Crufts

DCC 13037 - Sh Ch Lindridge Front Runner (Mrs A P Hackett)

RDCC 12953 - Tzigane of Merrily (Mrs S Cottebrune)

BCC 13240 - Sh Ch Zheridons Blanche (Mr D C & Mr M D Todd & Rahman)

RBCC 13048 - Meden Agan The Dark Side of The Moon (Miss Simonelli)

BOB 13240 - Sh Ch Zheridons Blanche (Mr D C & Mr M D Todd & Rahman)

BP 12958 - Ryallcourt Charm of Unique to Suvern (Mrs S Cox)

BV 12999 - Multi/int Ch Alen Ashen Jonny Lee (Miss K Eisen)

 I must thank my two stewards, Lisa Gudgin and Ken Francis, who worked tirelessly through a very long day ensuring the ring ran without a hitch. Then I must thank each and every exhibitor for bringing your cockers under me. This is a show like no other; expectations are high, it's crowded and noisy, and no doubt pulses are racing. Couple that with large numbers in most classes making for difficult decisions. Many leave without a place card but that is nothing to be ashamed of because almost without exception your cockers should have made you proud. You hoped they would perform well and they did, many with happy wagging tails! Your enthusiasm and your merry cockers made it a day I will never forget.

Inevitably in an entry of this size there are positives and negatives and I trust you will accept my comments in good faith and for the good of our wonderful breed, remembering that not all faults are visible to those sitting ringside. Dentition concerns me, there were too many incorrect bites. Movement also concerned me with some moving close behind, some crabbing and some hardly able to touch the ground due to being strung up and raced around. Presentation, on the whole, was good; my main winners exemplified how to put down a cocker to perfection, they were shown in full, gleaming coat and excellent condition. The use of blades and over scissoring did little to enhance the appearance of a small number of exhibits; correct presentation is well worth the effort. Correct weight, good muscle tone and sound movement with correctly held toplines were key factors and cost some exhibits a potential place.

I sought correct breed type, balance and moderation and found it in my winners. I looked for cleanly chiselled heads and eyes that were not only the correct dark colour but also showed a softness and intelligence. Good forechest with sufficient width, correct return of upper arm, strong and sturdy body and beam end of adequate strength and width, once again these qualities are present in my winners. All that said I am not writing extensive critiques due to the fact my winners met the requirements of our well respected breed standard.

2179. Spaniel (Cocker) - Veteran Bitch

Entries: 23 Absentees: 4

1ST 12900 - Withiflor Fairy Tale JW (Mrs F A Bard)

This is a class which always fills me with emotion, seeing so many veteran girls loved and conditioned by proud owners on the green carpet. The winner headed up a stellar group of veterans and is truly a beautiful “golden oldie” in the best sense of the phrase. Shown in gleaming coat, trimmed to perfection and moving with precision. Well boned and bodied, she carries her years well. I have judged her before and commented on her well boned limbs and super well padded feet- some of the best feet here today! A merry cocker very much at one with her handler both on the stack and on the move. In the challenge for BV at the end of a very long day I felt she looked a little tired, which is not surprising, hence she had to give way to the blue dog who moved with just a touch more drive and energy.

2ND 13155 - Sh Ch Weyhill Wish List (Mr G K & Mrs L M Parker)

 Well presented black with a pleasing head and soft, gentle expression and looking very smart today, shown and handled very well. Another who wears her years well. Sound and sturdy on handling and moving with drive from well angulated quarters.

3RD 12972 - Kerriglow Honesty JW (Miss L Davies)

A lovely black who always gives her .best Moved well at one with her handler. Completed a lovely trio.

RES 13264 - Sheigra Super Special JW VW (Mrs C A West)

VHC 13021 - Prt/esp Ch Jenjibre De Rocango Prt Jch (Mrs M González Rodríguez)

2180. Spaniel (Cocker) - Minor Puppy Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST 13276 - Marquell Moana (Mr M Boswell)

 Pleasing head and eye with this sweet blue roan baby which is of good make and shape; neat and tidy neck and shoulder; short and deep in body with good ribbing. Sensitively handled, she moved out with confidence. One to watch as she develops.

2ND 13243 - Kirlinjis Gold Beach (Miss K Torbett)

 Bigger frame than winner but balanced, well marked orange and white with well boned limbs. Head is balanced, dark eyes with kind expression. Very well presented and handled to get the best from her. Moved well on the out and back.

3RD 13245 - Kirlinjis Juno Beach (Miss K Torbett)

Pretty blue baby with gentle expression; of good type; moved well.

RES 13034 - Griffial Back to Black (Mrs J Griffin)

2181. Spaniel (Cocker) - Puppy Bitch

Entries: 12 Absentees: 2

1ST 13165 - Merrysoul Donatella Versace with Bocablue (Miss J K Pop)

 Delightful puppy with a good head and kind expressive eyes. Very well made with great balance and good angluation fore and aft, neat neck and shoulder; body developing well for her age. Well boned limbs and well padded feet. So sound and happy on the move and unphased by a change of handler. Presented in good coat and excellent condition. BPB. I wish her well as she matures.

2ND 12988 - Corralet Opera of Dunherl (Mrs L A Duncan)

 Pleasing blue, showed well and moved with confidence. Body is well balanced with depth and good ribbing, clean neck and shoulders. Well turned stifle and short hock. A very sound puppy.

3RD 13213 - Deracor Diamond Glow (Mr D & Mrs C Shapland)

Black puppy that is coming on well, good make and shape overall with good legs and feet. Happy and sound on the out and back.

RES 13257 - Whinburn Northern Lights over Wensum (Mrs B M Ward)

VHC 13248 - Lochellan Pure Kaos (Miss C & Mrs G Clelland)

2182. Spaniel (Cocker) - Junior Bitch

Entries: 27 Absentees: 8

1ST 13101 - Plaiglen Biker Babe to Helenwood JW (Mrs J H Marris-Bray)

 I was delighted to get my hands on this super youngster as I have admired her from the start of her successful puppy career; she did not disappoint. So well put together, sound and sturdy with well boned limbs, well bodied, balanced head and gentle expressive eyes. Very well presented and shown with good muscle tone. Uses herself well on the move out and back and with good side gait. Such a lot to like, she will surely, as she matures, have a successful career in the ring.

2ND 13149 - Rosecourt Petitoes (Mrs K Nuttall)

 Such a well balanced youngster with lovely head and eye. Sufficient bone and body, well angulated and shown in good coat and condition. Moved out with confidence showing drive with a happy attitude. Very much at one with her handler.

3RD 13124 - Corralet Adelaida (Mr J & Mr A Membrado)

 Very neat and tidy junior with great body and bone. Well handled and completing a lovely trio.

RES 12981 - Uméa De L'orme À Lieue (N De Paule)

VHC 13100 - Haradwater Sassy 'n' Classy (Mr M & Mrs S Marques)

2183. Spaniel (Cocker) - Yearling Bitch

Entries: 27 Absentees: 3

1ST 13109 - Manchela Pollyanna JW (Mr M J & Mr M F Masters & Dott)

 This blue girl is really coming into her own. Short, neat and well-balanced all through. Pleasing head and eye. Well off for bone and body and shown in great condition. Uses strong, well angulated quarters to advantage on the move. Expertly presented and handled. In my final cut for the CC.

2ND 12925 - Sparklette Shines at Charbonnel (Mrs K Brennan)

 And sparkle she did! Presentation was first class. Very sound, short , cobby bitch. Well angulated hind quarters put to good use on the move. Exuberant and merry and on the move, true coming and going.

3RD 12982 - Uraya De L'orme À Lieue (N De Paule)

Well constructed golden, good body proportions and moving soundly to complete an excellent trio.

RES 13086 - Victoire of Loving Star (Miss Jlg & Mr Md Le Goff & Druaux)

VHC 13049 - Ultra Chic Full Girly Du Moulin De Clemencey (Miss Simonelli)

2184. Spaniel (Cocker) - Undergraduate Bitch

Entries: 42 Absentees: 7

1ST 13125 - Corralet Afrodita Ii (Mr J & Mr A Membrado)

  What a sight to see so many cockers in this class! It was necessary to make more than one cut and movement played a major part in my final decisions. That said it was inevitable that some good bitches would remain out of the final cards.

The eventual winner is an upstanding blue of very good type, so well balanced and standing on well boned limbs and good, tightly padded feet. Shown in hard condition and beautiful quality coat. Expertly handled throughout this very tough class to get the best from her and where she demonstrated strength, reach and drive on the move.

2ND 13236 - Claramand Black Fancy (Mrs E Thomas)

 Such a cockery young black coming along very well in terms of her development. Typical head with lovely dark, expressive eyes. Short and cobby with sufficient body and bone. Best of legs and feet. Very well presented and handled with care and attention throughout this class.

3RD 12975 - Annaside You Are My Sunshine (Mr P & Mrs M Davies)

Gold which pleased on handling, soundly put together, presented very well. Moved at one with her handler.

RES 13069 - Oakbeach Crash Boom Bang Into Alhambian (Imp Swe) (Mr Mj and K & Ms M & M Keely & Ekstrand)

VHC 12922 - Glowhill Annika at Lararth (Mr D C & Mrs S L Bowen)

2185. Spaniel (Cocker) - Graduate Bitch

Entries: 15 Absentees: 2

1ST 13206 - Lynwater Snow Moon (Miss J Maclean)

 Very sound and well constructed orange and white. Balanced profile with nothing exaggerated. Well off for bone and body. Good angles fore and aft and stands on good legs and feet. Movement was sound on the out and back and with good side gait. Very well handled.

2ND 13290 - Canyonn Classic Vision JW (Miss D & Mrs S Young)

 Pleasing black bitch with a good outline on the stack. She is balanced all through with good head and expressive eyes. Sufficient width through her body and across her quarters. Moves with a confident, merry gait.

3RD 13080 - Yokotai Queen of Chaos JW (Dr R Kotanen)

Beautifully presented blue shown in great coat and condition. Very well handled on the stack and moving where she used herself well on the out and back.

RES 13106 - Sandlauga Candy Crush (Miss J Mason)

VHC 13230 - Claramand One Vission between Chezza’s (Mrs C Stokes-Harrell)

2186. Spaniel (Cocker) - Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 14 Absentees: 2

1ST 13244 - Kirlinjis Handmade JW (Miss K Torbett)

 Movement varied greatly in this class with a couple that looked good on the stack throwing away a potential place when they moved.

I have always liked the particolours from this breeder who produces consistently sound and honest type and this bitch is no exception. Very well made with short, deep, well ribbed body. Hands on, she flows well from her balanced head through tidy neck and shoulders, good topline and correct tail set. Quarters are strong and with sufficient angulation to allow good drive on the move.

2ND 13133 - Glowhill Chiquitita (Mrs J E Mitchell)

 Another quality blue of sound construction with nothing exaggerated. She presents a clean and tidy profile. Sweet head and expression. Adequate bone and body. Moves correctly with good forward reach and drive. Well presented and handled.

3RD 13058 - Stobytill Bootylicious (Mrs S J Hutson)

 Completed a trio of well made blue girls. Well presented and shown in good coat and condition. She was well handled and moved correctly with good drive.

RES 13180 - Rozamie Black Pearl Jessremjul ShCEx (J & S Remington)

VHC 13234 - Cassom Blue Muse at Regaltav (Mrs E L Tavernor)

2187. Spaniel (Cocker) - Mid Limit Bitch

Entries: 21 Absentees: 5

1ST 13073 - Lujesa Laurellakes Angel Whisper (Misses A & S Kettle)

 A very smart black which was expertly handled and beautifully presented. Dark, expressive eyes. Hands on she flows from her skull over tidy neck and shoulders, correct forechest, well ribbed body, correct topline which she maintains on the move. Stands on well boned limbs with well padded feet. On the move she owned the ring, head up and wagging tail moving with reach and drive from well muscled quarters. In my final cut for the BCC.

2ND 13146 - Heluin Blue Jay (Imp Rus) (Mrs J & Mrs K & Mrs M Fairbairn & Nuttall & Madigan)

 Blue bitch of good quality. Presented in good coat and condition and very well handled to get the best from her. She is well balanced with a good profile, clean neck and shoulder, good angles fore and aft and with good bone and body. Moved out well.

3RD 12964 - I Will Be Fable and Miracle (Dr Czipott)

Orange and white bitch of great substance, good bone and body and shown in full coat. Moves with great style.

RES 12959 - Alisma Aloonah (Mr D Craig)

VHC 13263 - Sheigra Super Secret JW (Mrs C A West)

2188. Spaniel (Cocker) - Limit Bitch

Entries: 17 Absentees: 1

1ST 13048 - Meden Agan The Dark Side of The Moon (Miss Simonelli)

 This was a hotly contested class and my first and second choices were an absolute delight to go over. Both have quality in abundance. Winner is so very well balanced with flowing lines from her beautiful head through well laid neck and shoulders into good body, well ribbed and in tip top condition. Strong quarters which she uses so well on the go round, holding her topline. So sound and so steady on the move out and back and with excellent side gait covering the ground so well .Her black jacket was immaculately presented. Could not be denied the class and later the RCC.

2ND 13136 - Riondel Solitaire (Miss C Morris)

 Lovely blue girl with so much quality and so much personality, pushed the winner hard. Loved her well balanced head and expressive eyes-with just a touch of mischief! Neat over neck and shoulder leading to short, well ribbed body. Well boned limbs and well padded feet. Pleasing angles fore and aft. She uses her quarters well when settled to drive and shows good forward reach.

3RD 13147 - Misperros Incandescent at Carmelfair JW (Mrs J & Mrs M Fairbairn & Madigan)

Completed a trio of beautiful bitches. This bitch pleased overall on handling, she is well balanced and free from exaggeration. Moved with drive holding a correct topline..

RES 13134 - Glowhill Sweet Magnolia (Mrs J E Mitchell)

VHC 13246 - Kirlinjis Made You Wait (Miss K Torbett)

2189. Spaniel (Cocker) - Open Bitch

Entries: 37 Absentees: 9

1ST 13240 - Sh Ch Zheridons Blanche (Mr D C & Mr M D Todd & Rahman)

 My star of the day! This cocker is a picture of balance, correct in profile, moderate throughout with nothing exaggerated. Well balanced head with sweet, expressive eyes. Flows gently from clean neck into well laid shoulders, short and deep in body, good forechest, well angulated fore and aft. She was presented in immaculate coat and condition, nothing hidden by excess coat. On the move she owned the ring, at one with her handler, holding a correct topline, wagging her tail-a picture of a merry cocker at ease with her handler. Great forward reach and drives well using the strength in her quarters to great advantage. She never put a foot wrong and for me she was a most worthy winner of the BCC and later in the day of BOB by the referee's decision. After a very long day she gave her all in the hotly contested Gundog Group and came out as the worthy Group winner; I could not have been more delighted to see her flying the flag for our wonderful breed.

2ND 13108 - Sh Ch Manchela Little Tease JW (Mr M J & Mr M F Masters & Dott)

 If memory serves me well, I judged this beautiful blue as a puppy and she has gone on to fulfil her early promise. A delight to go over her well proportioned body; another that flows from head to tail. She uses herself well on the move when not rushed. As always from this exhibitor, well presented.

3RD 13090 - Haradwater Vanity Fair at Penmartan (Imp Prt) (Mrs T A Lewis)

Blue of very good type and looking better than I have seen her. Well made all through. Very well handled and moving with drive.

RES 13148 - Misperros Sophia Loren (Mrs J & Mrs M Fairbairn & Madigan)

VHC 13092 - Ready for Love De La Terre D'opale (Miss A Lhote)

2190. Spaniel (Cocker) - Field Trial Bitch

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

2191. Spaniel (Cocker) - Special Working Gundog Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1ST 13291 - Int/cze/bih Ch Rimpoche Rosie Dermott (Mrs A Zemanová)

 Impressive, well made and sound throughout. Stood four square on the stack holding a good profile. Steady driving action on the move with excellent stride and side gait. Very well presented and handled. A bitch that has the strength in her make and shape to do a day's work.

2ND 12875 - Int Ch White Maple Cross Faithful Angel (Ms A Acs)

This bitch and the 3rd placed are well constructed, shown in good coat and body. This bitch is well muscled and uses her quarters to drive well on the move. Another that is fit for function.

3RD 12882 - Blue Vroland Una (Ms M Andersson)

Very well handled and presented in good coat and condition.

RES 12940 - D´grace Daisyline (Mrs M Čajková)

VHC 12941 - Tudo Bem De La Rivière D'opale (Mrs P Cano)

2192. Spaniel (Cocker) - Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch

Entries: 19 Absentees: 1

1ST 13261 - Sheigra Simply A Star JW OSW ShCEx (Mrs C A West)

 Well known black who never lets her sporting owner down. She is carrying correct weight and is well muscled. Pleasingly well balanced with good profile. Well ribbed and with good depth to her body. Shown in good coat. Uses herself well on the move, at one with her handler.

2ND 13247 - Kirlinjis Muddy Puddle JW (Miss K Torbett)

Nothing muddy about this lovely chocolate roan! As with others from this kennel, she is sound and sturdy with adequate bone and body. Good in profile and with good angles. A well balanced bitch that can move with drive and energy. Very well handled.

3RD 13180 - Rozamie Black Pearl Jessremjul ShCEx (J & S Remington)

Black in gleaming coat and condition who showed so well for her handler. Strong in body and with good bone. Pleasing to go over and moving well and happily.

RES 12950 - Tomarisroan Star Maker (Miss H.r. Coombes)

VHC 13051 - Kyna Touch of Magic to Holchancer (Mr S A Holland)