The
winning Champion Stakes line-up, in first place the Saluki,
MacDonald’s Ch Maybrooka Jayid; in second place the
Irish Wolfhound, Goodall’s Ch Driftcot Orlando, and
in third place the Basenji, Hardy & Hallam’s Ch
Akmar Akhetaten at Tokaji
This
year the Pedigree Stakes Finals, held on Saturday 24th January
at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry, celebrated its 25th Anniversary,
which incorporated a different format from previous years.
As I drove onto the complex towards the venue, just after
9am, I could see the car park already filling up with dogs
being walked into the venue and in some cases pushed along
in cages, and I made my way to the foyer to collect my "paperwork"
which included my lunch ticket, to be greeted by a host
of cheery Pedigree staff, busily assisting the arrivals
and directing people to the hall.
We were greeted by coffee/tea and a slice of celebratory
cake in the Warwick Hall and as I mingled, chatting to people
at various tables, I really began to get the feel of the
day, as I saw many familiar, friendly faces from the world
of pedigree dogs. Judges, breeders, exhibitors, handlers,
show secretaries, distinguished officers of Committee, invited
guests, parents, friends, and supporters, looking forward
to an enjoyable day, courtesy of our generous hosts, Pedigree
Masterfoods. The real stars of this event, the dogs were
benched away from the main ring which, as usual was laid
out in "typical Pedigree style", green carpet
and white picket fence. Once I had secured my catalogue,
I quickly had a look at the contents, located the Our Dogs
stand, and then wandered through the main room speaking
to guests and visitors alike. I enjoyed my few moments with
Miss Sybil Churchill, who as well as being Secretary of
LKA is also Chairman of WELKS. We recalled the history of
the "Finals" and she told me the first of these
events were held at LKA way back in l977!
Before the judging commenced, like many others, I took the
golden opportunity to view the marvellous painting that
Pedigree Masterfoods had commissioned Stuart Mallard to
do of last year's Crufts BIS winner, Ch Yakee A Dangerous
Liaison, resplendent, set off in a beautiful frame, on an
easel. What struck me about this painting were the eyes
of the dog, captured with typical oriental disdain, looking
so life like. "Danny" pictured on an oriental
stool, captured on canvas, right down to every detail, set
off against an ideal blended background of the forbidden
city in Peking. Truly a "work of art". I am reliably
informed that by painting the Crufts BIS winner, Stuart
has fulfilled one of his life's ambitions within his artistic
career.
I find this multi talented artist so modest about his work.
When I asked how long it had taken him to complete the painting
he replied 2 to 3 months, obviously including quite a few
sessions with the dog. In case they had missed a viewing,
there was a chance for the assembled audience to view this
masterpiece later in the day when the painting was paraded
in the main ring for all to see; before being presented,
later in the afternoon, to "Danny's" breeder /
owner Bert Easdon by Patrick Hyskins of Pedigree Masterfoods.
So, whilst photographs of this occasion were being taken,
the audience needed little encouragement to show its appreciation
of the artist and his work, quite justifiably so!
Introductions
After
we had all taken our seats, the formal introductions began.
Tom Grant, National Breeder Manager, Show and Breeder Services
Division welcomed us all and introduced our commentator
for the day Bernard Hall, as usual very ably assisted by
his wife Rosemary. The stewards, Dennis Coxall and George
Morgan ably assisted by Suzy Roffey from Pedigree, who was
celebrating her birthday on the day, came into the ring
then the Veteran finalists were called in. Bernard introduced
the judge, well known Group judge, Albert Wight, who looked
sun-tanned and very smart in his blue pin stripped suit,
his red carnation matching his tie!
(Chatting to Albert before the judging commenced he told
me when he was showing his Shelties he had been fortunate
enough to make a champion in all three colours!) Himself
no stranger to these finals as he was Ch stakes judge in
l999. According to the catalogue there were 25 Veterans
scheduled, but sadly three had since died. They were the
Weimaraner, Sh Ch Ansona Murphy, the Saluki, Ch Mumtaz Moonmagic
and the Pointer, Sh Ch Sandlebeat Baxter of Stockend.
Eventually after all the veterans had been seen, our judge
shortlisted down to 10, then cut to the final five. Mr Wight
shook hands with all those taking part as they left the
ring and I gather they were presented with a gift as a reminder
of the occasion. After a final last look at the dogs, he
gave the nod to the stewards, a decision had been made,
so the place boards were set in situ. The winner would receive
£200 Pedigree produce and a large crystal lidded chalice.
The judge invited the Samoyed to come out first. So the
winner was Ch Zamoyski Lucky Casanova at Roybridge, born
in December l994, he is owned by Bridget Enticott, handled
by her grand daughter Donna Fleming, who looked very smart
in her blue pin stripped trouser suit "Topper"
was bred by Carole Hamilton of the Samoyski prefix. Drawn
number 13 in the competition, in view of his name the number
held no terrors for this boy!
The UK's breed record holder, with an impressive list of
wins to his name, favourite pastimes, according to his owner
include, socks, bananas and puppies as well as early nights!
In 2nd place and the recipient of £125 Pedigree product
and a medium crystal chalice, was the runner up from last
year, June and Howard Parker's homebred Newfoundland, the
ever youthful Ch Evanpark Ace Ventura J.W, the same age
as the winner, handled as usual by Lisa Bridges whose bright
two tone hair colour certainly guaranteed a second look!
In third place, to receive £75. Pedigree produce and
a small crystal chalice was the Field Spaniel Sh Ch Coralmist
Constance of Jesham, aka "Connie" also born in
l994. I believe, the first Field to qualify for the finals.
She is owned by Ben and Jayne Bennett and was bred by Doreen
Mowbray. Her delighted handler had a smile from ear to ear
which can be seen in the photographs! In fourth place was
the delightful Lancashire Heeler, Ch Foxthyme Material Girl,
"Jess" born in l993 was the first Champion in
the breed, has l8 tickets to her credit, was bred by Enid
Lord and is owned by Colin and Denise Russell.
I believe at home she is always keen to help the postman
put his letter through their letterbox! The fifth spot went
to the Beagle, Ch Lowyck Kissin Cousin at Lusaff, born in
l995, she is known as "Lucy" at home, was bred
by Pat and Colin Lomax and is owned by Jim and Pat McKeown
of Merseyside. She has 15 CCs under her belt and her owners
say she "has saved them from obesity and extensive
heart disease as she regularly eats them out of house and
home"! Once the final selection was made, Bernard Hall
introduced the Marketing Manager for Pedigree, Mr David
Wilson who made the presentations, Sally Richards leading
the way for the Pedigree team, and then of course, the photographers
also made their way into the ring to capture the moment.
A crystal memento was presented to Albert White by David
Wilson from Pedigree and then the winning five dogs did
a lap of honour one more time to great applause from the
audience.
Applause
With
the Veterans out of the way it was time for the Junior Handlers.
For this, Bernard Hall handed the commentary for the event
to Frank Kane, no stranger to the microphone. Frank promptly
introduced the competitors and their dogs. 14 qualifiers
in the 2 age categories, spanning the seven groups, with
the winner representing the UK in the finals at Crufts,
together with £400 in prize money. The youngsters
were then invited to bring their dogs into the ring to great
applause from the audience. Once assembled, Frank then introduced
our judge for the competition, Geoff Corish, who was escorted
into the ring by Tom Grant.
Geoff "Forefather of the handling profession"
across the 7 groups, also has the distinction of handling
the BIS winner at Crufts on 2 occasions, and was the Veteran
Stakes winner in l989 with "Fresno". He is one
of the UK's top handlers, who as Frank said, " has
been there, done that and got the tee shirt!" Geoff
was smartly attired in a grey Armani suit with red carnation,
white shirt and Gucci tan shoes (Thank you Michael). Geoff's
stewards were Dennis Coxall, George Morgan and representing
Pedigree, Shaun Williamson. As Geoff was going over the
dogs, Frank explained the qualifying system for the youngsters,
together with the format the competition would take. Geoff
wasted no time in putting these handlers through their paces.
Then, after a final once over, he made a short list of six
which included Kate Vincent with her Field Spaniel, Karra
Lawson with the Llasa Apso, Emily Bradley with the Wire
Haired Fox Terrier, Daniel Petrie with his GSD, Amy Bennett
with the Border Collie and finally Emma McLaughlin with
a Papillon.
These six finalists were then instructed to leave the ring
to change dogs and bring in new dogs (selected from the
Veterans shown earlier) obviously that they were not familiar
with. Geoff then thanked all the remaining junior handlers
who after they left the ring to applause, were presented
with mementos of the occasion. Whilst the change over was
being put into action, there was opportunity for the presentation
of The Treetops Shield, (in memory of Judy de Casembroot)
made by Suzy Roffey, (herself JHA of the year in l989),
to 13 year old Charlotte Nickel who had won it 6 times previously
and last year qualified 52 times! Unfortunately it was at
this point Frank had to ask the audience that had gathered
in one corner at the top of the ring, on more than one occasion
to be quiet, as their chatting was becoming increasing louder
and louder.
He appealed to them to be quiet as we were approaching a
very important part of the competition for dogs and their
young handlers. Eventually, they were asked to return to
their seats and the noise ceased. That done, the youngsters
were then invited back into the ring, this time with their
new charges. Kate with a Border Terrier, Karra with a Dalmatian,
Emily with a Golden Retriever, Daniel with a Dandie Dinmont,
Amy with an Italian Greyhound (the lovely "Bianca"
whom I had met early in the day in her Red Father Christmas
outfit !), and finally Emma with a Hungarian Vizsla. Once
again Geoff went over the dogs and this time these youngsters
really had to show how their versatility as they adapted
to their new breeds. They did one last lap, left the ring,
only to be reunited with their own breed, then back into
the main ring. Just time for one last look from the judge,
then he gave a nod to the stewards, he had made up his mind,
the boards were put in place. In first place he selected
14 year old Kate Vincent, from West Sussex, dressed in a
smart green skirt suit, handling "Beckham" the
Field Spaniel she and her sister Lauren bred. She also qualified
the dog to his JW the first of his breed on the new system.
Apart from showing her dogs, Kate has very little free time
was she is still in full time education, working towards
her A-levels and is a supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion
Football Club. (We all have our crosses to bear!) When she
has completed her education she hopes to be a drama teacher.
Second place went to 14 year old Emma McLaughlin, wearing
a black suit, this time making her second appearance at
the "Finals", handling "Snort" her Papillon
who was given to her as a nineth birthday present. Two years
ago, "Snort" was attacked by a Labrador whilst
out walking. His injuries almost cost him his life, he has
an amputated toe as a battle scar! Emma and "Snort"
have a wonderful team of supporters, not least John and
Gary Turner (Bodebi), Gary is also Emma's own "Style
Consultant" and travels with her whenever possible,
win or lose, Emma always looks a picture, thanks to Gary's
creative flair! Emma has had a wonderful year, first making
up her 1st Papillon champion and now 2nd in the JHA Finals,
she is, understandably, "Over the Moon"! 3rd place
and the prize of £100 donated by Richmond Ch show
went to Amy Bennett, from London with her Border Collie,
4th place, with £75 donated by Leeds Ch show was Emily
Leah Bradley from South Wales with a Wire Fox Terrier, 5th
place, together with £50. donated by Windsor Ch show,
to Karra Lawson from Warrington, Cheshire with a Lhasa Apso
and finally 6th place, and £25 donated by Welsh Kennel
Club went to the only boy in the line and from the younger
age bracket (6-11 years), 9 year old, Daniel Petrie, no
stranger to these finals, who enjoys all competitive sports,
including darts, snooker, running and football and when
he "grows up" he wants to be a professional dog
handler! After the presentations to judge and handlers,
they poised for the photographs, then it was time to make
ready for the Champions.
Frank Kane handed the microphone back to Bernard Hall, who
wasted no time in introducing The Special Champion Stakes,
which adopted the same format as the Veteran finals, this
time with 24 of the 25 entries present, just the Greyhound
Ch Mistweave Making Waves absent. Bernard then introduced
our judge, well known Group judge Clare Coxall, who looked
lovely, neatly dressed in blue floral dress, together with
pale blue jacket, Clare also had the distinction of judging
the Veteran Stakes in 2000. Stewards were John Banbury,
Isobell Dyke and representing Pedigree, Sara Pettit, Clare
eventually selected her first short list of ten which included
the Pem Welsh Corgi, Ch Penliath Shooting Star, St Bernard,
Ch Harlesford Celebration for Chandlimore, Chinese Crested,
Ch Blandora Time Bomb via Vanitonia, the Irish Wolfhound,
Ch Driftcot Orlando, OES, Ch/int Ch Allmark Ralph Lauren,
Basenji, Ch Akmar Akhetaten at Tokaji, PMD, Ch Laudley Dream
Supreme, Saluki, Ch Maybrooka Jayid, Welsh Springer Spaniel,
Sh Ch Highclare Energizer, and finally the Dobermann, Ch
Sallate Hunter for Marchtay.
Those not in the final ten left the ring to applause to
collect their mementos of the day. Then after another look
at these remaining, Mrs Coxall indicated she was ready for
her final selection. The place boards were set in place
and her hand went out to the Saluki,Ch Maybrooka Jayid.
This 4 year old dog, which was also last year's winner,
is owned and handled by Anne MacDonald, of Glasgow, who
looked delightful in her mulberry trouser suit. 2003 had
proved an excellent year for him as he was also BIS at both
WELKS and Midland Counties, so with this win under his belt
and his recent BIS success at Manchester, 2004 also augurs
well for this super hound.
Bernard Hall called upon Patrick Huyskens, Marketing Director
of Pedigree to make the presentations to the judge and the
five finalists. The winner was presented with £400
Pedigree product and a crystal presentation chalice. In
2nd place, with £250 Pedigree product and a large
footed trophy, was the Irish Wolfhound, who is a granddaughter
of the Irish Wolfhound who appeared earlier in the day in
the Veteran finals, (I was sat with the owner/breeders at
lunch!) Third place and £150 Pedigree product and
a medium footed trophy went to the Basenji, 4th the Dobermann
and 5th the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. All those taking part
were presented with a memento of the day kindly donated
by the generous sponsors. When the photographers had finished
the winners left the main ring, no doubt for more photographs
and smiles. There was time for one more round of presentations
to Bernard and Rosemary Hall and Frank Kane for their commentary,
to Liz Cartledge for her never ending work with the Juniors,
to Keith Young for his sterling work. I gather the gifts
were crystal for the men and hand ties of beautiful flowers
for the ladies.
Bernard Hall eventually brought the proceedings to an end
at and after a little wait which many of us got chance to
look at the seating plan, to locate our places from the
24 tables, all decorated with silver balloons (silver anniversary),
we filed into the Avon Suite for lunch.
The meal consisted of Prawn Cocktail with Apple and Iceberg
Lettuce and tomato mayonnaise sauce, Roasted Loin of Pork
with all the trimmings, (thankfully there was a veggie option).
For dessert we were served individual Forest Fruit Crumble
with Hot Vanilla sauce and of course, rounded off by coffee
and mints. After lunch Tom Grant said a few words of thanks
especially to all those concerned with the Finals and its
successes. Norman Ziman replied on behalf of the guests,
finally asking us to charge our glasses, the toast was "To
Pedigree!", our very generous sponsors of this spectacular
event. A final mention, next year’s Stakes are to be
held on Saturday 29th January, venue to be announced, judges
will be Terry Nethercott (Veterans) Suzy Roffey (Junior
Handlers) and Jean Lanning (Champions).
The
winning Veteran Stakes’ line-up, from left to right:
in second place Parker's homebred Newfoundland Ch Evanpark
Ace Ventura J.W, in first place the Samoyed, Enticott’s
Ch Zamoyski Lucky Casanova at Roybridge, and third the Field
Spaniel, Bennett’s Sh Ch Coralmist Constance of Jesham
The
final Junior Stakes line-up: in first place Kate Vincent
handling a Field Spaniel; in second place Emma McLaughlin
with a Papillon, and in third place Amy Bennett handling
a Border Collie.
Champion
Stakes’ final
- the judge’s report
What
a wonderful day & atmosphere at the new concept for
the Pedigree Stakes finals. It was such a success. Any move
and change of ideas is always a challenge and Tom Grant
and his team really pulled it off.
I was so honoured to be the judge for the Champion Stakes.
It certainly is a challenge to step out into the ring &
have the privilege of going over so many top quality dogs.
It is always a hard task when presented with a galaxy of
the best to decide who will be pulled in for further consideration.
I selected the Welsh Corgi, Ch Penliath Shooting Star; St
Bernard, Ch Poolsway Winning Spirit; Border Collie, Sh Ch
Caristan Moet Chandon; Chinese Crested, Ch Blandora Time
Bomb via Vanitonia; Irish Wolfhound, Ch Driftcot Orlando;
Basenji, Ch Akmar Akhenaten at Tokaji; Pyrenean, Ch Laudley
Dream Supreme; Saluki, Ch Mabrooka Jayid; Bearded Collie,
Ch Kiltondale McAuley; WSS, Sh Ch Highclare Energizer; &
the Dobermann, Ch Sallate Hunter for Marchtay.
The final five, picked from the above and placed first to
fifth were the Saluki, Wolfhound, Basenji, Dobermann and
Welsh Corgi. As they stood, I thought they were five of
the best, all excelled in quality and richly deserved their
placings.
The winner was so on top form, must have gone to a few rehearsals
beforehand, putting in an immaculate performance, pleased
me in every way.
The Wolfhound was so impressive, really used the ring, loved
her head. The Basenji when going at the right pace for that
breed, was so neat and precise, such an outline. The Dobermann
I found a sheer pleasure to go over, everything right such
a head, he put in such a strong performance, it was as the
expression is ‘word perfect’ and the Corgi, sheer
quality to go over, so very sound.
What more can you say, a most memorable day.
Clare Coxall
Veteran
Stakes’ final
- the judge’s report
The
venue may have changed as this year this much anticipated
event was not at the familiar Metropole Hotel, having moved
a bit further south to Stoneleigh. However, the warmth of
the welcome from Tom Grant and his dedicated team, together
with the organisational skills of Keith Young and his aides,
plus the velvet toned Bernard Hall acting as M.C. made sure
the event was a big success.
I had the pleasure of picking the Veteran winner and I have
to say that the standard was as high as I can ever remember
it. This is great credit to those judges who had officiated
at the heats throughout the year and I found it no easy
task simply to reduce the initial assembly to ten for further
consideration. Dogs I have given top honours to on previous
occasions failed to make this cut, but they were not disgraced.
Each exhibit was a credit to its breed and its owner. Breed
type abounded, there was nothing overweight, all were in
firm well muscled condition and in sparkling coat. And those
mouths! They would put some of the younger exhibits to shame.
Those which did make the initial cut but not the final 5
placings were the dalmatian Ch. Buffrey Arrabelle at Daedalus
showing her heart out, the Irish Wolfhound Ch. Culkeeran
Seth, remarkably good front, easy stepping giant in super
form, the rottweiler Ch./Ir.Ch. Rottessors Dollarmite at
Tikaram who hasn’t lost that desire to please his handler
look for which he is famous, the PBGV Ch. Tanager Crème
Caramel with that bright expression and the Puli Ch. Rockisland
Pan Dancer, square, sound and beautifully presented.
Fifth place went to the Beagle Ch. Lowyck Kissin Cousin
at Lusaff. What a charmer with that beautiful headpiece,
the softest of expressions, well ribbed and so compact in
body, tail perfectly set and carried, eye catching neck
and backline and moving so freely in profile.
Fourth was one of my favourites, the Lancashire Heeler Ch.
Foxthyme Material Girl. I have admired this delightful package
since I first saw her and today she gave another 5 star
performance. A comparatively recently recognised breed she
is, for me, almost a ten-plate for the breed and her front
is unbelievable. Has not aged in eyes and expression and
thoroughly deserved this placing.
Third was a completely new face to me in the Field Spaniel
bitch Sh. Ch. Coralmist Constance of Jesham. This liver
stormed into the ring and really looked like she could work
all day. Her rear action is tremendous, showing such drive.
I loved her head, well detailed below the eyes which are
soft and almost forgiving in expression. Her ribcage is
so well developed, the loin strong and her outline has such
appeal. I later learned she is not only a successful show
bitch but she has a daughter with, I believe, 18 CCs! Well
done.
Runner up (and I believe for the second year running!) was
the newfoundland Ch. Evanpark Ace Ventura, a top drawer
example of the breed and the type which must draw admirers
to the newfie. Certain dogs simply have style, good looks,
are shapely, move so well and give that little extra sparkle.
He does all of that. I found it hard to believe that he
is nine years old, he looks half that and he was presented
and handled to perfection. He was desperately unlucky to
come up against the winner as the Sammy has long been a
favourite of mine.
My association with the Ch. Zamoyski Lucky Casanova at Roybridge
goes back a long way. He has won a tremendous amount under
me and today he pleased me yet again.
Show on a loose lead he was in best body and coat I can
recall seeing him in for a very long time. And he is such
a show off. The ears never down, the neck arched, his plumed
tail up with his feet perfectly placed and the spotlights
giving his guard hairs that silvery shimmer. These all added
up to a picture of sheer class and in stance he looks an
ultimate show dog.
However he is an awful handful for his ever patient handler
as he is on his toes & plays up so much. He did not
move with the cadence one expects from a star at the first
time of asking and at one stage I did not think he would
win.
Nonetheless. at the final run off he decided it was time
to show that he can behave and he moved up and down perfectly
and I just knew it had to be his day yet again. He was a
popular winner.
My thanks to the organisers and to all those who attended
and supported each of these outstanding veterans with such
loud applause. It was indeed an event to be remembered.
Albert Wight
