• Show Date: 20/08/2022
  • Show Type: Championship Show
  • Judged by: Jonathan Daltrey Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 28/07/2023

Welsh Kennel Club

Breed: METROPOLE HOTEL VETERAN STAKES

WELSH KENNEL CLUB 2022

METROPOLE HOTEL VETERAN STAKES

Judging these well-filled Veteran classes was an absolute joy. The quality was phenomenal each day and in fact, I could go as far as to say that the presentation and condition of these Veteran winners was mind-blowing! I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the generous sponsorship from the wonderful Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells and to the stewards over the four days for their efficiency.

Day 1 Gundogs

1. Sh Ch Layways Lana Del Ray. Seven years ago, I found this wonderful Hungarian Vizsla as a raw 6 month puppy and did her incredibly well at that Sleaford Open Show. I loved her then and I love her now. She is most definitely still a force to be reckoned with and is so feminine, so accurate and so well bodied. She’s an excellent mover in all directions and still makes the hairs on the back of my neck rise today! Congratulations on winning a superb class.

2. Jaymardy Indigo Pacific JW. Here was another fabulous Veteran, a Golden Retriever of real presence and outstanding quality. I gather that he has just gained his well-deserved title and that I awarded him an excellent Limit class some years back at Boston Championship Show. I was pleased to find him again in such wonderful coat and condition and am sure that he still has a lot to offer the breed.

3. Afterglow Dancing Brave Sh.CM VW. An excellent American Cocker who is an absolute credit to his owners. At a ripe old age, he still moves with purpose and holds his outline to perfection, he completed a trio of truly great dogs.

Day 2. Working and Pastoral

1. Ch Juffther Happy Bunny JW Sh.CM. This exceptional Rottweiler headed another wonderful class of Veterans. I was captivated by her superb feminine head and her oh so balanced outline. Shown in such hard condition and maintaining that perfect level top-line at all times, this beautiful bitch simply could not be denied the top spot.

2. Ch Belshanmish Pretty in Pink at Pyrajay Sh.CM ShCm. I was so pleased to see this amazing PMD again as I awarded her the CC & BOB at Bath last year. Today, I actually felt that she looked better than when she won under me at Bath. So feminine and so very true and sound, she pushed hard for the top spot in this hot competition.

3. Ch Ellhar Maksimos. This Pembroke Welsh Corgi really does make you look twice. I loved his masculine and not over-done head and his melting expression. He held his outline brilliantly and moved with real purpose, showing really good forward reach and excellent drive behind.

Day 3. Toy & Utility

1. Ch Turigner Thunderbolt JW. This 11 year old Italian Greyhound was an absolute standout in a superb quality line-up. I really did think that he was extra-special and would have loved to have seen him as a youngster. He has the perfect, text-book shoulders and is so sound and true in all directions. He’s a credit to his owner and I am not surprised to hear that he was a huge winner in his day.

2. Ch Witchstone Not Apache On Me For Peopleton. This E.T.T. has the most exquisite head and expression and those perfect ‘candle’ ears. Like the winner, she was so sound and accurate and holds a fabulous outline on the move. She impressed me greatly.

3. Ch Buffrey Incognito By Dalleaf JW. This Dalmatian is the epitome of the marathon runner of the Utility Group when you watch his effortless, free-striding side-gait. He completed another wonderful trio.

Day 4. Hound & Terriers.

1. Sleepy Hollow at Yansukhim (Imp) JW Sh.CM. What I really liked about this very fit Afghan Hound was her excellent and effortless extension in front with real power from behind, giving her a side-gait that I felt reminds me of the early 1970’s when I started in this hobby, showing my brother’s super Afghan puppy. She pulled out all the stops to beat a favourite of mine and to take this quality class.

2. Ch Ulmarra Tropical Ice At Winton VW. This Saluki is looking just as good as when I judged her a few years back at Ardingly. Ultra-feminine and very true, she looked an absolute picture today.

3. Ch Woolytop The One And Only JW Sh.CM. This Bedlington completed another very good trio of Veterans.

Jonathan B Daltrey (Judge)