- Show Date: 25/04/2025
- Show Type: Championship Show
- Judged by: David Alcorn Contact Judge
- Published Date: 28/05/2025
West Of England Ladies Kennel Society
Breed: Irish Setter
West of England Ladies Kennel Society Championship Show
Irish Setter
Thank you to everyone who brought their lovely Irish Setters for me to appraise, I was afforded an excellent entry of really great quality. In many classes there were tough decisions to be made, and in each challenge there were several in contention for top awards which is a great thing. We had a big grass ring which allowed the dogs to move out well, and I’m pleased to say I found many great movers amongst the entry. Thank you to all exhibitors for brining your dogs, and for making the day so enjoyable. The atmosphere around the ring was just brilliant, with enthusiastic applause for all the winners.
Veteran Dog
1st Place, 2119 - Sh Ch Lynwood Hocus Pocus at Settesoli JW (Mrs J P Russell)
Smart shapely male in good coat and condition, he is upstanding and of good type. Has a good length of foreface and expressive eye. Well developed in forechest, strong bone, and excellent feet. Moved out very well covering the ground with ease.
2nd Place, 2099 - Redclyst Maximus VW (Mrs J Macdonald)
Lovely headed chap, with good body and excellent width and development of first and second thigh. Stacked up he has a firm topline and well set tail, and balance of angulation fore and aft. Just a little wide coming towards today.
Puppy Dog
1st Place, 2081 - Cararua Pearl of Fortune (Dr Gkg Gill)
This baby boy is growing on very well and has great body and condition on him which is always a pleasure to see. Masculine in outlook all through, he has strength and substance all through. In good coat, which is of lovely colour, he moved out using his tail well and time and maturity will only improve things.
Junior Dog
1st Place, 2104 - Gwendariff Sky Diver (IKC) (Miss C & Miss R Neill & Ellrich)
This dog has such a superb outline; he is quintessentially setter with the correct height to length ratios and everyhing in just the right place. Beautifully moulded head of length, with expressive eyes beneath his defined brows. His strong lengthy neck leads to beautifully placed long shoulder blades, and on to a firm topline. Well developed in forechest in brisket he is ribbed well back and strong in loin. His tail is well set on and his hindquarters are well angled with his hocks well let down. He instantly appeals for static balance, and then we come to movement. This young d has such incredbily accurate footfall and deportment it is incredibly impressive. His carriage and elegance are evident, and his racy outline is held perfectly with solid topline as he drives around the ring. Long striding, smooth, and effortless. In terms of presentation, this must be commended as not only is his coat moderate and well tailored, he is perfect for weight and clearly afforded plenty of free running as this is evident in his exemplary condition. His skilled handler works so quietly and so well with him, I felt they went up a gear in the challenge and this duo simply could not be ignored today. Racy, balanced and full of quality indeed. He is super exciting and I was elighted to award him the DCC (his first I understand), and BoB. I was thrilled to see him make the cut in a competitive group under Lee Cox later in the day. A star in the making - good luck with him.
2nd Place, 2090 - Gwendariff Mr Blue Sky (Mrs J & Mr R Holmes)
This young man is so full of verve and life he is hard to ignore! Another with a very good head, he is skeletally sound and presented in first class order. Shapely head with good eye and well set ears, he stacks up well and is good to go over as everything fits together so neatly. Makes his owner work hard, but the good ones are never easy!
3rd Place, 2130 - Gwendariff Hanky Panky (Mrs L A & Mr D Walker)
Yearling Dog
1st Place, 2072 - Gwendariff Bobby Dazzler (IKC) (Mrs L J Dewar)
Medium sized male of balance and moderation all through, nothing is exaggerated. He has a clean racy outline, good angles fore and aft, strength in topline and firmness in loin. Grand head with kindly expression from his dark eyes. He is in top class order with great coat, superb body, and excellent tone to his muscles. Well developed in first and second thigh with well let down hocks. He impressed me in this class, however in the challenge he had a change of handler to move him which is the area where he excels. They worked so well together he could not be denied the RDCC.
2nd Place, 2120 - Tiroen Touch of Magic by Settesoli (Imp Kcj) JW (Mrs J P Russell)
This d is of good type and has a super head of length, with plenty of work and dark clean eyes. Clean in throat, well placed shoulders and strong in topline and loin. His quarters are well balanced and he has good width of thigh. Stands on good feet. Moved out well but just needs a bit more time to come together and mature.
3rd Place, 2088 - Loganrish Tiger Warrior JW (Miss Holehan)
Novice Dog
1st Place, 2090 - Gwendariff Mr Blue Sky (Mrs J & Mr R Holmes)
2nd Place, 2066 - Covarney Mr Magoo (Mr G T & Mrs K E B Condron)
Lovely shape to this male who is of good time, with clean racy outline and balance of construction at both ends. Really liked his head and expression, eye shape and colour and ear set. He is deep in brisket and well ribbed back. Turned out very well. I felt he just needed a little more confidence today, as he was a touch hesitant and tended to drop into himself a little. Time and experience needed for this boy.
3rd Place, 2080 - Kerrimere Night Breeze among Joanmas (Mrs J A Gilbert)
Graduate Dog
1st Place, 2112 - Bardonhill Mcintosh Red at Montgreenan JW (Mr J, Mrs L & Miss L H Richardson)
Smart upstanding male of super type, he appeals instantly in ouline as he is clean, racy and with good balance. Lovely head shape with gentle expression from his dark eye. Strong in neck, topline, and loin, with well set tail. Good depth to brisket and length to rib, he has lovely body and condition. Moved out very well indeed to claim victory in this class.
2nd Place, 2121 - Ferasheen Hot Proper Tea JW (Mrs K & Miss G Sloane)
A little stronger in back skull and more definition to stop than 1. Overall his outline is clean and typical, and he is presented in good muscle and well cared for coat. Stands on good feet. Was just a little erratic on the move today, but that will improve with maturity.
3rd Place, 2071 - Kristesha A Thousand Kisses (Miss Y Davies)
Post Graduate Dog
1st Place, 2083 - Loganrish Out On The Town JW (Mr R Green)
This d is rather unassuming on first look, but when you go over him you find a soundly made, typical, setter with balance and moderation throughout. Good head of length, clean neck, and balance of angulation front and rear. He scores in topline and ribbing, with strong loin. Well boned and standing on excellent feet. He moves soundly away and back and without exaggeration.
2nd Place, 2097 - Gwendariff Bachelor Boy (Mr & Mrs P Lucas)
Touch longer than the winner and needs a bit of time to fill in, but he has a super outline and imposing stature. Lovely head and expression. Good front action coming towards, but just needs to settle into his rear but he has plenty of time.
3rd Place, 2050 - Glencarron Show Must Go On JW (Mrs C Allan)
Limit Dog
This was an interesting class, as there were many good examples present.
1st Place, 2077 - Gwendariff Aru Ready F’this (Miss R & Mrs P Ellrich & Lucas)
This d appeared to be quite a challenge for his handler, as whilst he has enthusiasm for the job he also appears to rather have his own mind, too! Appeals in head, shoulder placement, body condition, and hind angles. He is well ribbed and strong in his topline. Where he really scores is on the move, where he demonstrates great reach and drive on the go around in such an effortless fashion. He couldn’t be denied this class today.
2nd Place, 2131 - Gwendariff Ucant Touch This JW (Mrs L A & Mr D Walker)
Lovely type to this male, who has a shapely head with plenty of work. Appeals in expression, which is soft and kindly but with an intelligent outlook. Lovely lay of shoulder and clean lines through neck and into topline. Has depth of brisket and well spring ribs, firm croup and well set on tail. Excellent width of thigh and great condition overall. He moved well enough however just didn’t seem to have much enthusiasm for the job today.
3rd Place, 2113 - Gwendariff Tullys Red Arrows (Ms R Richardson)
Open Dog
1st Place, 2076 - Sh Ch/ir Sh Ch Gwendariff Absolutely Marwe'llus (IKC) Cw24 Ww’24 (Miss R Ellrich)
Quality upstanding male of excellent type, there is no denying his breed when you look at his outline. Long clean head, big nose, clean dark expressive eyes. He is strong in neck with a long fine shoulder and good return of upper arm. Well ribbed back he has great strength in his topline and loins, and a well set on tail. His hindquarters are well angled, but not to excess, and he has great development of first and second thigh. Moves out with style and vivacity, with accurate footfall. Another from this kennel whose condition I must also commend – yes, the coat is presented very well, however beneath this cost you have a well perfectly bodied adult male at full maturity, was presented in the absolute peak of condition. His development of muscle all through indicates a good lifestyle, and his width and development of muscle in the hindquarters was particularly impressive. A close contender for top honours today, such is his quality throughout.
2nd Place, 2069 - Sh Ch Alolfrana All I Ask of Eveandabec JW (Mrs R D Danks-Kemish)
This male scores overall for type, as he has a grand head, balance of angles fore and after, and correct body proportions. Well laid shoudlers are put to good use on the move, and he drives from his well let down hocks. This is another who is clearly afforded a great life as he was also presented in first class order with superb musculature all through.
3rd Place, 2098 - Redclyst Head Full of Dreams (Mrs J Macdonald)
Veteran Bitch
1st Place, 2055 - Sh Ch Gwendariff Lily The Pink (Miss L Bougen)
Glorious lady in the peak of condition. Beautiful head of feminine outlook, with plenty of work and great definition of brow. She has dark expressive eyes that could melt you. Balanced in her construction throughout she possesses great static and kinetic balance. In great order and fit as a fiddle. Stands on excellent feet. A credit to her owner, BVIB.
Minor Puppy Bitch
1st Place, 2106 - Bluesprings Love of My Life for Shirlilah (Miss L M Peters)
This precocious young lady showed herself off so well and never put a foot wrong. Liked her elegance of outline and youthful femininity all through. Sweet head and expression, well made fore and aft, and good body already for her age. Handler works so nicely with her, ensuring she is enjoying her job. Pleased to award her BPIB.
2nd Place, 2115 - Polmennor Spice of Life (Mrs A R Roberts)
Very promising youngster with super forehand and really excellent quarters. She too has good body and is developing very well indeed. Another very good mover, there was little to separate 1&2 today and I wish them both well for the future.
3rd Place, 2062 - Sunshine of Life Charlotte Countess at Sheldonite (Imp Hun) (Mrs A & Mr N Chapman)
Puppy Bitch
1st Place, 2106 - Bluesprings Love of My Life for Shirlilah (Miss L M Peters)
2nd Place, 2115 - Polmennor Spice of Life (Mrs A R Roberts)
3rd Place, 2114 - Polmennor Pandora (Mrs A R Roberts)
Junior Bitch
1st Place, 2118 - Gwendariff Skys The Limit (IKC) (Miss S Roffey)
This is a glorious youngster brimful of quality and type. Beautifully headed, she has mischief in those dark eyes for certain. Beautiully constructed throughout she has great balance, elegance, raciness, and soundness all through. Particularly good in lay of shoulder and length and strenght of neck. Strong in topline, she holds her ouline so well on the move for such a youngster. Great ground coverage and accuracy of footfall away and back. She is perfect for body and has well developed muscles all through, with great width of first thigh and development of second thigh. I think she’s a very exciting prospect indeed and I’m sure the best is yet to come - it was a very close decision for top honours today, and I was delighted to award her the RBCC.
2nd Place, 2085 - Clonageera Summer Dreams at Millpoint (Mrs J M Harrison)
This young lady is quite the character and I loved that she really made her owner work for it! She has many qualities to appraise and her overall type and construction are very nice indeed. When she decided to co-operate she moved quite well. It was a joy to see a youngster really enjoying themselves in the ring and I’m certain she will become quite the showgirl in the future.
3rd Place, 2052 - Riverbrue Mystique avec Brinara (Mrs B & Mrs L Berry & Morris)
Yearling Bitch
1st Place, 2087 - Loganrish Tiger Lilly Pearl JW (Miss Holehan)
This young lady was the most together in this class today and put on a good performance, demonstrating her sound construction all through. Has balance and length to head, strength in neck, topline, and loin. Superb width of thigh. Stands on good feet and moved away and back very tidily indeed.
2nd Place, 2095 - Gwendariff Rhianna (Mrs R & Dr H Jones)
Shapely and feminine in ouline, this young lady produces a glorious clean racy outline stood up. Pretty head, but with strength. Scores in angulation fore and aft, balanced without ecaggeration. Just needs time to firm up and come together a little more on the move.
3rd Place, 2085 - Clonageera Summer Dreams at Millpoint (Mrs J M Harrison)
Novice Bitch
1st Place, 2065 - Covarney Mini Minx (Mr G T & Mrs K E B Condron)
Elegant and feminine all through, this young lady has a clean outline and was presented in glorious coat and condition. She has dark and expressive eyes and well set ears. Shoulders and well laid and clean, brisket well developed, and she is well ribbed back. Well off for angles behind, she has good width to thigh. Moved out holding her outline very well.
2nd Place, 2052 - Riverbrue Mystique avec Brinara (Mrs B & Mrs L Berry & Morris)
Scores in outline, with commendable strength to topline and balance of angulation. Nice head shape with length of muzzle and clean eyes. Stands on great feet. Not as together as the winner on the move today.
3rd Place, 2129 - Corranroo Winter Moon over Caervista (Miss T M & Mr N J Vincent & Spencer)
Graduate Bitch
1st Place, 2102 - Quensha Galway Girl (Mrs D E McDonald)
This was a rather mixed class and this young b stood out for her overall outline. Shapely head with work, and clean eyes. Good neck and strong topline, with width to loin. Her balance of construction is put to good effect on the move where she produces and easy long stride and good freedom of action.
2nd Place, 2056 - Bridgella's Jubilee Queen JW (Mrs D & Mr W & Miss L Bridgwater & Bridgwater & Goddard)
Nicely headed b who worked very well with her handler. Not quite the front of 1, however this b uses herself so well on the move to produce a sound and easy stride.
3rd Place, 2122 - Ferasheen Pop The Champers JW (Mrs K & Miss G Sloane)
Post Graduate Bitch
1st Place, 2125 - Blazing Bronze Jitterbug with Dazycutter (Imp Nld) (Ms J Turner)
This b is well constructed throughout with balance of fore and hind angles. Good headshape and eye colour, with well set ears. She has a strong neck which leads cleanly to well laid shoulders. Firm topline which she holds well standing and moving. Not in the best of coats today, she just needs a bit more finish to complete the picture.
2nd Place, 2107 - Corranroo Hot Sensation at Shirlilah (Miss L M Peters)
Very nice outline stood up, but not quite the length of foreface of 1. Shapely overall outline withouth exaggeration, this b moved well on a tidy even stride, however was just a tad proud of her tail today.
Limit Bitch
1st Place, 2089 - Gwendariff Thistle Be Jills at Wynjill (Mrs J Holley)
Beautiul shapely feminine b of super type. Glorious headpiece with expressive eyes, defined brows, plenty of work, and length. Her forehand construction is excellent, with fine well laid shoulder, equal return, and depth and development in brisket. Well ribbed back her topline slopes steadily to well angled quarters. The whole picture is one of balance, femininity, raciness, and quality. On the move she is quite exciting, using her excellent construction to great advantage going around, covering the ground easily and holding her outline perfectly. To complete the picture she is perfect in body, wonderfull muscled, in great coat, and a beautiful colour. In the challenge she never put a foot wrong and just had the added virtue of maturity to take her a step above the junior b. Delighted to award her the BCC -I hope a well deserved title isn’t far away.
2nd Place, 2093 - Gwendariff Dazzling Diva (Mrs R & Dr H Jones)
Sweet headed elegant feminine b with a racy outline and loads of quality. Lovely clean outline and good balance all through with no exaggerations. Stands on great feet and has quality bone. On the move she was just a little erratic in her action than the winner today, and needs to firm up a little to complete the picture.
3rd Place, 2126 - Gwendariff A Gee An Tee for Me with Dazycutter (Ms J Turner)
Open Bitch
1st Place, 2054 - Sh Ch Gwendariff Hot Ticket JW (Miss L Bougen)
Elegant, shapely, racy, feminine – this is a quality b all through with many breed attributes to appraise. She has a well constructed frame and is balanced at both ends, well ribbed up, and possesses a strong topline and well set tail. She is perfect for body condition, and very well muscled with super width to thigh. Loved her long elegant head and expression.
2nd Place, 2073 - Quensha Beautiful Stranger of Gracewood (Ms A & Ms S Douthwaite & Wharfe)
Clean outline on this fully mature feminine lady, who showed herself off very well indeed. She has balance of angulations and soundness all through. Quality bone, and standing on good feet. She moved out well producing a sound action with accuracy of footfall, working well with her handler at all times.
David R. Alcorn (Lourdace/Comalegy)
(Judge)