Three Counties Agricultural Society

Judges Critique for Golden Retrievers – Carol Benson

Three Counties Championship Dog Show 8/6/2025

I was first appointed to judge at this lovely show for 2020 but Covid meant it was cancelled. I was delighted to be asked again now and thank the Committee for their invitation and kind hospitality. I would also like to thank my two stewards Gavin and Sharon, who worked so hard all day and kept everything running smoothly. Thank you to all exhibitors for your fantastic entry. I had some lovely dogs and bitches to go over. I have been away from the show scene for several years so most exhibits were new to me. I was intrigued to see my catalogue after completing my judging. Pleased to see tail carriage appears to have improved somewhat since I last judged dogs over three years ago, though there were still a few with less than perfect tail set and/or carriage. One point I did notice; several exhibits had slightly untidy bites. On the positive side temperaments were lovely and no overweight or excessively short legs to report for breed watch. In so many classes there were really good dogs who didn’t make the cards due to the depth of quality across the entry and some fantastic numbers in several of the senior classes. I really enjoyed my day. Thankfully the weather stayed kind, and I was relieved to complete judging in time for my Best of Breed to compete in the Gundog Group. He showed very well and pleased to see him shortlisted to the final 8. My best Veteran also did very well in the Veteran Gundog group coming second. Well done.

MPD ( 7,3abs)

1st Birkin Green and Gripton; LOUELLABROOK ATLANTIC STAR WITH SANSUE

So much to like about this cream 8-month-old. Nicely shaped head with dark pigment. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders, blades and upper arms of equal length. Level topline and tail set on and carried correctly. Good spring of ribcage and short coupled. Legs of good length, nice turn of stifle and neat feet. He strode out with drive on the move. BPD and BP

2nd Knight & Cooke; HAYDENGOLD BACKCHAT

Almost 9 months old cream boy who has many similar virtues of winner. Hansome head and good reach of neck flowing into level topline. Well angled front and rear. Good body proportions and nicely balanced. Moved well but thought 1st had the edge today.

3rd Davis; LYNSTE DREAM BOY

PD (10,5)

1st Birkin Green and Gripton; LOUELLABROOK ATLANTIC STAR WITH SANSUE rep

2nd Hurrell; KADAKA KING OF KLAY

Mid gold wavy coat with cream feathering. slightly stronger in head than 1st dark pigment and nice depth of muzzle. Good reach of neck into level topline. Balanced body proportions throughout and moved well in all directions, steady and true.

3rd Knight & Cooke; HAYDENGOLD BACKCHAT

JD (11,2)

1st Taylor & Teague; TREEWATER WATSON AT GOLDREALM

In full pale cream coat he looked stunning and kept drawing my eye in this lovely class. Correct head shape with dark pigment and nice eye shape. Excels in reach and flow of neck into well laid shoulders. Good forehand angulation in balance with strong, well bent stifles. Good ribcage, short coupled and level topline. Correct leg length and well-padded feet. He moved well, straight and true to win this class and the Novice class.

2nd Wooden; AMILONE SMOKIN BARREL AT SALAKO

Handsome head and lovely eye shape on this cream, well-presented boy. Close up to 1st. Felt the winner carried himself slightly better today. Loved his outline and overall balance. Sound on the move. A strong class which bodes well for the future of our breed.

3rd Taylor; THORNYWAIT SKY DIVER

YD, (5,2)

1st Jackson-Haines; LEIGHSHAM THE CHEEKY ELF JW

Rich gold wavy coat with cream feathering. Handsome head with dark pigment. Excels in reach of neck with good lay back of shoulder and return of upper arm. Rear quarters in harmony. Well ribbed back and short coupled. Straight legs and neat feet. Held his level topline on the move which he did with accuracy and drive.

2nd Taylor; THORNYWAIT SKY DIVER

Light gold with nicely shaped head and eye shape enhanced by lovely black pigment. Well angulated front and rear quarters. Level topline and tail set. Straight legs of good length. Balanced throughout. Moved steady and true.

3rd Etherington; ELKARIMA’S GOLDEN RENAISSANCE RAFFIELO OF GEMASU

ND (11,4)

1st Taylor & Teague; TREEWATER WATSON AT GOLDREALM rep.

2nd Winsor-Williams & Williams; AURGENTOUS DEAROV IM

Nothing overdone on this mid-gold wavy coated boy. Balanced head with dark pigment, strong neck of moderate length and good layback of shoulders with return of upper arm. Good spring to rib cage, decent angles fore and aft and standing on good legs and feet. Level topline carried well on the move, covering the ground with easy strides.

3rd Hearn; KENTISHGOLD ROBIN HOOD WITH SUSIELOUGOLD

GD (11,4)

1st Bednall & Milledge; BENCO BIG TIME OPERATOR

Cream wavy coat with attractive light gold shading. Nicely balanced head with gentle expression, good reach of neck into well laid-back shoulders. Level through topline with tail caried straight off his back. Excellent front and rear angulation, Body proportions in total balance and standing on good legs with neat feet. Moved with drive and precision to take this super class. See he is my CC winner’s litter brother.

2nd Harvey & Anderson; ALIBREN ROCK LEGEND FOR ASHIQUA

Mid gold profuse coat. Handsome masculine head with dark pigment. Strong neck of moderate length. Level topline and tail set on correctly. Good fore-chest, spring of rib and strong through loin. Balanced front and rear quarters and standing on straight, well-boned legs. Carried himself with purpose on the move, straight and true.

3rd Oughton; CARUBELO LIVE THE DREAM JW

PGD (19,2)

1st Loverock, Waldron-Smith; THORNYWAIT SAVE MY SPACE AT LOVISSA

Mid-gold wavy coat with pale feathering in tip top condition. Pleasing head and expression with good reach of neck into excellent front assembly and topline. Good spring to ribcage and short couplings. Well-muscled rear quarters with good turn of stifle. Straight legs, short rear pasterns and tidy feet. He moved out with powerful strides, straight and true.

2nd Angell; LINIRGOR SEVEN UP AT MILLANZA JW

Lovely cream wavy coat in full feather. Loved his head and gentle expression enhanced with dark pigment. Good reach into shoulders and level top line. Text book front assembly and rear quarters in balance. Just a tad longer cast than 1st. Well-muscled throughout and standing on straight legs. He moved out effortlessly with good stride.

3rd Munro; LINIRGOR WALK THE LINE OF GLENBUIE

LD (19,5)

1st Black; BENCOE JUST IN TIME DEL AVRAIN JW IR JCH

Eye catching dog with super outline –so balanced and correct. Beautiful head and pleasing expression with darkest pigment, good reach of neck flowing into his level top line. Excellent forehand construction with good lay back of shoulder and return of upper arm. Ribs well sprung and ribbed back, short strong couplings. Rear quarters are well muscled with good bend of stifle. Legs of correct length, straight with good bone, short, strong rear pasterns, which gave him the best rear movement away, nicelyrounded feet. Sound and accurate mover with good stride. Pleased to award him the CC and BOB. Delighted to see him shortlisted to the final 8 in the Gundog Group.

2nd Norris; FENPINQUE MAGNUM OPUS AT MOLESTREAM JW

Slightly larger in frame with beautiful cream wavy coat. Really caught my eye both standing and on the move. Balanced head with dark eyes and pigment. Strong neck and well angled front and rear. Deep, well ribbed back chest, slightly longer in couplings than 1st. Held his top line and tail perfectly when striding out soundly, making a very pleasing outline. Considered him for RCC.

3rd Gerhold; NAVILIS VIVAT VIVALDI JW

OD (6,2)

1st Bawden; Sh Ch BALSAMINA BEACHCOMBER AT DARTHILL JW

Super, cream dog in full coat and feather, gentle masculine head, dark pigment and kindly expression. Excellent reach of neck and the best of forehand angulation with rear quarters in harmony. Rib cage of good depth and spring, short coupled. Straight legs and neat feet. He moved exactly as expected, showing off his good muscle tone and holding his level topline and tail carriage perfectly. His long free strides and accurate footfall won him this class and the RCC

2nd Simms; PENBRIDGE PLAY FAST AND LOOSE FOR STVINCENT

Mid gold in full coat and good condition. Handsome head with dark pigment. Moderate length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Good return of upper arm and ribs nicely sprung. Well-turned and muscled stifles. Carried himself level on move, on legs of good length with good free strides straight and true.

3rd Gerhold; NAVILIS NOUVEAU VENU JW

VD (7,3)

1st Loverock, Waldron-Smith; LOVISSA SPACE DUST ShCM JW

I have awarded this lovely dog a first in Veteran over three years ago when I last judged dogs and still find him a very good example of our breed. Mid gold wavy coat presented to perfection. Attractive, masculine head with deep muzzle. He is so well made all through with everything in balance. He still stands and moves like a much younger dog and is so accurate and light on his feet.

2nd White; FORBENDALE ICE BEAR

Cream wavy coat with lovely head and expression. Slightly heavier set than 1st but in good condition all through. Front and rear assemblies in harmony, with good spring of rib and strong loin. Good length of legs and neat feet. Level topline held on move. He moved well with good strides. Another belying his age.

3rd Swaine; KALLIXEL CARAMEL DELIGHT

MPB (9,2)

1st List; HAYDENGOLD LATEST GOSSIP

Pale cream full coat. Sweet head and expression. Darkest of pigment. Well developed for her age and stood with perfect topline and tail set on Balanced front and rear angles and standing on strong legs of good length. She strode out accurately. Predict she will have a bright future.

2nd Brown; LOUELLABROOK LOVE STAR

Litter sister to my best puppy dog and she is very similar in type though obviously feminine. Cream coat in good condition. Nicely shaped head with kind eye correct reach of neck and flow into level topline. Good body proportions giving her a balanced outline though not quite as developed as 1st yet. Good leg length and neat feet. Moved well.

3rd LOVEROCK, WALRON SMITH; LOVISSA SEEING STARS

PB (17,6)

1st Rains; LILLIESLEA PRINCESS ELSA WITH GUNHILLS

This blonde puppy really caught my eye from first run around. She carried herself so well on the move with free-flowing strides, head held high on her excellent reach of neck. Perfect topline and tail carriage. Well angled front and rear and good rib cage. Legs of good length and neat feet. So balanced all through and in great condition. BPB

2nd Foster; AURISTELA GINGER ROGERS

Cream coated with slightly smaller frame than 1st but still has time on her side. Scored in her construction. Nicely shaped head and good reach into well laid-back shoulders. Good length of upper arm and excellent rib cage and loin, rear quarters in harmony with her front. Sound eye catching mover.

3rd List; HAYDENGOLD LATEST GOSSIP

JB (10,4)

1st Wheeldon; DEWMIST DOLCE VITA WITH CATNNELS JW

Another lovely girl who kept catching my eye. Well-shaped head with dark pigment. She excels in reach of neck, good fore-chest, front angulation and leg length. Level topline and tail set. Rib cage well sprung and ribbed back, strong in loin and rear quarters. Everything in balance. She moved with style and accuracy.

2nd Clarkson; DRUMKILTY NOLLAIG SHONA JW

Close up to 1st and so much to like. Cream well presented coat, Gentle head and expression enhanced with dark pigment. Slightly longer in body than 1st Textbook front and rear angulation, correct legs and feet. Level topline and tail carried well on move. Straight and true.

3rd Shaw Robertshaw & Robertshaw; AURGENTIOUS MELON AN KI AT AKENSCALES

YB (8,2)

1st Russell-Bond; ROSINANTE GUINEVERE JW

Glamorous cream wavy coat with a hint of gold. Loved her outline whilst standing and on the move. So well made all through. Feminine head, nice eye shape with dark pigment. Good reach of neck which flowed perfectly into her well laid-back shoulders. Excellent fore-chest and return of upper arm. Well sprung ribcage and short coupled. Rear quarters strong with correct turn of stifle. She moved with long, free strides.

2nd King; ASHBYGLEN I PUT A SPELL ON YOU JW

Light gold nicely presented coat. Pretty head with dark pigment and correct eye shape. Adequate reach of neck into well laid-back shoulders and front angulation. Excellent ribcage and strong loin. Rear quarters in harmony and in good muscular condition. Level topline and tail set on and carried level as she moved, with good drive and stride.

3rd Cole; ROOKSBURY AURORA

NB (11,6)

1st Rains; LILLIESLEA PRINCESS ELSA WITH GUNHILLS rep

2nd Winsor-Williams & Williams; AURGENTIOUS ROS AN GWEL

Mid gold with cream feathering. Pleasing head, expression and dark pigment. Good reach of neck into nicely laid-back shoulders and upper arm of decent length. Good ribcage and level top line. Slightly longer cast than 1st. Carried her tail correctly. Strong rear quarters with good turn of stifle. Legs straight and well boned. Well rounded feet. Moved out with drive.

3rd Foster; AURISTELA GINGER ROGERS

GB (14,4)

My notes say first two very similar and now see they are litter sisters.

1st Munro; THORNYWAIT ROYAL DESTINY FOR GLENBUIE JW

Classic outline when standing; in mid gold wavy coat. Attractive head and expression with deep muzzle and black nose. Good reach to her neck flowing seamlessly into her well laid-back shoulders. Good fore-chest and length of upper arm. Level topline deep chest with good ribbing and strong loin. Nice turn of stifle and well-muscled. Correct legs and feet. Moved out with long free strides.

2nd Crookes & Jenkinson; THORNYWAIT ROYAL STORY FOR QUAKERHALL JW

Very similar to her sister and equally well made all through. Just slightly less furnishings today. She too moved out really well holding her topline and tail correctly. I expect these two will change places many times.

3rd Gayler; CAROLAKE X MARKS THE SPOT JW

PGB (18,5)

1st Maddison; JAYMARDY SWEET CAROLINE JW

Another eye-catching bitch, beautifully presented in cream wavy coat. Liked her overall balance and proportions. Head and expression enhanced by dark pigment. Excels in front assembly with good rear quarters to match. Well sprung and ribbed back with short couplings. Standing on correct legs and good feet. She was steady, accurate and true on the move.

2nd Winsor-Williams & Williams; FLEUR SO SWEET AT AURGENTIOUS

Mid gold with cream feathering. Slightly larger frame but still well balanced all through. Gentle head and expression with dark pigment. Good depth to ribcage and well ribbed back. Well angled front and back with good length to legs and catlike feet. Held her level topline and tail carriage as she moved with good free strides.

3rd Leeming; KADAKA KALYPSO AT ISCADU JW

LB (20,4)

1st CLARKSON; DRUMKILTY YOURS TRULY JW

Stunning!! Her outline when stacked and on the move is so beautifully balanced. Blonde medium sized girl with a lovely head and expression and good eye shape all enhanced with dark pigment. Good reach and strength to her neck flowing seamlessly into her well laid-back shoulders. Blades and uppers arm of good length. Well sprung ribs and strong loin. Her rear quarters are in perfect balance with her front, and she stands on good feet and legs. Held her level topline on the move with good stride and drive. Pleased to award her the CC.

2nd Drury; BENCOE BOOK OF TIME

Cream wavy coat with light gold highlights. Lovely well shaped head with dark pigment and gentle expression, good reach of neck into well laid-back shoulders. Level through topline with tail caried correctly. Excellent front and rear angulation, well sprung ribcage and short coupled. Good legs with neat feet. Moved soundly and with drive. See she is litter sister to my Limit dog & CC winner also to my Graduate dog winner. Their breeder must be delighted to have bred such a super litter.

3rd May; CHERRYGOLD STORYTELLER JW

OB (13,5)

1st Fosdyke; MEIEPERE YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE EST/LVA JCH BALT JW

Another I really liked. Free standing and very showy. Nice head and expression, excels in reach of neck and front construction, level topline. Tail held correctly standing and moving. Good ribbing and short through couplings. Rear quarters well-muscled with nicely turned stifles. Legs of good length and lovely well-rounded feet. Moved with long free strides and good drive.

2nd Crookes & Jenkinson; SH CH QUAKERHALL FLARE BY PANDORA

Mid gold beautifully presented coat with cream feathering. Pretty head and lovely eye shape with dark pigment. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders. Level topline and tail set. Good body proportions and condition. Well angled fore and aft and standing on good legs with neat feet. Moved out well with drive. A close decision but just preferred 1 for her showmanship.

3rd Dunbar,; CH LINIRGOR NINE TO FIVE JW

VB (12,5)

1st Dunbar; LINIRGOR PIPERS SONG

A good size up standing girl with lovely mid gold wavy coat and cream feathering. Good head proportions. Excels in reach of neck and her front and rear construction. Good ribcage and strong loin. Legs of good length and bone with neat feet. So good to go over. She comes into her own when moving. Such long free and accurate strides in all directions made her stand out today and was pleased to award her the RCC. Delighted to her she later won Veteran Group 2. I see I awarded her mother a CC several years ago.

2nd ROGERS; SH CH ROJILLAIR EVENING MAGIC OF ORDARLA JW

Cream coat with hint of gold shading. Looking good for her 9 years. Just slightly heavier set than 1st. Lovely shaped head with dark points and kind expression. Well angled front and rear quarters, Level topline and good tail carriage. Strong legs of good length. Moved out well with good stride and drive.

3rd Crookes & Jenkinson; SH CH QUAKERHALL PANDORA’S BOUNTY JW

Judge Carol Benson