National Gundog

DOGS Thank you all so very much for the wonderful and numerically high entry of dogs. Post Grad, Limit and Open were exceptional, and from those well filled classes it was inevitable too many would have to go cardless. I am all too aware of how much effort time and expense one has to invest to seek the opinion of a judge, and as such tried my best to give each and every one a fair chance of exhibiting their virtues. The quality was high throughout, many were of a type I admire, and many looked very good standing, but many left a lot to be desired on the move. I make no secret of the fact I love a dog in full coat and the glamour that brings to the ‘show dog’ but coat and glamour alone do not make a good dog, the fundamentals of what is underneath is of vital importance. Maybe we have become so accustomed to Irish Setters being criticised for poor movement that trying to select for it has become lost, which is unforgivable as a beautiful Irish moving truly with a lashing tail action is a sight to behold., whether crowned with a glamorous coat or not.

SpVet 1.Lewis and Storey’s Sh Ch Lynwood Pioneer of Seadog. Headed a good class. Classic shape with lovely head and expression presented in full dark coat very well put together, straight front great topline and tailset, good turn of stifle, moved well. Still very much at the top of his game and in contention for top honours. 2. Partridge’s Kerrydown Look at Me. Belies his 10 years, presented in lovely coat and condition, lovely head with melting expression, very well balanced with good angulations and moved well. 3.Foster’s Sh Ch Shanoah Highly Delighted.

MP 1.Farndell’s Cordarragh Lover Boy. Promising pup of nice type, sweet head and expression, straight front nice over the croup with good angulations to quarters, moved steadily. 2. Lewis’ Lindenjo Lancelot. Nicely balanced all through with good angulations presents a more compact outline, just preferred the head of 1, but shows promise and moved well. 3.Park and Hough’s Lestannons Diamond Geezer

P 1.Mclarnon’s Northamber Just Cause for Glenavna. Easy winner of this very mixed class. Very promising and displays much quality, is very well balanced, well shaped head with melting expression from lovely dark eyes, good straight front with shoulders sloping well back good reach of neck strong over the quarters with good bend to stifle, presented in super coat and condition, moved very well. 2. Lawrence’s Mcconkeys Kilwillie.Very nice head with soft expression. Well balanced with good angulations to front and quarters, presented a nice outline, less mature than 1, moved steadily. 3. Drinkwater’s Bradbrook Shochaloza.

J 1. Swainston’s Glenvarna Himself. Such a well balanced young man presented in gleaming dark coat, Nicely balanced head, true in front and quarters, good reach of neck, excellent topline, good width to croup, correct tail set. It’s on the move that this young dog excels striding out effortlessly with great front extension and rear drive correct lashing tail action leaving you in no doubt of his correct conformation 2. Willis’ Jacwilins Wiloughby. Close up, loved his head and expression, well balanced and well made and moved accordingly. Presented in beautiful coat and condition. 3. Kniveton’s Serrula Playaroundat Orstone

Y1.Lauwer’s Jonola Dr.Doolittle. Outstanding young man of lovely type beautiful head and expression, well put together with good angulations to front and quarters, good depth of chest, wide over the croup with good tailset, well bent stifle, had to move and show well to beat 2, still quite raw in some respects but his overall quality and type and showmanship put him in good stead to challenge the ‘big boys’ 2.Swainston’s Glenvarna Himself. 3.Naylor and Morrison’s Bardonhill Bardolino. Loved his outline, quality and type, not quite the head I look for but his correct driving movement with lashing tail action secured his place

N1 Knivetons Serrula Playaround at Orstone.. 3rd in Jnr. Beautiful young boy, so well balanced clean and classic in outline, well made all through, lovely shape to head with sweet expression, true and steady in movement. 2.Mcclarnon’s Northamber Just Cause for Glenavna. 3.Naylor and Morrison’s Bardonhill Bardolino

G Nice class. Liked all five placed here very much.1.Barker-Bell’s Balintyne Take A Chance on Me. This boy secured his place here with his ‘text book’ conformation lovely head with soft expression, presented in immaculate coat with plenty of feathering and good hard muscular condition, covered the ground well with great extension and excellent drive from strong quarters, lovely tailset.2. Bott’s Bardonhill Storm Moon. Liked the type and style of this one he presented a lovely balanced outline with good angulations fore and aft, super head and expression, did just enough on the move to secure his place over 3. 3.Swainston’s Glenvarna Himself

PG Great class, I liked all of those pulled out very much. 1. Hillocks’ Spirit of the South to Jonola. Have often admired from the ringside for his beautiful quality and type, presents a true classic outline which shouts ‘Irish setter’. Lovely balanced head, lovely expression from correctly shaped eye’s and raised brow, good length of neck flows comfortably into a gently sloping topline, very good straight front with well angulated shoulders, deep in the chest with ribs well sprung and well back, strong loin of moderate length, wide over the croup, excellent angulation to stifle, short and strong on the hocks, very nice dark coat with a moderate amount of furnishings; moved the best I have ever seen him go in this class, and in the next, even with a change of handler, covers the ground with great scope, at this point I thought I had found my CC winner, but when up against the open dogs he just lacked a little maturity. 2.Walsh’s Janter Moon Magician at Millcroft. Close up loved his type displays so much quality, again to my eye every inch the classic Irish Setter, very well made, the most beautiful head with melting expression from almond shaped eyes and lovely raised brows, moderate length of neck clean over the shoulders good spring of rib, nice width to croup, good tail set, good turn of stifle with good width to thigh, presented in rich dark coat. moved well with good tail action. 3.Ritchie’s Secret Liaison at Gwendariff Very balanced and clean in outline the sweetest of heads with beautiful expression, very good angulation fore and aft, presented to perfection, moved soundly.

MidL 1.Rose-Hay’s Cataluna Clever Cloggs. Elegant dog of medium size presented in gleaming dark coat, nice head and expression, good length of neck fitting cleanly into well placed shoulders with straight front, good depth and well sprung ribs, good turn of stifle and short in the hock, excellent tail set. Moved so true and freely using his tail. 2.Mulcahy’s . Craythornley Magic Star. Liked the overall make and shape of this boy, very nice head and expression, good reach of neck, shoulders well placed, stands true on his front, longer cast through the loin than 1, very well bent stifles, nice tail set, in good coat, could not match 1 on the move. 3.Stocker’s Kirkavagh Bikala JW

LThis was an amazing class so many I really liked didn’t even make the cut, those that did had little to separate them from the five I finally placed. I had to make some hard decisions 1. Hillock’s Spirit of the South to Jonola. 2.Swainston, Glenvarna Sungod JW. I have admired this dog on many occasions, He is obviously very well put together true and sound in conformation, beautiful head with wistful expression from soft dark eyes of lovely shape with raised brow, excellent angulation to shoulder , deep chested, ribs well sprung and well back, neat through the loin with great width over the croup strong quarters with well let down stifle, short hocks, perfect movement covering the ground with great front extension and a powerhouse of drive from the rear, completed by lashing tail action. Presented in beautiful coat and hard muscular condition. 3.Routs’ Shaytell Tenor. Beautiful boy so full of quality, possess the most beautiful head full of work with gorgeous expression, in this company he obviously has the necessary balanced well angulated frame with deep chest well sprung ribs and excellent quarters enabling him to move with scope, drive and correct tail action.

OAnother fantastic class, with some top notch dogs going cardless. 1.Fauvrelle’s Sh Ch Shaytell Andante. It really was his day, had everything going for him, the complete finished mature exhibit in beautiful coat and condition really on form and at the top of his game, impossible to ignore, everything was confirmed while going over, he not only looked quality he felt it, beautiful head and soft expression, raised brow, clean finish to muzzle, everything in balance from his well shaped neck flowing cleanly into to his excellent gently sloping topline, good angulation to shoulder straight front, deep chest, strong loin of moderate length, good width to thigh and stifle well let down, viewed over the back everything flowed beautifully together from the arch of his neck through his well sprung rib cage and across his wide croup with excellent tailset, moving so well with head up keeping his shape and using his tail. I t gave me great pleasure to award him the CC and BOB on the refs decision. 2. Park and Hough’s Ir Sh Ch Lestannons Mickey Blue Eyes JW. Striking in outline, bigger in stature than 1, and much of the same remarks apply, there is no mistaking his quality when going over him Beautiful head and expression, excels in front assembly and quarters, absolute powerhouse on the move which secured him the res. CC. 3.Smith’s Reddins Tillerman presented in lovely coat and hard condition. Have often admired this boy, has a true and honest quality about him, so very well made all through looks and feels good from every angle ,with the sweetest of heads and soft expression, moves with purpose keeping his shape.

Dee Milligan-Bott

BITCHES My thanks to the member clubs of National Gundog for the honour of judging at this prestigious show. Also, special thanks must go to my stewards John and Bill for their efficiency in keeping me on track. One of my biggest pleasures was not just the numerically strong classes, but the quality of the exhibits presented before me. In most classes a number of excellent exhibits had to go cardless, not only making my task pleasurable, but challenging. All the exhibits were presented in good order, but if I can be critical, the desired front angulation was lacking in a number of exhibits. Some bitches who looked well stood, fell apart on the move One or two exhibits were presented with poor dentition which I penalised. Overall I was looking for feminine, medium sized ,well constructed, sound bitches and I was well rewarded. Thank you to you all for bringing your lovely girls, I had a wonderful day.

VB (8,5) 1. Mugford’s Lynwood Promises Promises to Gimaroch. The first girl I judged on the day and she turned out to be my star - just short of her 8th birthday she epitomized everything I look for in an Irish. With little to fault she has an exquisite head with parallel planes and that desired true Irish expression. Strong neck into excellent shoulders, lovely straight front, gently sloping topline into correct tail set. Strong rear quarters with excellent bend of stifle. Her strong lashing tail enhanced her absolutely true movement and completed the picture. It was a pleasure to her award her the CC, even more pleasing to discover that this gave her her title. Congratulations . CC and BV. 2. Broad’s Karidell Keeping Faith with Ermebrook. Different type to 1. Taller and of larger build. Stronger in head but with pleasing expression, good reach of neck. A little upright in shoulder, excellent spring of rib, firm topline not presented in her best coat. Moved with enthusiasm and enjoying her day. 3. Carter’s Brackenfield Forsythia.

MPB (5) 1. Berry and Morris’ Brinara Winter Cherry. Promising baby, with plenty of potential. A bit of a handful for her owner, something I like to see in a youngster, puppies are not meant to be little robots. Well proportioned throughout with no exaggeration. Pleasing head and expression, lovely dark eyes, good arched neck into topline, pleasing front angulation. Good coat colour. Moved soundly and with the enthusiasm you expect from a baby. Will watch her future development with interest 2. Smith’s Reddins Holly. Raw baby with more substance than 1. Good neck and shoulders, deep chest, lovely straight front and tight feet. Needs time to mature on into herself, particularly her rear quarters. Moved nicely. At this stage, preferred the head and scope of the winner 3. Gardiner’s Reddins Esther of Blaysdell

PB (23,4) 1. Bott’s Bardonhill Days are Diamond. In depth of quality this was my favourite class of the day with many lovely girls going cardless. If breeders can continue to produce the merits I saw in this class then it bodes well for the future. This girl oozed quality throughout and must surely be destined for the top if she continues to mature as she is doing at present. She screams class from the end of her nose to the tip of her tail. Delightful domed head. melting Irish expression, lovely finish to muzzle. Excellent neck into correct lay back of shoulders with super angulation. Carrying the right weight she used her strong rear quarters to produce true driving parallel rear movement. Absolutely loved her .Delighted to see her shortlisted for BPIS. BPB and BPIB 2. Naylor and Morrison’s Bardonhill Singing Skies over Anlory. Litter sister to winner which shows in the quality. Just a little behind 1 in maturity, but showing similar promise. Built on racier lines, pretty head, dark eye, balanced outline, moved with good forward extension and drive. Feel sure this girl can also look forward to a successful show career. 3. Hinslea’s Northamber Causin a Riot

JB (24,7) 1. Mortimer and Condron’s Covarney Coco. Classy girl, with lots going for her. Pretty, with good clean lines and excellent conformation throughout. Lovely head, cleanly chiselled with no hint of coarseness, lovely gentle Irish expression. Great front angulation with good forechest, excellent straight front, tight feet,. lovely deep chestnut coat. Her topline flows into strong rear quarters which she used to give balanced effective movement. Everything is in the right place and with maturity will be one to watch 2. Swainston’s Glenvarna the Wow Factor. Another attractive bitch with flowing lines. Pleasing head and expression, good shoulder placement, well sprung ribs, excellent topline, strong in pastern and loin and correct tailset. Moved with balance and purpose. Would prefer a slightly darker coat, but nonetheless an attractive young bitch.3. Cregans’s Riqitta Shillelagh Gold at Wishingtree

YB (19,3) 1. Richardson’s Tatterslee Bon Affectueux avec Montereenan Most beautiful head and expression, low set ears, well proportioned body, correct front angulation, firm sloping topline, pleasing rear assembly, presented in lovely coat and condition. Would prefer a slightly better finish to croup but gained her 1st place here on her balanced and stylish ground covering movement, another elegant young lady presented in excellent form. 2. Heron’s Caskeys Happy Hour JW. Close up to 1, this charming girl pleased with her balanced, unexaggerated outline. Lovely angles and proportionate throughout. Pretty head with plenty of work and raised brows, arched neck leading to firm topline, well boned limbs, strength through the loin. Moved soundly fore and aft. 3. Chorley-Newton and Chorley’s Outfoxed by Kerryfair JW.

NB (21,6) 1. Hinslea’s Northamber Causin a Riot. Pretty, pleasing bitch with a clean outline. Was third in the superb puppy class. Feminine head , dark eye, low ear set .Presented in lovely condition, well constructed all through, good in front, upper arm and layback of shoulder, well sprung ribs. Rangy body properties at the moment , but should mature into a very attractive bitch. Sound, free and collected on the move. 2. Holley’s Danaway Briana of Wynjil. Reserve in Puppy. Maturing nicely. Very elegant girl with a sleek outline not overdone in any way, pretty head and eye, super reach of neck, correct upper arm and layback of shoulder strong pasterns, neat feet. Moved with drive and enthusiasm. 3. Jarrald and Hillocks Jonola Classic ClichE9

GB (21,5) 1. Townsend’s Follidown Wisteria. Bitch of quality and full of breed type. Showed overall balance with good bone, in excellent coat and condition. Striking head and expression, strong neck into good shoulders, lovely deep chest, strong quarters which she used to effect ,giving her sound free movement. Close decision between first two, preferred the overall conformation of my winner. 2. McDonald’s Delsanto Martinique Mature girl unfortunate to meet 1. Beautiful head and expression with correct planes and chiselling, super low set ears, dark eyes, excellent construction from head to her well set on tail. Good forechest, straight front, short and parallel from hock to heel. Presented in first-rate coat and condition. Moved with drive. 3. Ellis’ Brayville Love Affair JW

PGB (23,5) 1. Morgan’s Kerrsienna a Paige in History for Deaconara JW (USA IMP) Compact, racy and balanced bitch of sound and elegant construction. Feminine head with dark expressive eyes, neat neck leading into well laid shoulders , straight front. Scored over 2 with her, deep chest and well sprung rib cage. Her lovely sweeping stifles, neat hocks and good tail set were all used to advantage in her stylish, driving movement, which was a pleasure to see .Presented in glossy coat and condition 2. Hillocks Jonola Liberty X JW. Different to the winner both in outline and coat. Totally feminine, darker coated bitch with extremely pretty head with soft expression, lovely dark eye. Good through the neck and shoulder , pleasing topline.Stands true with good bone and tight feet. Poised and elegant on the move, with lovely head carriage. 3. Pollard’s Grayrigge Maeve JW

MLB (12,5) 1. Tuite’s Rua Primavara A more substantial bitch than most I placed today, however she took my eye in this class with her classic outline with the best of rear quarters. Lean and feminine in head, lovely eye and expression , sleek over neck and shoulder, short and powerful from hock to heel. Moved with balance and precision. Presented in super coat and condition Regrettably, she seemed to lose interest in the challenge which affected her outline and enthusiasm on the move. 2. Crocker and Hammick’s Brabrook Fantasy Believer with Riverbrue One I have not noticed before and was more than pleased with what I found. Most pleasing in head and expression with long low set on ears. Excellent construction all through with lovely angles at shoulder and stifle, good reach of neck and well sprung ribs, sturdy hind quarters, neat hocks. Very attractive balanced outline which she retained on the move. Liked her very much 3. Budgell’s Robbielene Keely ShCM

LB (12,2) 1. King’s Kirkavagh Jumilla JW Have admired this lady from a baby and she has matured into a bitch with a stunning outline, simply flowing from head to tail. Pretty feminine head, lovely through the neck and shoulder, super topline and tailset. So racy and elegant in profile, skillfully handled and presented in tip top condition as always by this exhibitor. Has recently gained her crown and thought she might gain top honours today. However, appeared affected by the heat and although moving soundly, did not show the animation and drive I was looking for in the challenge. 2. Evans’ Brabrook Marbela. Another who pleased very much, just lost out to the winner on finish. Elegant bitch of quality, well proportioned head, lovely expression, correct earset, excellent arched neck, good lay of shoulder, firm topline into well muscled rear quarters. Good deportment on the move showing forward extension and drive .Did well to beat 3rd, another bitch whom I have long admired. 3. Waterton’s Lynwood Strands of Silk at Sandstream

OB (14,6) 1. Ritchie’s Sh Ch Ir Sh Ch Gwendariff Pop My Cork. A difficult class to judge as it demonstrated diversity in breed type. My winner is a top quality bitch and, as always, was presented immaculately. Stood out in the initial line up and I was not disappointed when going over her. Head and expression pleasing, good neck and shoulders, excellent topline flowing smoothly into her tail. Well muscled upper thigh and good bend of stifle into hocks which propelled her with drive and enthusiasm, holding her topline. Felt her coat lacked a little of its normally excellent condition on the day. Very close hair -splitting decision, just preferred the more chiselled head and bloom of my CC winner. Pleased to award her the RCC 2. McClarnon’s Northamber Baccarat via Kerryfair JW. Pleasing bitch presented in super lustrous coat and condition. A close decision over 3, not as elegant in movement but nonetheless sound and scoring in body and quarters. Well proportioned head, dark eye, feminine outlook. Not overdone in any way, clean length of neck, good angles, admirable body properties being well ribbed with robust quarters. Good strength to bone, neat feet. 3. Powis’ Sh Ch Amberwave Spangle JW

Ken Stockton

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