Animal which 'normally doesn't win' crowned Champion of Champions at Border Union Show
Last updated 27th Jul 2025
An 18-month-old rabbit has been crowned Champion of Champions at this weekend's Border Union Show in Kelso.
Bert is believed to be one of the first of his kind to win the top prize at the annual celebration of farming.
Owner Glenna Ford, who has recently moved from the Scottish Borders to Yorkshire, revealed the Rex breed is known for its unique, plush, and velvety coat.
"As much as rabbits aren't really seen as being (a mainstay of) the agricultural sector, they really do make agricultural shows," the 30-year-old told Greatest Hits Radio.
"There's nothing better than having a kid come running in and saying: 'Oh my god, there's a big rabbit, or there's a small rabbit.' It's just something so fluffy!"
More than 10,000 people - young and old alike - are estimated to have attended this year's event at Springwood Park showground over the last two days.
Glenna said: "We were in (contention for) Champion of Champions at Northumberland County Show as well, and we thought we were close, but we weren't. We came out thinking: 'Oh well, next year!'
"But this year at Kelso I had a feeling this had to be us this year." And she added: "It's absolutely amazing!"
When asked what the attraction was, she added: "I've grown up showing rabbits since I was seven. it's just one of those things where you just love it and you go with it."
Judging the overall winner this year was Borders farmer John Jeffrey - a former Scotland and British Lions rugby star.
He was recently appointed Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale.
"It's a difficult decision, because you've got six completely different types of animals there," he said. "And they've got to remember each of them is a champion in their own right.
"The rabbit actually edged it - it had a lovely fur; everything about it was actually in peak show condition. The rest of the animals were great as well but, in my humble opinion, it was just a step above."
And he added: "I think it was great for everybody that breeds rabbits; normally (the prize) would go to the horse, or the sheep or the cow; but to give it to something like that, that normally doesn't win, I think it's great for our industry as well."
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