A CRUFTS champion dog trainer from Northwich who bagged a cash prize on The Chase spent her winnings and more on a new ‘agility’ puppy.

Sarah Bowyer, from Lower Wincham, appeared on the ITV quiz show on January 25, when she stunned national treasure Bradley Walsh by revealing she and her dog Eric are Crufts champions.

The 41-year-old and her fox red Labrador Eric, aka the Super Ginger Ninja, scooped the top prize in the large dog agility competition at the world’s most prestigious dog show back in 2022.

Despite a promising start, Sarah and her three fellow players were all knocked out in their cash builder rounds, but this triggered a slightly different version of the game meaning contestants still had a chance to win some money. 

The mum-of-two walked off with £1,000 prize money, which sadly wasn’t enough for her dream of buying her own paddock to train her ever-growing pack.

Northwich Guardian: Maverick isn't yet one-year-old, but he's already showing promiseMaverick isn't yet one-year-old, but he's already showing promise (Image: Sarah Bowyer)

“The price of land in Cheshire is absolutely extortionate,” she said.

Not to be put off, dog-nut Sarah remained true to her canine calling, adding: “I ended up using the money for a new puppy instead.

“His name’s Maverick, and he’s a lovely Border Collie. He turns one on Valentine’s Day.

"I don’t think I’ve ever gone to see puppies and come away empty-handed.

Northwich Guardian: Eric, aka Super Ginger Ninja, living up to his name at Crufts 2022Eric, aka Super Ginger Ninja, living up to his name at Crufts 2022 (Image: Sarah Bowyer)

Sarah explained she wanted a Collie because, in a sense, Eric has become a victim of his own success.  

“I’ve had Labradors all my life and they’re amazing, but Eric’s now in the very top league when we compete,” she added.

“At that level, Border Collies are definitely the most successful breed.

Northwich Guardian: Sarah started off well in her cash-builder round, but was sadly knocked out, though still came away with £1,000 thanks to a great performance from a fellow playerSarah started off well in her cash-builder round, but was sadly knocked out, though still came away with £1,000 thanks to a great performance from a fellow player (Image: ITV)

“Eric has to compete against them now, and some of them can turn much faster than he can.

“Don’t get me wrong: We’re still giving it a go and trying our hardest, but the Collies need to be having a bit of an off day for me and Eric to stand a fighting chance.

“But we’ve got high hopes for young Maverick.

“We’ve already decided if he gets to Crufts, he’ll have to have a theme song. We’re going to play Danger Zone.

Northwich Guardian: Eric became something of a media star after Crufts: He's even got his own Instagram accounts, @superginerninjaEric became something of a media star after Crufts: He's even got his own Instagram accounts, @superginerninja (Image: Sarah Bowyer)

“I’m sure Top Gun fans will get the reference.”

Sarah took up dog agility six years ago when her neighbour’s working Labrador had puppies, which included Eric, but his vast energy reserves meant he soon took to trashing the house.

A dog behaviourist told her Eric needed a job, and as Sarah didn’t fancy taking up shooting, she chose agility instead, which she says is ‘totally addictive’.

Though she has young Maverick now, Sarah doesn’t want people to think Eric will be hanging up his harness.

“My son Rhys, who’s 16, has been doing Young Kennel Club competitions with Eric and they’re a fantastic team,” she added.

“And when my husband and I started our dog training equipment company, SGN Agility, we named it after him.

“SGN stands for Super Ginger Ninja.”