Judge: Tania Gardner
My first time showing a dog was in July 2008 with Sh Ch “Rafferty “ , what a journey this has been , culminating in handing out my first set of CC’s at Driffield . I won’t lie, I was disappointed with the low entry. There were circumstances that could have explained the lower entry but I was sad for the society that I pulled such a low entry.
Judging Irish Setters, I look for a racy, elegant dog , full of quality and type , it also has to be fit for function , we should never lose sight that this breed was originally bred to work, and there should be no excuse for dogs lacking condition or muscle . They need to be “ fit for function”. In both my dog and bitch line ups , I was spoilt for choice , I had dogs who had quality and type in abundance. I was so lucky, the old adage , quality not quantity was very apt in my entry . Thank you to all the exhibitors who chose to enter under me . My BOB is a dog at the top of his game and I was thrilled to watch him take a thoroughly deserved group 2 in excellent company . My bitch CC is a delight , Irish Setters are a slow maturing breed and she is the epitome of this .
VD/B (3 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: STURROCK, Mrs S & STURROCK, Miss J & STURROCK, Mis Sh Ch Forfarian Hey Sexy Lady JW What a lovely start to my day , this bitch has never looked better , stood she possess the most striking , racy outline , gently sloping from withers to a well finished croup . She looks at you with a twinkle in her eye and has a gentle sparkle of grey ,which enhances her lovely feminine expression. Shown in good coat and super muscular condition. Her movement belies her age , she flows round the ring and holds her top line at all times, tail lashing from side to side . Her footfall is so correct , a true joy to judge and so deserving of the BCC & BVIB
2nd: MOHAN, Mrs S Anlory Keltic Legend
This veteran dog has good overall construction. Masculine head with a pleasing expression . Straight front and good length of rib . On the move he was rather distracted today , more interested in the girls I think .
PD (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: STURROCK, Mrs S & STURROCK, Miss J & STURROCK, Miss Forfarian Dusty Bottoms. A 6 month baby who has everything in the right place , good bone and body is in proportion. Ample reach of neck , straight front and well angulated rear quarters . He has that certain, joie de vivre, that puppies should have , enjoying his time in the ring , movement was good for a baby , when all four feet where on the ground . Lots of potential at this early stage . BPIB
JD (2 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: ALLEN, Mr G T & BOTT, Mr P & MORGAN, Mrs A Quensha Take A Bow, A lovely ,quality , young dog , super outline stacked , balanced and eye catching . Neck of good length with slight arch. Beautiful head ,masculine with the loveliest of expressions, dark eye with a hint of mischief . Good bend of stifle , hocks well let down but nothing overdone . Mature in coat and of a lovely texture . Very happy and correct on the move . He is an exciting prospect for the future .
SYD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
A challenging class to judge , 3 litter brothers who share a lot of the same qualities. The first two at the moment are more mature in body but their placing could and will change I am sure . Soldier On , more compact in body and has a divine head , raised brows and that typical Irish twinkle in his eye . He is full of type and nothing overdone , super front construction with great fore chest , very balanced when stacked and today he moved steadily and correctly . He just pipped Wonderwall , who is so lovely to go over , everything flows when you put your hands on him . He also has a super front and strong top line which he holds on the move , good finish to croup and carries and uses his tail correctly . He moves out well round the ring , true coming and going with open side gait covering the ground . Both were presented in super coat and in good muscular condition.
1st: BROWN, Miss D K Riverbrue Soldier On
2nd: CROCKER, Mr B A & LEWIS, Miss C Riverbrue Wonderwall At Hernwood
3rd: DUFRAT, Miss A Riverbrue Cast No Shadow on Haverley
Class PGD (5 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: MURCHISON, Mrs L Kerryfair Please Please Me Corphin Nicely put together boy , nothing exaggerated or overdone . Masculine head with dark eye and soft expression . Good reach of neck and gently sloping topline . Decent bend of stifle and well let down hocks . Movement was steady and true . He is just right for his age .
2nd: NORTHEND, Miss J Aoibheannes SingleMalt I loved this boys head , so typically Irish , raised brows and super expression . He has a good outline and straight front . Good forechest . His movement was also sound and true just preferred the slightly longer length of body of 1st placed .
LD (5 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: RUSSELL, Mrs J Lynwood Hocus Pocus At Settesoli JW Another quality dog , full of type and stood ,presents a very balanced pleasing outline , very correct in construction with well put together front , long , lay back of shoulders and ample spring of rib . His rear quarters are strong and well muscled , he moves easily around the ring . Very precise in his footfall and has a lovely partnership with his owner , he is becoming the finished dog now , I liked him a lot and was delighted to award him RDCC
2nd: MURCHISON, Mrs L Pawsword Paperback Writer for Corphin A dog I love for type , slightly smaller in stature but still very well balanced , head of lovely shape ,oval in skull with the softest of expressions . Another you have to put your hands on to appreciate his qualities . On the move he is very sound and correct , I would have just liked a little more reach and drive . He has it there , his handler just needs to believe and bring it out of him .
OD (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: STOCKTON, Mr & Mrs K Sh Ch Riverbrue Alchemist Amidst Kespas JW My total star of the day , striking outline stood . I come from a horsey background and Alchemist would be the thoroughbred of the dog world, he has strength and elegance and is full of quality from head to tail . Head is long and lean , with the kindest of expressions , raised brows and correct finish to muzzle . Front and rear angulations are balanced and not overdone . I have always admired his movement, he covers the ground effortlessly with drive from short hocks and excellent reach in front . A dog in his prime and at the top of his game . He just loves his showing , it is hard to find all these qualities in one dog . What lucky owners and credit to his breeder , who produces a super type of Irish . DCC , BOB , GROUP 2
2nd: RUSSELL, Mrs J Strathmead Huckleberry Of Settesoli No shame to come second to the winner , a lovely dog , I liked very much . Masculine head , raised brows and eyes which have a mischievous glint . Good finish to muzzle . Hands on , he is very correct , straight front , well sprung ribs and excellent muscled rear quarters . On the move he is strong and runs through his lead away from his handler. He has lots of potential as his stride is correct and he has power and drive , just need to work on getting him to listen to you .
GCD (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: MOHAN, Mrs S Anlory Keltic Legend
Was 2nd in first class
PB (2 Entries) Abs: 2
Sadly a puppy bitch missed her class .
JB (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: BOX, Miss R Fernstart Hearts Delight
A lovely young bitch , just out of puppy , very pretty in head and expression . Very balanced and absolutely nothing overdone , ample reach of neck into a well made front . She settled more as she moved and showed some lovely open strides . Shown in good coat and condition . She should have a bright future .
2nd: ALLEN, Mr G T & BOTT, Mr P & MORGAN, Mrs A Quensha Crimes of Passion
I really liked the outline of this girl , she has a good length of neck into well laid shoulders, good bend of stifle and short well let down hocks . Lovely texture of coat . She was rather unsettled on the move today but has some lovely qualities which I am sure will do her well in the future .
SYB (4 Entries) Abs: 0
Very nice class of bitches .
1st: HUMPHREYS, Mrs & Mr J Riverbrue Flashbax at Henaleas
2nd: FRAMPTON, Mrs J & PIGGIN, Miss H Riverbrue Cloudburst over Strathmead
Two lovely litter sisters , they are at different stages of maturity at the moment and once again I am sure they will both change places in the future . Flashbax , beautiful outline stood , good reach of neck with slight arch which sits well into her shoulders , good length of rib and gentle bend of stifle , moves on a long easy stride . At the moment she is more mature in body and presented in lovely coat . Cloudburst also has a beautiful outline , very clean and lovely to go over . Straight front and well angulated rear quarters . Long , lean head with a lovely finish to her muzzle . She moves again on a free flowing stride . Two lovely girls , pleasure to judge them both . I will watch them mature with interest.
PGB (8 Entries) Abs: 3
1st: CATLING, Mrs P A Quensha Family Portrait For Teleri
One of my surprises of the day . This bitch has matured beautifully during lockdown . Went away as a puppy and has come out looking so well . She is full of quality . Very pretty head , dark eyes full of mischief . Lovely girl to go over , everything just flows . She moves effortlessly on a free, easy stride . She drew my eye in the challenge and was close up for RCC
2nd: DAVIE, Mrs M Lochfrae Nina Simone
A bitch you probably need to go over to appreciate her qualities . Head of good proportions and a lovely feminine expression . Her neck sits well into her shoulders and her topline gently slopes into a well finished croup . She has strength through her loin and a nice bend of stifle . She moves without fuss covering the ground well on an open and free stride .
LB (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: CATLING, Mrs P A Teleri Indian Summer (ai) JW
Another who is full of quality , you put your hands on her and everything just flows , no lumps or bumbs . Just correct construction . Long , lean head with lovely finish to muzzle . Neck of good length and slight arch ,ribs well sprung and rear quarters strong and well muscled . She uses them to her advantage on the move showing reach and drive . Shown and presented very well . I was delighted to award her RBCC
2nd: NEVITT, Mrs S Aoibheanne’s Stay With Me
So pretty in head , she took my breath away looking at her . Another bitch who is well made , straight in front , good spring of ribs with elbows sitting close to chest and good body proportions . To be slightly critical would just prefer a better finish to croup . She moves correctly and totally sound on an easy stride .
Class 642 OB (3 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: ALLEN, Mr A & BOTT, Mr R & MORGAN, Mrs A Sh Ch Quensha Tumble and Twirl JW
A deserving Sh Ch , who since having her litter has matured really well . Shown in great coat and condition . She has a pretty feminine head and soft expression . Good bend of stifle and well let down hocks . Her movement was sound and animated loved her tail action . She won the class easily and I considered her for higher honours today .
2nd: JARVIS, Miss V Lowdon Sleepy Time
Bitch with a pretty head and sweet expression . She has a good front and plenty of forechest . Shown in good muscular condition . Holding her topline firm and moving out well around the ring .
Class GCB (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: HEPPELL, Mrs D RIVERBRUE BE HERE NOW
More settled in this class , very feminine bitch , lean head . She needs time to mature which is fine as she is only young but she has a nice outline and is sound on the move .
Tania Gardner ( Danwish )
