Tzu, Louis the Afghan, Micha the black cocker spaniel, Monty the giant schnauzer and Frankie the colorful bull terrier.
Monty was initially favorite to win, but sent shockwaves through the arena when he was left out of the top two, behind Sage and Mercedes, the latter of whom was crowned reserve Best in Show.
They are judged based on who best fits the “standard” or ideal of their breed.
The more than 200 dog breeds in attendance first competed against other breeds of their breed. Then, the winner of each race competes against the other members of their “group” until the top seven group winners meet in the final round.
Sage advanced to the final round after beating 21 other dogs competing in the non-sporting group.
The Best in Show winner receives a trophy and a place in dog world history, but no cash prize.
Sage’s victory marks the 11th triumph of poodles of various sizes at America’s most prestigious dog event, the last of which took place in 2020.
With post wires
New York Post
