Driffield Championship Dog Show

DRIFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW 2022

GUNDOG GROUP

I was privileged to judge my first group at Driffield and I thank the Society for the appointment and their kind hospitality at such a friendly and well organised show. I had a top quality group and all were present in the ring, the HWV bred by myself, Elder’s Sh Ch Enryb Skye Blue did a lap of honour. I shortlisted nine dogs, including the English Setter, GSP, Irish Red/White Setter, Field Spaniel, and the Korthals Griffon form the Import Register. My winner was the outstanding Irish Setter bitch, Crocker’s Sh Ch Riverbrue Gloriana, I judged her earlier on in the year and she was my CC winner and BOB on that occasion. She is so refined in head and has superb construction throughout with a stunning outline on the stack. She moved effortlessly around the big ring and was presented in super coat and occasion and has a great rapport with her handler. My Group 2 was the Flat Coated Retriever bitch, Anderson’s Sh Ch Feldkirk Dior Of Kazval. I found her very pleasing in head, feminine with good eye colour and lovely expression. Moderately built throughout and in superb coat and condition, she impressed me on the move with her excellent free stride and she had attitude and a great disposition which could not be overlooked in this strong group. In third spot was Miles’ Hungarian Vizsla dog, Sh Ch Layways Van Winkle JW. An impressive mature male of excellent outline who commanded attention. Excellent front assembly and so well balanced with adequate rear angulation. I appreciated his rich coat colour and excellent muscular condition. His movement was effortless and graceful and he made great use of the big ring. Fourth place went to the male Spanish Water dog, Hodgkinson’s Sh Ch Zorrazo Quest For Success (Imp HRV) JW Esp. Still only a youngster but has his act together with a superb partnership with his handler. Great head, enough neck and has good bone and substance. He was shown in full excellent coat and held his topline on the move. I’m sure there will be much more to come from this youngster in the future.

Jean Byrne (Judge)