Crufts 2006

Setter Irish - Dogs

Probably the most humbling and proudest moment of any Judging career, but to be faced with so many difficult and emotional decisions on the day made for a memorable experience. I was particularly pleased with the ring size and surface which allowed those dogs showing true Irish movement to be rewarded. It was interesting to review decisions one makes after examination with the true benefit of seeing dogs move in a large ring. A number surprised but sadly many disappointed and paid the penalty. I was pleased with my winners, being soundly constructed, good type and of good temperament. Dogs were, almost without exception superbly presented and handled to advantage, permitting the "Irish" to show through. Young classes in dogs are always difficult to assess but various stages of development must be respected. Many thanks to my super stewards, Mr & Mrs Donovan who contributed to a fabulous day

VD Entries : 27 Abs 5 1 Wicks’ Sh Ch Popeswood Pie In The Sky at Birguma Headed a stunning class of Irish "old boys", has beautiful flowing lines, superbly conditioned and presented. Attractive head, melting expression, masculine finish to muzzle, low set ears, strong neck set into well laid shoulders. Deep well sprung ribs, strong and firm through the loin, correct finish to croup, just breaking top line to set on of tail. Covered the ground with lovely lashing tail. 2 Barnes’ Shenanigin What Next Beautifully balanced dog with lovely head, true Irish expression, raised brows, level head planes with low set ears. Strong slightly arched neck set into well laid shoulders, firm top line, wide powerful hindquarters. Moved soundly. 3 McDonagh’s Thendara Incognito among Ronzalda Have never seen this dog look so good. In super condition, has tremendous depth to chest, true front, ribbed well back to strong loin, wide quarters, long well turned stifle, moved with great style around the ring

SpPD Entries : 18 Abs 2 1 Milligan-Bott & Bott’s Scotselaw Detroit Spinner by Thendara Delightful puppy, not so mature as many in the class but his style could not be denied. Moved with great purpose. Sweetest of heads, good square finish to muzzle, stop just starting to break into lovely oval skull. Low set ears, deep fore chest, well sprung ribs, lovely finish to croup 2 Ritchie’s Secret Liaison at Gwendariff. Another pleasing puppy of a different style to winner. Has a promising head, masculine but with no coarseness. Super depth to ribs with good spring and plenty of lung room. Shorter bodied with firm loin. In wonderful condition covering the ground with ease. 3 Burke’s Clachnahar Ami Pierrot Little heavier than first two but has good substance and well developed hindquarters. Lovely head with soft expression, strong neck set into long sloping shoulders. Not so relaxed or freedom of movement as winners

SpJD Entries:23 Abs3 1 Walsh’s Janter Moon Magician of Millcroft. A very raw youngster but has that ruggedness seldom seen today. Has the sweetest of heads, adequate foreface, lovely eye shape and colour, gentle sloping stop. Strong neck, super angulation front and rear, deep chest, wide powerful quarters, good bone. Lovely depth to coat. Moved soundly with good tail action. 2 Edwards’ Henaleas Tuscany Presented a pleasing outline, deep well sprung ribs, straight front, good bone. I found his head a little strong at the moment. 3 Martin’s Silvagem First Edition Slower developer. He is a free mover, keeping a firm top line on the move. Straight in front with deep chest and firm arched loin.

YD Entries: 25 Abs: 2 1 Swainston’s Glenvarna Sungod JW Super young dog, built on lovely flowing lines with no exaggeration. Has a balanced head, square in the muzzle, gentle stop, kind expression and level head planes. Strong neck set into well laid shoulders, firm top line, correct finish to croup. Deep well ribbed chest, good angulation fore and aft, covered the ground with reaching effortless stride. 2 Ciechonska’s Caskeys Concept at Aoibheanne JW Well developed youngster with good depth to chest, longer in the loin. Has a pleasing head, kind eye and low set ears and correct skull. Moved with enthusiasm but not with the extension or drive of winner. 3 Sheldon’s Delsanto Isaac JW. Not the maturity or balance of winner but has great depth of chest and spring of rib, shorter in body. Has a pleasing head, masculine but not course.

UD Entries: 31 Abs: 3 1 Martin’s Silvagem First Edition 2 Partridge’s Kerrydown Look At Me Liked his style, firm top line deep chest, strong slightly arched loin with long sweeping stifle. Correct finish to croup, stood on neat feet. Moved soundly 3 Pickersgill’s Barleydale Huntsman with Maolruadhan. Another pleasing youngster in super condition. A little taller on the leg, but has a deep chest with good fore chest, firm top line, wide powerful hindquarters.

GD Entries: 21 Abs: 1 1 Chorley-Newton & Chorley’s Northamber Rushes Back to Kerryfair. Upstanding rangy dog. Has an attractive head with the kindest of expressions and low set ears. Nicely arched neck set into well laid shoulders, fine at the points, well ribbed up, firm arched loin and lovely finish to croup and long sweeping stifle. Has a lot of maturing to come but moved with drive and purpose. 2 Shaw-Rainey & Rainey’s Gwendariff Simply Red Plays Starchelle Different in many ways to winner, yet has many of the same qualities not so rugged. Found him sound, balanced and with good angulation. Kept a firm topline on the move, good front extension, firm coupling and driving rear action. 3 Hillocks’ Spirit Of The South to Jonola Another rangy young dog with plenty of scope, just reaching maturity. Has super front angulation, strong neck set into well laid shoulders, deep chest, well ribbed back and lovely finish to croup, wide quarters with long sweeping stifle

PGD Entries: 18 Abs: 0 1 Levick’s Corriecas Geovanni A well balanced, medium sized dog just rising to full maturity. Has a pleasing head, typical expression with correct shaped eye, gentle stop, oval skull and good definition to occiput. Strong slightly arched neck, good front and rear angulation with deep chest and well sprung ribs. He moved aroung the ring with good reach and extension 2 Willett’s Caspians Disraeli JW Another young dog who is maturing well. Perhaps not the width and power in hindquarters of winner at moment but presented an overall pleasing picture. Has a good forehand with good depth to chest, gentle sloping top line, breaking nicely over croup. Has an attractive head with gentle expression. Covered the ground freely 3 Fauvrelle’s Shaytell Andante A slow maturing dog of lovely type. Longer all through but is now filling his rugged frame. Has wide powerful quarters which he used to advantage

MLD Entries: 17 Abs: 3 1 Paterson’s Cullmadons Craftsman of Strathkyle A dog who really did make the most of his day and the big ring.Looked an absolute picture on the move with terrific reach and extension. Has a good head type with parallel planes, good length and width to muzzle, kind expression, strong neck set into well laid shoulders, plenty of rib, firm loin and powerful hindquarters. 2 Muir’s Grayrigge Ewan by Romarne JW One of the surprises of the day for me, have never seen him lookand move so well. Taller dog who is now reaching full maturity. Has a masculine head, neck of moderate length, good firm top line gently sloping to wide powerful hindquarters with good finish to croup. In super condition with lovely coat, moved soundly 3 McDonagh’s Ronzalda Don Magnifico JW Built on flowing lines, longer cast than 1& 2. Would like a little more work in the head. Good length of neck set into well laid shoulders, gentle top line and wide quarters. Free sound action on the move.

LD Entries: 24 Abs: 2 1 Paterson’s Cullmadons Craftsman of Strathkyle 2 Smith’s Reddins Tillerman JW A most attractive dog with a most appealing head with the gentlest expression looking out from correctly shaped eyes of good colour. Well muscled neck of moderate length, balanced all through. Lovely depth of chest and spring of rib. Firm top line, good finish to croup. Stands on neat feet. Moved soundly and to great advantage at a good pace 3 Myers’ Astrazone Special Brew JW

OD Entries: 17 Abs: 3 1 Milligan-Bott & Bott’s Sh Ch Thendara Don Corleone Just when you think things can’t get better, they did. A dog who was presented and performed to perfection. A High accolade but one he richly deserved. Presented a picture of power and balance. Has the most beautiful head, square at the muzzle and refined over the skull with melting expression. Strong well muscled neck, moderate length, long sloping upper arm, straight front, terrific fore chest with great depth to rib, strong in the loin with long sweeping stifle. Has a profuse coat, dense with correct undercoat. He filled my eye standing, but excelled on the move. He has a long reaching front movement and terrific hind extension covering the ground from a powerful hind action. A worthy winner of the Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed on the decision of the referee over an impressive bitch who also had a super free flowing movement. 2 Kniveton’s Sh Ch Orstone Interceptor A really super dog from all angles, just not the finish of winner. He fulfills all my expectations of a champion.. Has a lovely head, gentle expression, good length of neck, well laid shoulders, deep well sprung ribs, firm loin, slightly arched, wide quarters sweeping stifle and correct tailset. So pleased to see him fulfill his early promise, now deserving of top honours, but today had to give way to a dog at the top of his form RCC 3 Ostman’s Light My Fire vh Adelaarsvaren Striking outline, gently sloping topline, deep chest, firm strong loin and wide powerful hindquarters. Has a pleasing head with gentle expression, good eye shape and colour, free moving dog.

GOOD CITIZEN DOG Entries: 7 Abs: 1 McDonagh’s Thendara Incognito among Ronzalda Stockton’s Kespas Infrared JW Weller & Spencer’s Strathmead Snow Leopard Harris’ & Edwins’ Konakakela Persuader

David Bell

SETTER-IRISH

BITCHES A sincere thank you to everyone for the wonderful entry of Irish Setters bitches. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, judging our wonderful breed at this the most famous show in the world – even if it was cold. I think we must have been the only hall to be cold, but we got over it I think. Can I say well done to the presentation of all exhibits on the day, my co- judge and I commented on the fact that our hands were still clean at the end of a busy day, which is not always the case when judging at some other shows. I was looking for bitches that I believe were well balanced and substantial whilst still remain racy and true to type. This I believe I found when my class winners came back in the ring to challenge at the end of the day. I will however say at this stage it is important that you all check your exhibits mouths again, please do this from time to time as I did find a few level and also what I would class as bad mouths which paid the penalty on the day. Another area that exhibitors should be aware of is very steep upper arms this gives the effect when moving of stilted movement not free flowing as it should be. These exhibits are not able to stride out as they should, having said that thank you again for a wonderful day, the memory will live with me forever and also with my family as they came to Crufts for the very first time just to support me and take in the atmosphere of the day. Congratulations to all the winners on the day and congratulations to Sh Ch Thendara Don Cornelio on winning BOB (referee decision). Well done.

Vet (20) The first class of the day and what a fabulous class to start with. I really was spoilt for choice, my eventual short list was very special and the placings could have gone either way. Veteran classes mean so much to me especially veteran bitch at Crufts. You can almost see them smiling to themselves saying that they are having a great day out. The ladies love to show themselves off and I really do believe they enjoy it perhaps more than the handlers. The handlers were also relaxed and got the very best out of the ring. As the day went on I got to wonder what is so difficult about a triangle!! 1 King’s Sh Ch Kirkavagh Kooyonga. The star of the veteran bitch class, in full bloom, fabulous condition. She flows from the tip of her head to her tail. Whilst remaining feminine she possesses great substance. Just loved her, congratulations to her breeder for keeping her in great condition. 2 Hunter and Brown’s Sh Ch Laggan Shoshoni Maiden. Won her placing on her movement so positive in front and true behind. In good hard condition well toned. Just lacked in her final furnishings to complete the perfect picture. 3 Powis’ Sh Ch Amberwave Dazzle. Lovely head and expression on this bitch, again a pleasure to watch her moving with great style and in total harmony with her handler

SpP (23) Great class of splendid puppies. However it so mixed with age and in our particular breed this is quite difficult to judge. Many puppies went cardless today some of which I love, the type shape and movement but just lacked the final finishing’s for this class. 1 Henderson’s Sametsuz Secret Affair. This young lady is no secret, what a star. Good overall conformation, presented in great coat and condition. The very best of heads long and lean, correct eye shape and colour, correct neck and shoulder angulation true front good spring of rib and strong quarters which she used to her advantage in this wonderful ring. My co-judge and I were presented with 2 very special youngsters for the future but in agreement we awarded the bitch best puppy in breed. Congratulations to all, I shall watch both these youngsters with great interest 2 Wilkins’ Margretwoods Kitty Cat. Again this young lady stole the show, superb outline giving the required gentle sloping topline which in a lot of exhibits today is sadly lacking. Clean neck and shoulders, true front well angulated good upper arm angulation allowing her to move freely in front. Good deep chest strong wide quarters, moved well, unlucky to meet the winner. Best of luck with for the future. 3 Mugford’s Lynwood Theme Song. A youngster that I would possibly take home with me just what I like fabulous outline in splendid coat and condition she possesses the prettiest of heads in the is class. Moved well with great drive and enthusiasm.

SpJ (21) 1 Warner’s Strathmead Snowbunting. Fabulous youngster she possesses all the qualities of a star in the making. A clear winner in this class. Good head shape kind eye and expression, well muscled neck setting into great shoulder placement, true in front with the correct small firm arched feet. Strong body good spring of rib powerful and strong over the loin Good front angulation, strong quarters, well developed second thigh muscle, short hocks moved with great drive. 2 Wilder’s Clonageera Evening Star at Cataluna. Close up to winner, she combines the true appearance of an Irish Setter, racy, well balanced and full of quality. Movement was a pleasure to watch free flowing true action when viewed in all directions profile front and rear. 3 Lennox’s Hartsbourne Hyacinth. Won her place her today on movement, her head is a little strong for me but she was simply a pleasure to watch. Good overall conformation presented in top class condition well muscled and in good coat and condition.

Y (26) This class was a pleasure to judge. There are some great outstanding bitches for the future in this class and some went cardless today maybe not quite in tiptop condition. Do not be disheartened some great ones to watch for the future. 1 Box’ Fernstart Irish Rhapsody. Just my type of bitch, beautiful in outline great topline gently sloping downwards from withers, No questions about her femininity. She has a good head shape and kind eye which gives the true Irish expression. Good shoulder angulation, good length in upper arm which allows her to move freely in front. Good depth of chest, good spring of rib strong over the loin. Good strong quarters moved very well. 2 Pollard’s Grayrigge Maeve. JW On first look around I thought this young lady would be my winner. The best head in the class preferred her head to 3rd place which I understand was her sister. I feel I should report on both as this breeder again has come up with 2 very special young ladies. Congratulations to all. Both girls very similar in shape and size not overdone in anyway shape or form. Both moved with great style and animation true movement both for and aft. But felt today that Meave just had the edge over her sister. 3 Pollard’s Grayrigge Mairona. JW

UG (22) 1 Weller’s Bambarella Freedom. This young lady combines substance and elegance without loosing the overall general appearance of raciness that the standard requests. Presented in first class condition. Good head shape well chiselled showing good stop, giving raised brows, eyes shape and colour good giving the kind but quizzical expression. Love her type and overall conformation, moved well to win a good class. Best wishes for the future with her. 2 Sheldon and Muir’s Romarne Jasmine at Delsanto. Unlucky to meet winner today, great outline in first class condition moved with great style and in total harmony with her handler. Preferred winners head at the moment but never the less a good bitch. 3 Condron’s Coverney Miss B Havin. As always there are things that you would like better but over all I felt her of good type and of the shape that I was looking for today. Moved very well when viewed in all aspects of her movement, holding her topline at all times.

G (28) A surprise to find that back in April 2004 the placings of 1st and 2nd was the same way but in minor puppy. How they both have developed into splendid young ladies. 1 McLarnon’s Northamber Baccarat via Kerryfair JW. This lady is fulfilling her early promise, judged her as a minor puppy and thought she would be something to contend with has she grows and develops at the pace and Irish should. There are things I would prefer to be better, overall her general apreance and style is what I was looking for. She flows from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail with the true topline not level as sadly some exhibits are today. Well done and best wishes for the future, hope her development continues in the way that she has done this past 2 years. 2 Douthwaite and Wharfe’s Gracewood True Magic. JW Like her very much, well balanced throughout in good condition well muscled, good strong wide quarters, well developed second thigh muscle short hock moved very well. 3 Birch’s Moyna Peach Blossom. A young lady I have admired but unfortunately not giving her all today in this strong competition. A young lady coming into full maturity, moved well.

PG (21) 1 Vallance’s Braidmouth Georgie Girl. A bitch whom is possibly a little bit bigger framed than I would have liked but won the class on her overall type and conformation. Movement on this bitch was a pleasure to watch, moving true in front and putting her strong wide quarters to good use. She moved around the ring with very little effort. Well done to complete the picture she just requires a little more furnishings. 2 Pickersgill’s Barleydale Lulu with Maorruadahn. As her name suggest she shouts quality at you, in great coat condition, she possesses one of the prettiest of heads in the class. Strong well arched neck set into well placed and good angulated shoulders. Good deep chest, good rib cage strong over the loin. Movement not as positive as winner today but this does not detract form her quality. Best wishes for the future. 3 Heron’s Caskeys Vivacious. Lovely type of bitch, good head and eye shape with raised brows giving a good overall expression. Good quarters, well bent stifle, moved soundly. A lot to like about her.

Mid L (18) 1 Sone’s Withersdale Ivy. What can I say about this fabulous lady, just my type of girl, She is totally feminine throughout. She has the best of heads, good shape and kind eye with a soft gentle expression. She flows from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail, good bone and feet, strong arched neck set into well angulated shoulders good upper arm angulation which allows her to move freely around the ring. Good deep chest, good spring of rib strong over the loin, good wide quarters which she used on the move. It was a pleasure to she her moving as most of them had done today using there tails. However in the challenge she decided to stop showing 2 Waterton’s Lynwood Strands of Silk at Sandstream. JW Unfortunate to meet winner today but the presentation of this bitch was second to none quite immaculate not a hair out of place. Today and on a few occasions I have seen her and admired her. I love her head and expression, true Irish with that very typical expression that only come with correct head and eye shape. Good overall conformation moved well. 3 McCullough’s Cullmadons Caress. JW I have judge this bitch 2 years ago and my opinion has not changed good all round conformation and style, very pleasing in head, neck and shoulders, good topline, strong wide quarters moved very well. Unfortunate to meet the winners today. Best wishes for the future.

L (19) 1 What a class, I wish everybody who judges our breed to be confronted with a class of this quality, congratulations to all. 1 Hall’s Glennara Fleur de Mai. JW A day when decisions have to be made and in effect it could have gone in either direction. On the day I thought the winner had the edge, she was in fabulous coat and condition, her head and expression is simply perfect. Fabulous in outline gently sloping from withers to tail. Good depth of chest to be super critical I would prefer better shoulder angulation but we haven’t made the perfect dog yet. Strong over the loin wide powerful quarters well turned stifle, well muscled, short hocks. Her movement was free flowing, driving of her strong quarters. She was in total harmony with her handler. In splendid coat and condition, pleased to award her the RCC in such strong competition on the day. I am sure her 3rdCC will be awarded soon especially whilst in this tip top condition. Congratulations and thank you for bringing her on the day. 2 Mortimer’s Bluebyeyou Mystic Shirazi. Another great girl. I find her quite divine she moves around the ring with great power and drive, movement was true when viewed in all aspects, Handler fully utilising the ring to maximum benefit to show this off. In first class condition well muscled and in great coat. I like her very much and again in this condition I am sure more success will be just around the corner. All the best for the future. 3 Rance and Oakley’s Caspians Modesty. JW Super bitch with the perfect Irish setter outline. A splendid head and expression. Handled well to the bitches advantage. In good coat and condition just the correct amount of furnishings to complete a splendid picture. Moved well.

O (22) 1 Ritchie’s Sh Ch Ir Sh Ch Gwendariff Pop My Cork. A bitch that is full of quality, giving the overall apreance of racy and balanced but elegant and substantial. Today she was a star amongst stars. A lady whom possesses a good head, long and lean, well balanced showing raised brows, strong arched neck set into clean well angulated shoulders. True front, deep chest strong firm topline wide powerful quarters which she used with very little effort striding out in front and driving from the rear. It was a pleasure to see her in total harmony with her handler. In great coat and condition not a hair out of place ample furnishings that completed the whole picture, well muscled thought her whole body but still retaining her gracefulness I was delighted to award her the CC today and very proud of her when in the challenge for BOB, beaten today on the referee decision BOB went to the dog.

Congratulations to her owner breeder. 2 Jobse’s Ned/Lux Ch Caemgens Alive and Kinging. Has her name suggests she is very much alive and kicking, and what a pleasure it was to be able to judge her in this strong competition. A fabulous lady in all departments love her outline she like the winner combines that racy look but still has the substance that is required of an Irish setter, without loosing any elegance. She was so close to the top awards but preferred winner in head today, but that does not detract from what is a quality bitch and the very best of luck in the future and hopefully she will visit a few more shows over here in the UK Well done 3 Powis’ Sh Ch Amberwave Spangle. JW I have judged this lady before and have not changed my opinion of her a great quality bitch, she flows from her head to her tail. With this lady is what you see is what you get nothing hidden. Moved very well, utilising the ring fully showing off her great style and movement.

FIELD TRIAL (2) 1 Heard’s Dunroon Sunglow Over Dorntanza. Stood alone on the day but deserved her red card. Pleasing in head strong neck and well angulated shoulders. Strong wide quarters, very athletic bitch, moved around the ring in great style very sound bitch overall. Well done and I hope this class continues at Crufts for many years to come.

SPECIAL WORKING GUNDOG (2) 1 Wolff’s Int Ch Carnbargus Contentment. A splendid quality bitch in great coat and condition moved very well when viewed from all aspects. Not overdone, good front, great depth of brisket, ample turn to stifle. Strong quarters moved well. 2 Pollard and Cook’s Ch Grayrigge Fidelma. Just rising to 11 years young but not showing her age at all a pleasure to be able to go over her. I have watched and admired this bitch on many occasions, and my opinion does not change at all. She strode round the ring today with great pride in her self and the ability to do the job. Well done to her owner breeders on gaining this qualification I am pleased you have the patience to be able to do this. Congratulations and Thank you for bring her today.

GOOD CITIZEN SCHEME (12) 1 Berry and Morris’ Brinara Backseat Driver. My winner today was placed 5th in the quality limit class, Therefore she won this class with ease today I understand this is her hat trick in this class at Crufts well done. I love her type and ring presence. Good head and kind eye well angulated shoulders and good spring of rib. Moved well. 2 Prangle’s Tannymac Could Could It Be Magic at Heathclare. JW Nice type moved well in great coat and condition. Good head and expression pleasing shoulders. A lot to like about. Well done and best of luck for the future. 3 Schofield and Morgan’s Cataluna Dallas Star. A star she is, not quite sure why she decided that being stacked wasn’t going to happen but when she free stood she looked a picture. Her movement again her was a pleasure to watch using her tail to her advantage.

Mrs Pat Butler-Holley