Dukeries [Notts] Gundog Club

Dukeries Gundog Club (05/01/2020)

My sincerest thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge at one of my favourite shows and special thanks must go to my steward, Sarah McLellan, for her extremely polite manner and carrying out her role very efficiently. I was delighted to have received such a numerically good entry, my thanks to the exhibitors for their support and sporting ringside manner!

Gordon Setter Puppy (2,1)

1) Sandiford’s, Hernwood London’s Calling. A very medium sized 6 month old bitch possessing proportionate bone. Deep through her head and muzzle, sufficient breadth over her skull and muzzle for age with good chiselling and a big nose. Low earset and lovely dark eyes. Good reach of neck which flows into a good layback of shoulder and good length and angle of upper arm. Decent forechest for age with good spring of rib and correct length of leg to body depth. Strong topline onto a long croup and correct tailset. She would benefit from more width of thigh and bend of stifle to balance with her rear. Took her time to settle to the task at hand but moved steady both coming and going with determined side gait while holding her topline. She possesses clear tan markings and was sympathetically handled, BPIB!

Gordon Setter Junior (5,1)

1) Hamilton-Smith’s, Pegasett Dizzy Dafne for Samsett. 13 month old bitch that is excellent for type and proportions with plenty of bone. On first glance, her shape and obvious balance was of great appeal. Liked her feminine, correctly proportioned head with a good stop and the correct amount of depth through her skull and muzzle. Eyes dark enough of correct shape. Reachy neck onto a good layback of shoulder and long well angled upper arm. Enough forechest with a super topline and correct croup/tailset. Symmetrical hind angulation with good length from hip to her short hocks that she used to full advantage on the move. Sound as a pound going and coming with an easy side gait and excellent carriage. Another who possessed clear tan markings. She just needs to finish maturing in body but she has plenty of time. Pushed very hard for top honours today!

2) Sandiford’s, Hernwood Christmas Eve. Another 13 month old bitch who was a little more forward in body than 1. A slightly more compact mould than my winner but also presents a balanced picture. Very feminine head with lots of chiselling but would prefer more stop and a little more breadth over her skull and muzzle. Her angulation both fore and aft was balanced but would benefit from more at both ends which is where my winner had the advantage. She holds an excellent topline both standing and on the move. Sound both going and coming with a balanced side gait and lashing tail action. Clear tan markings.

3) Crowther’s, Ronaldsbill Sparkler.

Gordon Setter Post Graduate (4,1)

1) Tong’s, Benbuie Rose Quartz with Kellizlot. 3 year old bitch who possesses good overall breed type. Really appealing head with a soft expression, dark eyes and low ear set with the required chiselling. Her good reach of neck flows into a very good layback of shoulder and a long, well angled upper arm. Well developed forechest. For ideal balance, I would prefer her slightly shorter in leg to compliment her depth of brisket. Handler can allow her to lose her topline on occasions when stood. Well sprung ribs with a short loin. Really liked her length from hip to hock and good breadth over her rear quarters. True going and coming and she goes with lots of style in profile.

2) Wrigley’s, Kattandale Canterbury (AI). A strong, unexaggerated 3.5 year old male. His head is so obviously masculine with good depth through his skull and muzzle but felt he was a little too broad in skull. Good layback of shoulder but a little short in the upper arm. Excellent maturity through the body with well sprung ribs and correct depth of brisket. Slightly more length from hip to hock and bend of stifle would benefit him. He retains a level topline both standing and on the move. Goes with real gusto on the move and uses his tail well.

3) Johnston’s, Glenquin Patriot.

Gordon Setter Open (7, 2)

1) Sandiford’s, Hernwood Neptune Sea. This 2.5 medium sized male is classic for type and presents a very typical outline on first appearance with proportionate bone and clear tan markings. His head is of great appeal with super depth all through and adequate breadth, he possesses dark eyes and a low ear set. Good reach of neck which flows into well laid shoulders and a correct length and angle of upper arm. Decent forechest with good depth of brisket and well sprung ribs. Strong topline with a flat croup of good length and correct tailset. To complete the picture I would prefer more bend of stifle. He is sound going and coming with a stylish side gait and possesses great carriage using his tail to full advantage. Presented in excellent condition and expertly handled to show off his attributes, BOB!

2) Johnston’s, Laurelhach Lightning at Glenquin. This 9.5 year old bitch really belies her years! From a longer cast than 1, she is so ultra feminine. Her head is well proportioned with the softest expression and ample chiselling. Complimented by dark eyes and a low ear set. Very reachy neck onto a super forehand assembly that possesses excellent breadth. Well sprung in ribs with a short loin. She can tend to soften in her topline both standing and on the move. Her croup is a little steep but of good length to go with her well angled hindquarters and correct length from hip to hock. She can still move with excellent reach, drive and precision from all angles. Groomed and handled to advantage, RBOB!

3) Johnston’s, Gordon Sett-Style Heartbreaker for Glenquin (Imp Ukr).

James Newton (Patamoke)