Driffield Championship Dog Show

Driffield 49th Show

Gundog Veteran group

Judge: Anthony Allen

Unfortunately, Sandra Marshall was taken unwell at the show, I was asked to step in and judge the veteran group. I was pleased to see Sandra was recovered and able to complete her other commitments later on during the course of the show. There were some super dogs to go over in this group and the final decisions could have gone a number of ways my shortlist included: Bracco Italiano, Golden Retriever, English Springer, Flat Coated Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and the Weimaraner.

For Top spot I selected: MILLARD, Mrs Jennifer & MILLARD, Mr Martin Sh Ch Ferndel High Comand at Rubylea - SPANIEL (WELSH SPRINGER).

This boy was on fire today – he had real attitude about him and made sure he was not going to be ignored. I gave him a CC a few years back and I think he looked better here than he did then. Real typical Welshie, full of breed type and it was pleasing to see how much he enjoyed himself as his tail never stopped wagging. He has a super headpiece on him, enhanced by chiselling and a lovely eye. Clean through the neck which led into correctly placed shoulders and a super front assembly. Correct depth to chest, ribs well sprung and back. Quarters are well made with moderate angulation. He had a super action in profile and accurate fore and aft. I was very pleased to award him Veteran Group 1, and I was thrilled to watch him return on Sunday to take Best Veteran in Show, many congratulations!

Second Place O’GORMAN, Mrs P & Mr S Ch Thornywait Top Notch For Berrymeade Jw Sgwc - RETRIEVER (GOLDEN) – Bitch

Another that really appealed. She has a beautiful feminine head. Strong and clean through the neck, with correct lay back of shoulder. I liked her overall body shape, forechest good, with the correct spring of rib. Good length & depth of loin, quarters well-made, well bent stifles, stands on well boned legs & neat feet, super level topline which she held on the move, correct tail set. Fluid mover with the most accurate action, she flew round the ring. Delighted to award her Veteran Group 2.

Third Place: PEARSON, Mr Stuart & PEARSON, Mrs Carole Int Ch & NI Ch & Ir Sh Ch & Sh Ch Braccorions Nesta Vipas - BRACCO ITALIANO - Bitch

I don’t recall ever judging this seven year old lady before, but I thought her top drawer, really typical Bracco. She has a super headpiece, lean with divergent planes, super dark eyes and has a lovely feminine expression. Super front angulation, shoulders well laid back and stands on good straight legs with correct bone. Her chest is broad and has good depth, ribs well sprung. Quarters well developed, stifles well bent. Today she excelled on the move driving from her hindquarters and showing that typical fast trot. She moved around the ring like a youngster, she looked a picture, and I could not deny her this placing. Veteran Group 3.

Fourth Place: 12187 PONT, Miss C A Sh Ch Oakmarsh Dancing Diva VW - AV GUNDOG NOT SEPARATELY CLASSIFIED – Bitch

Have judged this lady a few times over the years and I don’t recall seeing her look as well as she did today. She has a lovely head and expression with a lovely kind eye, with a hint of mischief about her. Clean in neck into well placed shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Good depth of chest, stands on straight well boned legs. He body is well proportioned; ribs are well sprung, and she is short coupled. Well-developed quarters with stifles well bent. Good on the move, smooth in action. My pleasure to award her Veteran Group 4.