Pedigree Special Champion Stakes
What
can one say about all the excellent dogs one has a chance
of going over & judging. To end up with a winner doesn’t
really mean the rest are losers, it is just on the day they
had the edge. The conditions, though impressive, don’t
really suit all dogs. It was hot under the spotlights in the
ring for dogs, handlers, judge and my two special stewards
George Morgan and Dennis Coxall.
First was the Toy Poodle Ch Aedans Double Delight, owned &
bred by Miss S & Mrs B Godfrey, she is so well balanced,
elegant, all poodle, sound free mover with correct rear drive.
In good coat & condition. 2 Pekingese Ch Yakee a Dangerous
Liaison, owned and bred by Messrs B Easdon & P Martin.
So well balanced, correct bone, great dignity in movement,
large round dark eyes set beautifully in correctly shaped
head, not in profuse feathering on the day. 3 Dobermann Ch
Chancepixies Monopolist, breeders/owners Mr A Anderson &
Mrs J Frost. Muscular & elegant, everything in proportion,
free, sound mover with correct reach & drive, in lovely
condition. 4 American Cocker Sh Ch Afterglow Arrabella, owner
Miss S Crummey, Mrs J Grant & Mr W Cannell, handled by
breeder Mike Gadsby.
Lovely head & expression, compact strudy body, muscular
quarters, smooth effortless mover. 5 Old English Sheepdog,
Ch Zottels You Don’t Fool Me, breeder/owner Mrs C Bailey,
strong, symmetrical, well coated. Beautifully handled amongst
so many super handlers.
Valerie Foss
Pedigree Veteran Stakes
A
truly memorable event:- the staging and atmosphere make this
a wonderful showcase for these beautiful dogs. And beautiful
they were - to say I was spoilt for choice is an understatement.
I kept in a first cut of 10 including the Siberian Husky,
the multi titled Artic Blue Chancellor - and extremely good
looking dog with the air of quality about him, and a very
light easy mover; the Shih Tzu Ch/Ir Ch Jardhu The Republican
arrogant in his carriage and with a lovely expression, The
Akita Ch Oktumi Love Action, impressed for her balance and
good rear - just a touch heavy in body on the day; the Weimaraner
Sh Ch Ansona Murphy impressed with his drive and soundness.
His front and feet are still superb. The Sealyham Terrier
pressed hard for a top place - at almost 13 years he is remarkable,
retains his lovely head, a mouth in great condition and his
coat texture and presentation were superb - to keep a terrier
coat like this for so many years is a mark of dedication by
his owner.
He flagged a little towards the end which just ousted him
out of the top five who were - in fifth place the German Spitz
Ch Ahlen Bailey’s Cream at Delgray in magnificent form,
a real showman and full of quality. In fourth spot the Schnauzer
Ch Khinjan American Express, a dog full of breed type and
still an excellent mover. I felt he was a little heavy over
his shoulders on the day.
In third spot the Pembroke Corgi the multi titled Stonecroft
Second Stage - looking a picture in superb coat of beautiful
rich colour. A picture of balance and a great performance
to put on. Runner-up was the Beagle - Ch Perseverence of Bayard
- he might not have been the most glamorous in the line up
but his balance and symmetry and his impeccable movement on
the day put him here. He was in gloriously hard, gleaming
condition and his honesty and quality made him worthy of this
spot.
There was no denying the winner in my eyes, the Papillon Ch
Tussalud Story Teller - he stormed into the ring holding himself
beautifully and never stopped asking for the top award. He
is a beautiful model for the breed - and a wonderful veteran.
What a feast for the connoisseur - to see these dogs - and
to handle them was a great privilege making an occasion I
shall long remember. My thanks to Pedigree for the honour,
and for their hospitality and generosity to us all.
Frank Kane
Pedigree
Junior Handler of the Year
It
was a great honour to be asked to judge these finals and once
in the ring I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Many thanks must
go to Mrs Liz Cartledge who has always been very supportive
to me throughout my 20 years in dogs, and to the whole team
who work so hard to ensure that this day is a great success,
year in and year out.
I felt that after competing in the finals twice, and being
on both sides, winning and losing, that I knew exactly how
the handlers were feeling on this very important day.
Throughout the competition all handlers were only ever asked
to undertake a combination of a triangle and up and down,
together with showing the teeth/bite.
I was looking for a handler where I noticed the dog more than
them, as juniors and their parents must remember it is a DOG
show after all, and the handler should never out shine their
dog.
From the original 14 handlers I selected 6. I wish I had more
places I could quite easily have short listed some more.
In 1st place was a real star performer, JANE CRYER. She was
smart and at one with her dog at all times, together with
undertaking all requirements effortlessly. Her original dog
was a Border Collie who she showed and moved correctly throughout
the first part of the competition, her real test was on the
change of dog, Weimaraner, not any easy breed to handle at
the best of times, but with the rapport that Jane built up
in the very short space of time she had with the dog you would
think it was hers, and it is only people with a true naturally
talent can achieve this.
I was given a piece of advise once when judging junior handling
"would you want your winner to handle your dogs"
and I would definitely have no problems in letting Jane handle
one of mine. Very well done and good luck for the future
In 2nd place was Laura Smith handling a Parson Russell Terrier.
As with Jane she handled her original dog very well, once
again following my instructions. On the change over of dogs
Laura was also given a difficult breed to handle, Saluki.
Laura moved the dog at the correct pace, but unfortunately
had a little trouble with standing the dog and on occasions
had him stood like a rocking horse, and maybe a little more
vocal encouragement with a strange dog would build the rapport
needed. Once again very smartly dressed, just right for the
occasion.
In 3rd place was Kirsty Miller handling an English Springer
Spaniel. Handled her dog very well and making the best of
it. Kirsty’s change over dog was a young Shih Tzu, so
full of character which made moving the dog a little difficult,
but Kirsty coped well, unfortunately standing the dog seemed
challenging, which looked as if it unsettled Kirsty, a more
relaxed and soft approach may have worked better, but I know
how difficult it can be under the circumstances.
Sarah Pettit
Photo
by Vince Hogan
l The Pedigree Junior Handler of the Year was Jane Cryer who
won the JHA 12-16 yrs Pastoral semi-final at Richmond championship
show under Dr Thomas Jakkel and is pictured here with her
Border Collie and, from l -r, Mrs Frances Chapman-King, judge
Miss Sara Pettit (who herself won the competition in 1990),
and Mr Bill King of Pedigree.
Photo
by Vince Hogan
l A packed crowd eagerly watched the judging of the Stakes
finals.
Photo
by Vince Hogan
l Members of the the Blackpool committee had a great time,
from l- r Hilda Parkinson (Chairman) & partner Stuart,
Steve & Pat Hall, Peter & Peggy Bailey (Show Manager
& Chief Steward respectively).
Photo
by David Cavill
l Frank Kane goes over Dennis & Jill Hadleigh’s Skye
Terrier Ch Reignmakers Ringleader.
