Crufts

Crufts 2024

Friday, 8th March 2024

Irish Setter Dogs

Judge Results: Christine Morgan

DCC 5651 - Sh Ch Riverbrue Morning Glory (Mr B A & Miss C Crocker & Lewis)

RDCC 5827 - Sh Ch Riverbrue Alchemist Amidst Kespas JW (Mr K & Mrs P Stockton)

BCC 5620 - Sh Ch Gwendariff Lily The Pink (Miss L Bougen)

RBCC 5707 - Gwendariff Look This Way to Wynjill JW (Mrs J Holley)

BOB 5651 - Sh Ch Riverbrue Morning Glory (Mr B A & Miss C Crocker & Lewis)

BP 5809 - Clonageera Winner Takes All (Mrs M L Aldridge)

BV 5827 - Sh Ch Riverbrue Alchemist Amidst Kespas JW (Mr K & Mrs P Stockton)

I wish to extend my grateful thanks to the Crufts Committee for inviting me to judge at the world’s greatest dog show; because of the pandemic it had been a long time coming. I enjoyed every single minute of my day and was thrilled with my entry of 134 dogs. There were 16 actual absentees.

As always, I am grateful to the exhibitors for giving me such a marvellous entry. I am only sorry that there were not more place cards to go around. The effort that had clearly gone into the presentation of the dogs was greatly appreciated. You should all be very proud because in order to even get there in the first place you all had to qualify.

My stewards, Tracey Gray and Trisha Cox did an outstanding job not only by being so pleasant and running my ring efficiently but also by dealing calmly and professionally with an unprecedented incident. Thank you, ladies.

It was amazing to see my CC winner take Gundog Group 2; it was so very satisfying after a long day’s judging.

This is not a carrying breed but it has to have a strong neck to hold its head high so as to scent the air for birds so I was pleased to see that weak necks were mostly absent in this entry. It has been said that Irish Setters should be up on their legs but I find that this conflicts with the breed standard. There is nothing high stationed about them i.e. the legs are not longer than the distance from withers to elbow. Proportionate conformation is what is required.

1003. Irish Setter - Veteran Dog

Entries: 16 Absentees: 6

1ST 5827 - Sh Ch Riverbrue Alchemist Amidst Kespas JW (Mr K & Mrs P Stockton). I have previously given this dog a CC and a Gundog Group 2 placing and he is still the incredibly stylish dog that I’ve judged before and who has all the attributes of a well made Irish. He is correctly made with balanced angulation and plenty of dog in front. He has plenty of heart and lung room and is well ribbed up and his quarters are moderate with a nice flare over his hips. He has a very handsome well balanced head with the loveliest dark hazel eyes and the kindest of expressions. The chiselling in his head and his beautifully raised brows enhance his outstanding quality. In my opinion the most impressive thing about this dog is his temperament. He is the ultimate happy and affectionate Irishman, his ever wagging tail is testament to this. Now rising 8 years old he is still very much the gentleman and an outstanding ambassador of the breed. He lashed his tail all the way round the ring to take the RCC. On the referee’s decision he was Best Veteran in Breed.

2ND 5784 - Thendara The Watchmaker VW (Mrs S Pym). This almost 9 year old is very impressive on the stack. His outline flows from head to tail, there are no lumps, bumps or corners and his topline slopes gently from withers to tail set. He has plenty of work in his head with hardly any signs of ageing but I did prefer the foreface and slightly more masculine head of the winner. His coat is silky and rich chestnut in colour with lush feathering. Moved away showing a clean pair of heels.

3RD 5807 - Strathmead Huckleberry of Settesoli (Mrs J P Russell) Another quality dog rising 9 years. He has a long lean head but I did prefer the heads on the ones above him, nevertheless it is very pleasing. He holds a firm and gently sloping topline and moves with purpose. Just not in the same bloom as the other two.

RES 5804 - Sh Ch Lanstara Spring Moon (Mr G & Mrs D Rowbottom)

VHC 5758 - Pawsword Paperback Writer for Corphin VW (Mrs L A Murchison)

1004. Irish Setter - Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

A super class of youngsters all very much at the legs and wings stage and I made some very close calls here.

1ST 5673 - Danwish Troubadour (Miss T Gardner) The winner looked quite leggy because he needs to drop in brisket but he presents a lovely shape with a nicely crested neck and is developing nicely in forechest. He has sinewy bone and stands on the best small, very firm feet. But when I moved to the front of him and saw his head, he had me hooked. It is simply divine and so well sculpted with chiselling and beautifully raised brows, there is plenty of brain room, a well-defined occiput and he has a moderately deep muzzle. His expression is one of gentleness and mischief. He wasn’t perfect or well behaved on the move but I could see what a great length of stride he has.

2ND 5832 - Kedalita Steptoe and Son (Mr D, Miss R V & Mr C Tapper & Leyland) With age his head will break and at present he stacks with a somewhat level topline. But that said he is a quality puppy with sinewy bone, plenty of substance and is well ribbed back. He is of excellent type and moved well with a lovely tail action. Quietly handled.

3RD 5808 - Tiroen Touch of Magic by Settesoli (Imp Kcj) (Mrs J P Russell). He was giving his handler a very hard time. His head is balanced and well worked and finishes with a big, dark mahogany nose. He co-operated long enough for me to see that he has plenty of body, front legs well under body and moderately bent stifles.

RES 5706 - Loganrish Tiger Warrior (Miss Holehan) I preferred the head and croup of the third placed dog but he has plenty going for him and places could change on another day.

1005. Irish Setter - Puppy Dog

Entries: 9 Absentees: 1

1ST 5809 - Clonageera Winner Takes All (Mrs M L Aldridge) He is so very well made with splendid balance, a strong outline, loads of confidence and stylishness. His head is well proportioned with raised brows, wonderful chiselling and such well set fine ears. He is well angulated with an impressive forehand, excellent depth of chest, plenty of heart and lung room and plenty of strength and width to his loin. He has width behind with a good bend of stifle and his toes are well arched. Moved very well. On the referee’s decision he was Best Puppy in Breed.

2ND 5643 - Covarney Mr Magoo (Mr G T & Mrs K E B Condron) This dog does himself no favours on the stack and tends to sink into his hocks but he is absolutely lovely on the move. He has great reach and drive which reflects his excellent conformation. Shoulders well laid, good return of upper arm, neck fits cleanly into shoulders, gently sloping topline and well bent stifles.

3RD 5832 - Kedalita Steptoe and Son (Mr D, Miss R V & Mr C Tapper & Leyland) 2nd in MPD.

RES 5694 - Cataluna Light of My Soul (Mrs J Hearn)

VHC 5819 - Sheldonite More Romance (Mrs J Spencer)

1006. Irish Setter - Junior Dog

Entries: 10 Absentees: 2

A mixed class as if often the case with juniors.

1ST 5655 - Alolfrana All I Ask of Eveandabec (Mrs R D & Mr A E Danks Kemish & Swannell). He presents a very nice picture when posed with a gently sloping topline, good front, straight forelegs with plenty of sinewy bone, strong arched neck, deep shoulders sloping well back and wide quarters. Hindlegs long and muscular from hip to hock and strong from hock to heel. Lovely work in his handsome head, oval skull and low set ears. Held his shape well on the move.

2ND 5787 - Bardonhill Mcintosh Red at Montgreenan (Mr J, Mrs L & Miss L H Richardson). Very close up but I just felt that the winner had a touch more elegance. Long lean nicely chiselled head, strong slightly arched neck, good forehand, plenty of dog in front and stands on good bone and small feet with arched toes.

3RD 5816 - Casachared Connors Delaney (Mrs Sa Shepherd). His head is too long and lean for my preference. He is of decent type, with good angulation although his croup is a bit steep, has a very smooth dark coat and moved OK.

RES 5794 - Kerryfair Misty Morning TAF (Miss E & Mrs C Flinders & Robinson Slater)

VHC 5774 - Redclyst Sibelius (Mr D G & Mrs P A Pike)

1007. Irish Setter - Yearling Dog

Entries: 19 Absentees: 3

This class was an absolute joy to judge and some very good dogs were unplaced.

1ST 5652 - Riverbrue Ophelia Winky JW (Mr B A & Miss C Crocker & Lewis) He is simply stunning and presented to perfection. Longer than tall, flowing and gently sloping topline, good croup. Great front and depth of brisket, ribs well sprung and firm loin. His head is wonderful with such beautifully shaped eyes and low set ears. His expression is melting and the way he looks at his handler shows how he adores her. Great movement with plenty of reach and drive.

2ND 5727 - Riverbrue Ophelia Bobby (Mrs S Cole) Litter brother to the winner and very like him with the same excellent construction and outstanding type. He is so well put together and is a picture of raciness without loss of substance. Perfect front, good ribbing and superb turn of stifle. He has a wonderfully balanced head with a moderately deep muzzle and an almost square finish. Great head carriage on the move.

3RD 5771 - Quensha Thinking Out Loud at Bransett JW (Mrs D & Miss J Parsons) This is a very good dog who excels on the move. He is very clean over the neck and shoulders, holds a firm topline but I preferred the croup of the winners. He is coming on a treat.

RES 5607 - Penclippin Jubilee Flame JW (Mrs H G Bentley)

VHC 5687 - Loganrish Out On The Town (Mr R Green)

1008. Irish Setter - Graduate Dog

Entries: 21 Absentees: 2

1ST 5723 - Kerryfair Zoom in On Pawsword (Miss L Kolbach) I loved his head with its oval skull, width of muzzle and lovely big nose. His muzzle is moderately deep with a good under jaw and his eyes are classic unshelled almond in shape. He has a pronounced prosternum, good length of upper arm placing his legs well under his body and a gently sloping topline. He is a strong mover with plenty of drive. His owner just needs to have more faith in him.

2ND 5676 - Suteresett Mr Mistoffelees at Gochmawr (Mrs L A & Mr L F Gilks). Just a tad longer and leaner in head than the winner but nevertheless very nice. He has good sinewy bone, well turned stifles and a nice big bum. Held his shape on the move.

3RD 5815 - Bardonhill A Million Ways to Delsanto (Mrs C A Sheldon) A rangier dog who doesn’t quite have the angulation of the winners. His necks flows into his shoulders without a break in topline. His head is well balanced and he has lovely raised brows.

RES 5795 - Cafotaliena Joker and Queen (Miss N C & Miss C Hardy)

VHC 5659 - Bardonhill Million Reasons (Mrs S E & Mr P Davison)

1009. Irish Setter - Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 14 Absentees: 0

1ST 5635 - Kerryfair Just Be JW (Mrs S & Miss K & Miss E Chorley-Newton & Chorley & Flinders). What a cracker this boy is! I loved everything about him from the tip his nose with its wide nostrils, through his elegant neck, clean shoulders, firm topline to the end of his well set on tail. He is so elegant and refined but maintains masculinity. His head is beautifully balanced with an exquisite expression. He was a strong contender for top honours.

2ND 5812 - Clonageera Touch of Gold (Mrs P & Miss C Rutherford & Prangle) He is the sire of the BPD and boy has he passed on his qualities. He is built to do the job he was bred for and stands most comfortably on his well boned limbs. He is very well balanced throughout and has a very handsome head. Moved with purpose and drive and carrying his tail so very well.

3RD 5762 - Covarney It Takes Time with Stourford JW (Mr W G & Mrs A C Needs) Good type with a balanced head and nicely raised brows. Just not in the same bloom as the winners.

RES 5850 - Gwendariff Ucant Touch This JW (Mrs L A Walker)

VHC 5610 - Brinara Country Boy (Mrs B, Mrs L & Mrs L Berry, Morris & Fitzmaurice)

1010. Irish Setter - Mid Limit Dog

Entries: 14 Absentees: 0

1ST 5664 - Riverbrue Cast No Shadow On Haverley (Miss A Dufrat) I loved the size, style and shape of this dog and indeed he presented a profile picture that was so very similar to my other winners. He has a lovely reach of neck, terrific length and return of upper arm, elbows well let down, a good spring of rib and well developed quarters. He has the most gorgeous head and exudes quality and refinement. Precise and easy mover covering plenty of ground. Another strong contender.

2ND 5857 - Bluesprings Now I'm Here at Forestfire (Mrs L Richardson) This dog is so very eye catching on the stack. He has a strong well muscled neck with a lovely crest to it, straight front, good angles, strength of loin and whilst he moved well, he didn’t have the precise footfall of the winner.

3RD 5639 - Lynwood Merry May King with Shushana (Mr & Mrs H A M Cohen) A tad cobbier than the winners and has a slightly lower tail set but he has good angulation and carries a strong topline. Moved on an easy stride.

RES 5750 - Thendara Tiger Dance (Mrs D & Mr J Milligan-Bott & Bott)

VHC 5698 - Orlanset Mandolin (Mr D & Mrs W Hemmings & Holehan-Green)

1011. Irish Setter - Limit Dog

Entries: 11 Absentees: 0

1ST 5749 - Thendara Big Love (Mrs D & Mr J Milligan-Bott & Bott) I love a dog with a sense of humour and this one is no exception. He really knows how to act the fool and make his handler work hard. He is an absolutely super shape and in fine fettle. He has a very handsome head, oval skull, fine low set ears and a lovely finish to his foreface. His ‘Irishness’ and exuberance shone through on the move but I saw enough to see that he moved with reach and drive.

2ND 5650 - Riverbrue Soldier On (Miss D K Brown) I liked this dog a very great deal but today he just didn’t have the finish of the winner. He has deep sloping shoulders, good prosternum, length and return of upper arm and wide quarters. He has plenty of work in his head and a lovely glint of mischief in his eyes. Great tail carriage on the move.

3RD 5763 - Covarney Paco Rabanne at Stourford (Mr W G & Mrs A C Needs) I loved the head on this dog; long and lean with plenty of brain room and low set ears. Slightly longer cast than the winners. Covers plenty of ground on the move.

RES 5622 - Gwendariff Beam Me Up Scotty (Miss J & Mrs S E Boyd-Mcneil & Edwards)

VHC 5851 - Gwendariffs Flags Are Flyin (Mrs L A Walker)

1012. Irish Setter - Open Dog

Entries: 19 Absentees: 1

Ever since receiving my entry I had been looking forward with excitement and delight to judging this class. I was not disappointed. There were 12 show champions from here and overseas and the quality of the 18 present was dazzling.

1ST 5651 - Sh Ch Riverbrue Morning Glory (Mr B A & Miss C Crocker & Lewis). He exudes quality and epitomises the breed standard being ‘racy, balanced and full of quality. In conformation, proportionate.’ There should never be anything exaggerated about an Irish Setter and this dog is a picture of moderation; every bit of him flows seamlessly into the next. The Irish Setter should be tremendously active with untiring readiness to range and hunt under any conditions and to do this he must have plenty of heart and lung room, indeed there is a phrase in the standard that calls for the chest to be as deep as possible and this dog has tremendous depth. His brisket is below the level of his elbows and his leg length from elbow to ground is equal in length from withers to elbow. His head is divine with low set ears giving the correct skull shape of oval from ear to ear, it is so refined at the ears and his muzzle is moderately deep with a fairly square finish. He has correctly shaped dark hazel eyes and I love how his raised brows move independently giving a gentle and quizzical expression. The exquisite chiselling adds to its refinement. His neck is well muscled with a classic slight arch and it fits very cleanly into his well laid shoulders. I just love it when I can feel a pronounced prosternum and the brisket falls deep into my hand. The length and return of his upper arm and his well laid shoulders place his front legs well under his body giving plenty of dog in front. He is well off for bone with clearly visible sinew and stands on small feet. He has ample spring of rib and carries them well back to his muscular, slightly arched loin. His gently sloping topline is classic and he has an excellent tail set. From behind you can see the lovely flare over his hips and his muscle tone told me that he is totally fit. His hindlegs are long and muscular and he has well bent stifles and is well let down in hock. His lustrous rich chestnut body coat was enhanced by the luxurious feathering that he carries in just the right quantity. As one would expect from a dog of this construction he moves with great forward reach and terrific drive from behind and covers a lot of ground with the minimum number of steps gently wagging his tail all the way and carrying his head high to scent the air. CC and BOB on the referee’s decision.

2ND 5653 - Sh Ch Riverbrue Wonderwall at Hernwood (Mr B A & Miss C Crocker & Lewis) Litter brother to the winner and of the same great make and quality. He presents such an eye catching outline and is a picture of masculinity with refinement and grace. Turned out to perfection and moved like a train.

3RD 5668 - Sh Ch Gwendariff Ucan'tmissme Bonhomie (Mrs S E Edwards) I liked this dog as a youngster but seeing him since I’ve thought he’s not for me. Well how wrong could I be? Today he pulled out all the stops to impress me with his terrific construction, appealing head and driving movement.

RES 5806 - Sh Ch Lynwood Hocus Pocus at Settesoli JW (Mrs J P Russell)

VHC 5697 - Sh Ch Orlanset A New Flame (Mr D & Mrs K M Hemmings)

1013. Irish Setter - Field Trial Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST 5611 - Dunnetred Kestrel (Miss B L Yardley) His head is a little fine for my taste but he has dark well shaped eyes and lovely chiselling under them. Decent reach of neck, good ribbing and strong loin. Moved OK.

2ND 5612 - Pickyard Belvedere (Miss B L Yardley) Unplaced in Junior as he is still very raw and needs to learn his job in the showring. Happy and demonstrative temperament.

1014. Irish Setter - Special Working Gundog Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 2

1ST 5682 - Int/bel/nl/ger/lux Ch Riverwood Unbelievable Mr Moonlight Nl/bel Jch Ejw 22 (Miss C Godart) Fabulous dog in great condition with a silky rich chestnut coat and ample feathering. He stands over plenty of ground with no exaggeration, is very well muscled and moved with verve and drive to show off his very good construction. Great finish to his foreface and wide dark nostrils.

2ND 5624 - Caught Red-Handed Redweed Jch (Mr R & Ms M Brauner & Braunerova) A rangier dog than the winner with enough spring of rib and a well balanced head. He doesn’t have the width behind of the winner but he put on a good performance on the move.

1015. Irish Setter - Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog

Entries: 11 Absentees: 2

1ST 5832 - Kedalita Steptoe and Son (Mr D, Miss R V & Mr C Tapper & Leyland). 2nd in MPD and 3rd in PD.

2ND 5610 - Brinara Country Boy (Mrs B, Mrs L & Mrs L Berry, Morris & Fitzmaurice) Lovely headed dog but he just needs a bit more enthusiasm on the move. He has bone and substance and well turned stifles.

3RD 5710 - Sandstream Just A Breeze with Ralphski (Miss B Hoskins) This 10 year old really enjoyed his time in the ring moving at one with his handler and displaying his true Irish character.

RES 5703 - Redclyst Pershing (Miss H, Mr M, Mr D G & Mrs P A Henderson, Szwajkowski & Pike)

VHC 5854 - Brabrook Warrior (Miss P Watts)