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SEISC 2007 Having been invited to judge SEIS Club Show, may I extend
a big thanks to the club members that voted to have me judge their show. In the
past I have refereed the show and also judged the b’s. After than event I had
the joy of seeing my b CC winner gaining BOB at Crufts later that year. Thank
you for the excellent quality entry. I appreciate the trust the exhibitors have
shown in my ability to give an honest opinion of their precious stock. To
exhibitors not placed on the day please don’t become despondent as the saying
goes, ìwith ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are
attainableî. Because of weather conditions, days before the show (gales,
snowstorms and fog), my vision of absentees were unfounded as on leaving home
the morning of the show we had a beautiful spring morning, arriving in good time
and without a hitch. While Setters are shown indoors there never seems enough
space in the show ring to get them moving at their best with a good stride.
While I proceeded to judge MP and P (numerical large class), I was soon to
become aware that a time and motion study on the time taken by me to judge each
exhibit. Perhaps a study such as this would have a more accurate result if taken
after the early classes, since I doubt if any consideration is given to the time
consuming task taken with an obstinate p, that neither handler nor my self could
deal with, or p’s that were apprehensive requiring time and special attention
needing to gain more ring confidence. Handlers could help in taking care to
check on their d’s front once stacked for examining, I found my self resetting
fronts throughout all the classes. The chief steward/assistant show manager,
finally informed me that I was taking 2 ñ 2.5 mins per d, which seemed to
satisfy. I must say last time I was involved in a time and motion study when I
worked in a bank, after which they sacked half the staff. Hope that this time it
won’t put an end of my judging career? Enough of this frippery, don’t fret I am
only joking! On examining a Setter in an early class and finding him to be
unduly thin, the exhibitor informed me her d competed at f/t trials, (no class
for f/t at this show), I can empathise with the owner having bred two F/T Ch’s,
trained and handled by ourselves. I am aware of the difficulty trying to get
such a d up to the correct weight and necessary show condition. May I suggest
after Setter/Pointer trials end immediately feeding the d on a diet of cooked ox
heart, he should then gain enough weight to compete with the beauties in the
show ring. I was concerned to find untypical ëskully heads’ and upright tail
carriage most prevalent in our breed today, lack of undercoat, rather more wave
and curl than the standard suggests, coat flat and straight, feet to be more
smallish and tight. Seasonal loss of pigment and dry skin around eyes and nose
was evident in some d’s so it detracts from expression, seaweed powder and
ësevenseas staroil’ in the diet might cure this. Finally with many new comers to
our beautiful breed, I hope they will keep in mind the wistfulness in expression
and adhere to the standard, either while judging of when the time to chose a
suitable stud d arises, choosing a d that might sire refined heads and correct
tail carriage. SETTER IRISH: MP (18). 1 Pines’ Seowns Archer. At 7 mnths, first
time out, kindly expression, dark eyes, structured head, true in front, well
placed shoulders, good depth of chest, topline and tailset good. A p of
substance excelled in width of thigh and turns of stifle, which showed in his
strong free action on the move. Well coated, since he is sired by one of my d’s
so in principal my assessment was to be more critical. I was looking forward to
his competing with the v pretty MP p b. TO my dismay he was entered in a further
class of mature and much older p d’s and paid the penalty of being placed well
down the line. Surely there is a lesson to be learned here for owner/handlers
with v young stock. While in the ring perhaps p could benefit form a tit-bit to
keep his interest, as he looked a little glum in PD class; 2 Willis’ Jacwilins
Willoughby. Almost 8 mnths, a beautiful head and expression, kind eyes, low set
ears, excellent reach of neck, shoulders well laid back, good topline, not quite
the width of thigh of 1st, neat feet, moved with drive, nice coat, handled and
presented well; 3 Prangle’s Heathclare A Chance Of Magic. 8 mnths, taller d,
slightly stronger in head than other two, well developed and sound p in all
aspects, moved well, in gleaming coat and excellent condition. VHC in PD. All
three p’s excelled in movement. Indeed all the MP’s were a delight to go over.
Thanks for brining your precious p’s. PD (13). 1 Swainston’s Glenvarna Himself.
A v mature p d as one would expect at 11 mnths, dark expressive eyes, giving
kind expression, balance, good reach of neck, a little slack under throat, true
in front with good depth, topline and tail set excellent. Strong hindquarters
moved with purpose, presented in gleaming coat. In agreement with my co-judge
gaining BPIS. Congratulations; 2 Mugford’s Lynwood Field Of Dreams. Beautiful
head, melting Irish expression. Not the maturity of 1st. Finer type in all over
conformation, clean reach of neck, sound in front, with pleasing topline, neat
feet and sound hindquarter, moved with true steady action, presented in
excellent gleaming coat. I would have preferred a less wavy coat, as the
standard requires. Also 3rd in Maiden and Novice; 3 Stubb’s Littleplea Lord
Barnabus. Almost 1 yr old, taller d, a large body frame, all in proportion,
stronger in head with more width of skull, sound in front with great depth of
sternum, well muscled rear end. Moved and showed with confidence, presented
well, in excellent coat. JD (6). 1 Hemmings’ Orlanset Highly Spirited. At 15
mnths a nice type of Irish, intelligent alert expression, dark eyes, good stop
with raised eye brows, reachy neck, shoulders well laid back, good depth of
chest for one so young. Feathered and finished in glowing coat, also won a good
Maiden class. My notes relate he was down in pastern and his feet could be
tighter and more up on his toes, could benefit from road walking. Loved the
white star on his chest; 2 Barker’-Bells’ Balintyne Chances Are. 17 mnth v
beautiful Irish, if one can say that about a male! More compact in body than
1st, a more rugged type, had all the essentials, front true and sound in all
other aspects, lacked the sweep of stifle of 1st. Needs more furnishing and tail
feathering to complete a v nice picture, no doubt this will come with maturity,
a pleasure to observe his super action in his driving movement; 3 Collom’s
Kirkavagh Pilsudski. Same age as 2nd. Expression good and work in head, soft
brown eyes, well put together though a finer type when compared with the two
above, not as positive in front, could be more tight in elbows which was evident
in his movement, presented in beautiful coat and condition, handled by breeder
with care and tenderness. 2nd in Maiden/Novice. YD (13). 1 Millgan-Both and
Botts’ Scotselaw Detroit Spinner By Thendara. 22 mnths, this d in my mind was a
vision of loveliness, refined head, soft malign expression. A glint of mischief
in his Irish eyes, excelled in reach of neck and spring of ribs, sound as a
bell, body in proportion, well developed in rear end which was evident in his
animated action around the ring. Presented in excellent coat and condition. At
this stage of judged I had considered him for top honours, but have no doubt his
day will soon come; 2 Roffey and Evans’ Danaway Lancelot. Another nice type,
head more strong, expression good, true in front, well put together with good
depth of body, not yet got the finish of first in coat furnishings, though his
coat was in gleaming condition. Moved covering the ground well was a bit
restless while standing; 3 Evans’ Goldings Gypsy King. 20 mnths, smaller type of
Irish, broader in skull and shorter in foreface than first or second. Kind
expression, front good, topline pleasing and tail placement good. Least mature
of the three, though body properties all in proportion needs time to feather up,
moved well, presented in good nick. SP BEGINNERS (2). 1 Streeter’s Heathclare
Musicmans Magic. Nice head and expression, front good, with reachy neck, tail
placement good at 8 mnths. Was VHC in MP which was an excellent class, also in
the company of his litter brother placed 3rd, his movement could have been
better; 2 Tapper’s Kedalita The Merry Tyler. Another through from p, unplaced in
that class due to being v under weight. At 11 mnths liked his head and
expression, I see his sire is favourite of mine, could have moved better. MAIDEN
D (11). 1 Hemmings’ O H Spirited; 2 Colloms’ K Pilsudski; 3 Mugford’s L F O
Dreams. ND (6). 1 Crosswells’ Riquitta Shear Gold. Typical Irish countenance,
good reach of neck into well laid shoulder, not a big d, sound in front, topline
and tailset good at 18 mnths. I would like to see more muscle over rear end, out
classed in yearling, given time he may do some winning. Presentation good and
moved briskly; 2 Collom’s Kirkavagh Pilsudski; 3 Mugford’s Lynwood Field Of
Dreams. UGD (9). 1 Jones’ Janter Mannanan Mac Lir. An impressive red, 2 yrs old,
v pleasing to the eye, oozing with quality. Balanced head, kind dark eyes, soft
expression. True in front with good depth of brisket, excellent width of thigh,
sweeping stifle, hindquarters strong and well muscled, well set tail, carried
correctly on the move, had freedom of movement, beautiful coat and condition; 2
Partridges’ Kerrydown Look At Me. Almost 3 yrs, another with typical Irish
expression, v similar qualities to 1st, not as positive in front, abundance of
glowing coat, moved and showed with confidence; 3 Russell’s Red Glenury Jason Of
Redabrook. Almost 2.5 yrs. A big d with good head and kind expression, low set
ears, not the reach of neck of the other two, his eyes could be darker, apart
from that he had good depth of body and had a powerful rear end, with good
driving movement, well feathered and finished. GD (18). 1 Smith’s Caskeys
Checkmate. An excellent class of quality young setters, all approx under 3 yrs.
A more compact type, typical Irish, kind expression. Dark eyes and work in head,
deep chest and balanced throughout, good sweep of stifle and neat feet, carried
himself around the ring with confidence, shown in peak condition; 2 Stockton’s
Kespas Infrared JW. True Irish expression, gazing out from the most appealing
Irish eyes. This d was excellent in outline and finish, a bigger boy than first.
Excellent front, reach of neck, depth in keeping with rest of body, super tail
plume carried correctly on the move, in sparkling condition, Movement ok; 3
Stockers’ Kirkavagh Bikala JW. A tall d of excellent quality, v sound type. V
pleasing to the eye, full of confidence, a real extrovert which was evident from
his cheeky bark, free in action on the move which obtained his high placing in
this class, coat in great bloom. PG (21). 1 Harrison’s Caskeys Voyager. RCCC d,
5 yrs old, a thing of beauty is a joy forever! And so it must be to own a d such
as this. Surprised to find this beauty still in PG. My idea of a typical Irish,
refined in head, with excellent expression and soft brown eyes. Reach of neck
and front, good flowing topline and correct tail carriage. Keeping level topline
on the move, small tight feet, adequate coat and tail finish. Presented in v
nice condition, hope he will go on to deserving higher awards. Congratulations;
2 Stockton’s Kespas Voyager. Almost 3 yrs, litter brother to 2nd in G. Once more
found such a typical Irish beauty, liked his head and expressive eyes, reachy
neck, low set ears, spring of ribs and strong hindquarters, glowing coat of deep
chestnut, perhaps his front feet could be tighter, moved with drive covering the
ground; 3 Swainston’s Glenvarna Sungold JW. Not yet 3 yrs, another nice type has
size balanced and style could have been more positive in front, he seemed to
carry a bit of weight over his shoulders today, presented in excellent coat and
condition. Moved with animation, teeth could benefit from cleaning. MLD (5). 1
Hiron’s Loskeran Blue Jazz. Just over 5 yrs, a nice expression, kind eyes and
balanced head, true in front, body all in proportion, good turn of stifle and
strong hind. Tail well set and carried correctly on the move, coat in excellent
condition, nails on front feet need attention; 2 Edward’s Barleydale Lumiere.
Over 4 yrs masculine head, good eyes, excelled in reach of neck and lay back of
shoulders, more compact d than 1st, had good depth and finish with beautiful
fringed coat, moved with purpose. A pity he had high tail carriage; 3 Langley’s
Caspians Zhivago. Just over 4 yrs. Much smaller frame of d compared to the other
two placed in this class, though sound enough in his make up such as front and
hindquarters, good in neck, body in proportion, moved well, presented in shining
coat. A pity he too carried his flag. MLD (6). 1 Ciechonskas’ Caskeys Concept At
Aoibheanne JW. Not yet 3 yrs old. Quality red, his praises have been reported
many times already. I was not disappointed to find he had pleasing eyes and
balanced head, typical, alert Irish expression. Reach of neck, spring of ribs
and topline good. Well muscled hindquarters. He was at one with his handler on
the move today, correct tail carriage, moved freely. I would prefer a less wavy
coat, keeping to the standard. Some coincidence when I realized my class winners
in GD and MLD were siblings. RCC, PGD was a half brother and all the progeny of
the same dam. Congratulations to Sh Ch Dunnygask Ginger Spice At Caskeys; 2
Willett’s Caspians Disraell JW. Just over 4 yrs what a handsome d this one. V
pleasing to the eye, just about the correct height and shape, mature, giving an
excellent outline, sound in front, balanced throughout, great depth, coat and
tail furnishings in glowing condition, moved with drive and freedom. Suggest
handler finds his favourite tit bit to get a livelier expression; 3 Wigfull’s
Coppersheen Chaconne. Almost 6 yrs old, another nice Irish difficult to fault in
construction, v elegant which showed in his stance, stood proud with his head
held high on the move, well finished and presented in bloom. A pity he had to
meet up with 1st and 2nd in this class. LD (9). 1 Smiths’ Reddins Tillerman JW.
3.5 yrs old. A medium sized setter, one I have watched and admired for some
time. I was in no way disappointed in construction and presentation. Not at all
exaggerated in any way. Most endearing wistful expression refined head,
expressive dark eyes, good reach of neck to be seen when not obscured by
handler’s style of exhibiting this d, in pushing the head slightly out of
alignment. Sound in front with depth of body all in proportion, length and width
of thigh good from his sound hindquarters. Moved with stylish action extending
well, finished in glowing coat and furnishings completing a delightful picture.
Perhaps a custodian for the breeds future. Awarded him his 2nd ticket and BOB. I
trust he won’t have long to weight for his crown. While competing for the BIS
award, with the referee’s assessment the d was awarded best in show,
congratulations. The b winning her third ticket was taken from Veteran’s class.
What a thrill for her owner making up her b of almost 9 yrs of age. I believe
it’s her owners 1st Sh Ch after many years in the breed. I thought her to be a v
pretty Setter, sweet head and expression, congratulations. When competing for
BIS it gave me great pleasure watching the d stride out with such style and
confidence, moving better each time he was asked to do so. I thought the d had
the edge over the b on the day; 2 McDonagh’s Ronzalda Don Quiochotte. 4 yrs, a
taller d, substantial stature, displays excellent balance and great depth of
brisket, pleasing gin head, dark eyes and kind expression, low placed leathers,
front sound, moved with confidence and drive from his strong hindquarters, coat
colour and texture good; 3 Torpy’s Follidown Red Grouse JW. Over 5.5 yrs, held
his refined head high with that special air of elegance, most appealing
expression. Had judged him some years back, loved him then he still causes my
heart to flutter, excels in good, reachy neck, shoulders well laid back, body in
proportion, front true, feet neat, well muscled rear, excellent width of thigh,
moved with style, lost out a bit in topline due to slight drop away in croup,
plenty of coat and furnishings, presented in beautiful condition. OD (6). 1
Bailey’s Covarney Montello JW. Over 6 yrs old, tall upstanding d. I was
immediately attracted to this stance and super outline on my walk around, so
much to like about his head and eyes and good reachy neck, well laid shoulders
and depth of sternum, correct ribbing, good width and turn of stifle, great
topline and tail finish, moved with true free action, presented in beautiful
coat and furnishings in full bloom. Hope he will soon get his deserving crown; 2
Milligan-Bott and Botts’ Sh Ch Thendara Don Corleone. At 7 yrs old today, a
belated birthday hug to the ëDon’, a great d of substance underneath that
profuse coat. Much has been related about the quality of this boy, I found that
he had a gentile expression, good front, excellent topline, a v worthy Sh Ch.
Presented in excellent coat and condition, movement was ok; 3 Myers’ Astrazone
Special Brew JW Sh Ch. Medium sized d, 5 yrs old, head refined, shoulders and
front good, topline good, well placed tail, strong rear end, moved soundly front
and rear, nicely finished in coat and tail feather, would have preferred more
almond eyes according to the standard. Moved with drive covering the ground.
Having asked handler the d’s age, I was shocked when he replied 6.5 yrs, we
laughingly got this sorted to find he was 8 yrs!, not showing any sign of age; 2
Edward’s Sh Ch Cedrus Solitaire. A more compact d, not as racy as 1st, looking a
picture standing, not looking his 9 yrs. True in front, so sound in construction
and balance, well muscled, presented in beautiful coat, dripping with
feathering, moved with free easy action, handled with tenderness; 3 Harris and
Edwins’ Konakakela Persuader. Another 9 yr old, appearance of elegance, typical
Irish expression had all the essentials, a little restless at times, keeping his
handler busy. Movement could have been better, presented in glowing coat and
condition. Glad the weather was kind to the oldies and p’s for their day out.
Thank you for bringing them all, it was privilege to go over them.
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