Ulster Golden Retriever Club

The Ulster Golden Retriever Club Championship Show 

26th September '26

Thank you to the officers & committee of Ulster GRC for inviting me to judge their Championship Show and for their kind hospitality; to Cherrie, David & Alexa for keeping the ring running smoothly and not forgetting Phillip too for his help on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for affording me such a lovely entry; as the saying goes 'I was splitting hairs in some classes', which is a nice position to be in. I do, however, feel a few areas could be improved upon including straighter front feet - there was quite a few who had a tendency to turn one or both feet out; better upper arm angulation - a number were upright, and head type also varied quite a bit, as did eye shape and set. But, overall, there were some lovely, quality representatives of the breed and, as expected, temperaments were exemplary throughout.

Field Trial Dog or Bitch (0)

Special Working Dog or Bitch (1,0)

1. Clunie's CH Warrentor Bold As Brass, JW, SGWC, WGC

A mature 5 year old beautifully presented in rich golden coat. He has a kind, masculine head with an endearing expression set on a good length of neck. Deep and short coupled in frame, his angles are balanced fore and aft. Exuberant on the move, he powered round the ring with gusto and good drive from the rear - a worthy Champion.

Baby Puppy Dog (1,0)

1. Middlemiss' Harmarjoy Man in the Moon

A 5 month old baby who was completely unfazed by his first show; it was evident just how proud his owners are of him and rightly so - such a lovely partnership. A sweet head and expression with a good depth of muzzle; he is well developed in fore chest with decent bone. He moved out confidently, holding his topline; just a little loose at present, which you'd expect at this age, but everything is there ready and waiting - enjoy him - BBPIS.

Veteran Dog (7,1)

1. McShane's & Laidlaw-Good's SH CH Fhairmhor Haud Yer Wheesht at Rigerin

A worthy SH CH, beautifully presented in rich golden coat; the silvering on his face showing a gentle sign of wisdom and experience, although his character certainly belies his years. Fully mature, he is short coupled and deep in frame with matching angles front and rear. He moved out freely whilst holding his frame on lovely tight feet - BVD & BVIS.

2. Foremans' Ambersun Alive and Kicking

Another lovely boy who I've had the pleasure of judging before. Beautifully presented and dripping in well prepared, pale golden coat. Such a kind expression with soulful eyes, he is beautifully balanced in front and rear. Slightly more scopey than first, he was shown in good, hard muscle tone. Moved well with nice forward reach and drive from the rear. A close decision.

Minor Puppy Dog (1,0)

1. Dynes' Tenfield Isobar over Cedardyne

A mammy's boy approaching 9 months old - he is utterly devoted to his owner and, consequently, gave his runner a bit of a hard time however, once settled, he moved nicely. Just needing to drop into his angles and deepen in frame, all of which should come with maturity. Beautifully presented in wavy golden coat - a happy boy who enjoyed his day out.

Puppy Dog (3,0)

1. Foremans' Ambersun Another Adventure (AI)

A beautifully made puppy rising 11 months old. He has the nicest of heads with a kind, melting expression - well balanced, nothing overdone, he has such gentle appeal. Exemplary front construction and corresponding rear; he is well developed in fore-chest and ribbing, with good bone and muscle tone. Attentive to his handler, he moved out confidently holding his tail level with his back. Liked him very much - BPD & BPIS.

2. Paterson's Purple Amethyst Hogmanay at Trabboch (imp. NLD)

A lovely natured mid golden puppy presented in well-conditioned coat. A kind head with an intelligent expression, he is short coupled and deep in frame for his age. Another with good muscle tone, standing on decent bone; he moved freely but just needs to tighten up a little all through, which should come with age. He has a bit of a tendency to roach when standing - his owner just needs to extend his back legs out slightly but, nonetheless, a promising baby.

Junior Dog (5,0)

1. Byrne's Zenevieva Mad As I Am for Whistler (AI)

Really loved this handsome young boy. Whilst he's not the largest of dogs, he is so beautifully balanced, everything is where it should be, with nothing overdone. He has a stunning head and such a soft expression; exemplary front and rear angulation, he is short coupled and mature in frame for his 16 months. Dripping in profuse cream coat and expertly piloted, he is stylish on the move whilst maintaining his frame - he should go far!

2. Gerhold's Navilis Shchedryk, JW (imp. UKR)

A 14 month old mature boy; another dripping in profuse, beautifully prepared cream coat. A larger-than-life character, he is a real showman with a 'look at me' smiling expression and demeanour. Balanced fore and aft, he is short coupled and maintains a level topline when standing. He moves confidently with accurate footfall on good bone and feet. Just preferred the head and expression of 1st.

Yearling Dog (1,0)

1. Tobins' Alibren I'm On Fire

Another quality boy of 20 months who I liked a lot. He has a masculine head with a lovely, kind expression and good dark points set on a decent length of neck. A nice layback of shoulder and balanced in rear, he has good width to his second thigh with short hocks well let down and adequate bone. Moving well from his short-coupled frame, whilst maintaining his shape, he is positive and true both coming and going.

Novice Dog (1,0)

1. Purple Amethyst Hogmanay at Trabboch (imp. NLD) Repeat - second in Puppy Dog.

Graduate Dog (2,0)

1. McCormack's Flyngalee Topsy Turvy, JW

A lovely natured, mid golden boy who is besotted with his owner and I'm sure the feeling is mutual - they make a great team! A masculine head with a dark, kind eye and good pigment; he is short coupled, balanced in front and rear and is well muscled throughout. Moving positively both coming and going, he should trouble the best with a little more maturity; a very promising young dog.

2. Smullen's Moyglass Just Too Sweet, IR JCH

A different type to 1st, this boy has an appealing head and expression with a gentle disposition - he even brought his highly regarded duck toy along for the day too. Lighter in build and slightly longer cast, he just needs a little more time to fill and drop into his frame. He is balanced fore and aft, and maintains a level topline on the move, which he does soundly and freely.

Postgraduate Dog (3,1)

1. Jayakumar's & Rajendran's Zenevieva Bolder Than Brass (IKC)

A promising young boy who is now starting to come into his own, piloted by his attentive owner-handler. Standing on good bone and feet, he is nicely angulated in front with corresponding rear angles; well ribbed back and a deep frame, he is beautifully boned and has good strength to his front pasterns. Appealing in both head and expression, he moves out confidently. Just has a tendency to hold his tail a little high at times but, nevertheless, a sound, honest dog.

2. Macleod's Bluebraes Bidey In at Rocamar

A naturally freestanding 2 year old shown in lovely golden coat and condition. A different type to 1st, he's slightly longer cast but is deep in body with balanced angulation front and rear. He has a beautiful head with an appealing smiling expression - you can't help but smile back at him - and is well boned and muscled throughout. Moved out well whilst maintaining his level topline. Just preferred the front of 1st.

Limit Dog (10,1)

1. Oakes's Drumkilty Vanadium, JW

Upstanding, larger framed cream boy who is the epitome of balance. He is now coming into his own and destined for the top drawer. He has a masculine head with a melting expression and an 'all knowing' look to his eyes; set on a good length of neck with a nice layback of shoulder; a prominent fore-chest and correct upper arm angulation. Well ribbed back, he is mature in frame with a lovely sweep of stifle and width to second thigh. Moved soundly and accurately for his handler who really gets the best out of him.

2. Bednall's & Milledge's Bencoe Big Time Operator

Close up to 1st, there was little to separate these two quality boys. Another who is coming into his own with the most beautifully balanced head, masculine but in no way overdone, and an endearing kind expression. Balanced fore and aft, he has a good layback of shoulder and return of upper arm with corresponding rear angulation; he is short coupled and stands on a good length of leg with decent bone. Another who moved soundly and accurately whilst maintaining his frame and level topline. Just needs a little more coat for the finished picture, but he has nothing to hide and is also deserving of getting to the top.

Open Dog (13,2)

1. Boltons' Megarvey Still Game for Shiresmill, JW

At 5 years old, this lovely boy is now in his prime, and what a beautiful example of the breed he is. I judged him as a raw puppy and thought he showed real promise then - he's certainly lived up to expectations. The most beautiful head and melting expression, with gentle, knowing eyes; he is textbook in front and rear - the picture of perfect balance. Deep in body with a well sprung ribcage, he's nicely muscled and boned, which enabled him to move out effortlessly, straight and true, whilst maintaining his level topline. Beautifully presented in rich, wavy golden coat, he looked an absolute picture. Was only too pleased to award him the CC and eventual BIS - a worthy new SH Champion; huge congratulations - a beautiful example and an asset to our special breed.

2. McGugans' Westlow The Legend of Fingal to Invergoil Culzean (imp. IRE)

Another cracking boy, close up to 1st. Rising 4 years old, he's maturing beautifully and is really coming into his own now; he's definitely destined for the top drawer. A masculine head with a kind eye and expression, he too is nicely balanced fore and aft, with a well angulated front and matching rear. Deep and short coupled in body with a level topline and tail set, he powered round the ring with verve and confidence on tight feet and in excellent muscle tone. Was pleased to award him the RCC in good company - his day will definitely come and he'll make a worthy Champion. Good luck with your lovely boy!

Baby Puppy Bitch (2,2)

Veteran Bitch (5,2)

1. McFarlane's Bluebraes Jacobite Lass

Loved this beautifully natured, animated showgirl who belies her years. She has a lovely feminine head and pretty expression; is well angulated in fore and rear quarters and stands herself foursquare, capped with an ever-wagging tail. Presented in beautifully prepared golden coat, she moves with ease whilst maintaining her frame - BVB; just preferred the shorter couplings of the BVD in the challenge, but a close decision as liked this fun-loving girl and she made me smile.

2. McShane's Rigerin Respect

Another well-made golden girl who I liked a lot for her balanced angles. An appealing feminine head with subtle hints of silvery wisdom adorning her soft expression. Deep and short coupled in frame, she maintains a level topline both standing and on the move, which she did straight and true on the best of feet.

Minor Puppy Bitch (3,0)

1. Clarkson's Drumkilty True Colours

A lovely shape to this larger framed, blonde girl. Everything is there and in the right place; she should have a promising future ahead of her as she takes time to mature and drop into herself. Feminine in head, set on a good sweep of neck, she is balanced fore and aft and stands on a nice length of leg. Moved steadily and was sympathetically handed to get the best out of her. After a busy, tiring day, she was just pipped to the post in the puppy challenge on movement.

2. Tobins' Clonabay Chain Of Love

A well grown, pretty blonde puppy who was presented in lovely coat and condition. Deep and mature in frame for her age, she is nicely put together and is balanced throughout. Standing on a good length of leg and tight feet, she also moved out steadily showing good reach in front and drive from the rear - very promising.

Puppy Bitch (7,1)

1. Nelson's Cadwst Eternal Ember

This blonde bombshell appealed for her balanced outline; she is a substantial girl but remains feminine throughout. A sweet head and expression, she is nicely angulated in front and balanced in rear quarters. She is well boned and maintains a level topline both standing and on the move, which she does with real confidence. She's a lovely natured baby with a cheeky sparkle to her eyes. Should go far - BPB; just pipped to the post in the challenge on the more settled movement of the BPD but, nevertheless, a really lovely puppy.

2. Woolley's Amilone You're Still The One

Another beautifully made puppy who I liked a lot. Different in type to 1st, but she equally appealed for her balance and femininity. A nice head into the best of forequarters, she just needs to drop into her rear which will come with maturity. Okay for bone and with lovely feet, this girl comes into her own on the move; she's so free and spirited. Splitting hairs as liked both girls a lot; just preferred the substance of 1st.

Junior Bitch (9,1)

1. McNeishs' Pevrilpoint Don't Stop Me Now

A gorgeous, feminine blonde who instantly appealed for her balanced outline; she's so nicely put together and was beautifully presented and handled. The prettiest of heads with an endearing expression, she's short coupled, well angled fore and aft and has plenty of bone. She moved out effortlessly with accurate footfall whilst maintaining her level topline and tail; absolutely loved her - a strong contender for the RCC - and another with a bright future ahead.

2. Lewis' Zenevieva Million Dollars for Fairwinds (AI) (IKC)

Another lovely young lady who was beautifully presented and handled to perfection. Similar remarks apply to 1st; this feminine blonde is just slightly more scopey in type. She has excellent forequarters and is balanced behind. The best of feet, she is nicely boned and is another who moved freely; she was an absolute joy to watch. Just preferred the head and expression of 1st, but she's another who should go far.

Yearling Bitch (10,0)

1. Furbank's Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace, JW

This beautifully put together blonde was another contender for higher honours; I loved everything about her. She's the epitome of balance and has that extra sparkle which will take her to the top. She's effortless on the move, with added 'look at me' factor too - she knows she's something special and you feel privileged to be in her company. The best of angles fore and aft, she's deep and short coupled in body, beautifully boned with the tightest of feet and strong rear pasterns; plus, a head to die for! Loved her!

2. Foremans' Ambersun Winter Treasure, JW

Another pretty young lady who was well presented in pale golden coat. She also has a beautiful head and expression into well angulated forequarters - this kennel consistently seems to turn out the best of fronts. Slightly longer cast than 1st but equally deep in frame, she just needs a little more time to drop into her rear. She moved out well with accurate footfall.

Novice Bitch (6,1)

1. Amilone You're Still The One

Repeat - 2nd in Puppy Bitch.

Graduate Bitch (5,2)

1. Archibalds' Abinvale Amor Vincit Omnia (AI)

A feminine, blonde young lady with an appealing head and pretty expression. She has good substance to her with lovely bone and the neatest of feet. Balanced fore and aft, she has plenty of forechest and is short coupled and mature in body for her age. She moved out steadily and true with confidence, whilst maintaining her lovely, level topline and her tail held straight off her back - another girl who will have a bright future.

2. Nelson's Cadwst Song Of Spring, JW

A different type to 1st, but equally appealed for her beautifully balanced outline. She is mature in body with well angled forequarters and has good width between her front legs. Substantial bone and well ribbed back, she has a lovely bend to her stifle with the neatest of short hocks and feet. Moved very well whilst maintaining her shape; another I liked a lot, just pipped to 1st on head preference.

Post Graduate Bitch (4,2)

1. McCormack's & Russell's Flyngalee Dilly Dally

A substantial mid golden girl who was expertly presented and handled. Mature in body, she is short coupled and deep through the heart with a long, well sprung ribcage. Ample bone, beautiful feet, and real strength to her front pasterns; she is in good hard condition throughout which enabled her to propel herself around the ring with real power from her rear quarters. She has a lovely affinity with her handler who really gets the best out of her - a dream partnership and just wonderful to watch.

2. Hill's Drumkilty One Night Stand for Sandaula, JW

A well-made, balanced young girl of a different type to 1st. She is slightly scopier in frame and was just in between coats; once fully mature, she should have a nice future ahead of her as everything is there and in the right place. Beautifully angled fore and aft; nicely boned with the best of pasterns and feet, she moved out really well whilst maintaining her level topline. Another who was well handled.

Limit Bitch (12,4)

1. Clarkson's Nollaig Shona, JW

A real blonde bombshell with the wow factor, she's the epitome of perfect balance; a larger, substantial girl but still retaining femininity throughout. She's one I'd be proud to call my own! A beautiful head with a sweet expression; she has kind, soulful eyes which draw you in and bring a smile to your face. The best of forequarters with a prominent sternum and good width throughout; she is also balanced and well angulated in rear, is deep and mature in body and has a good ribcage. She is strong in bone with real substance, and has lovely, neat feet to boot. She was expertly presented and handled to bring out the very best in her; everything appeared effortless - a dream partnership! Was only too pleased to award her the CC and subsequent RBIS in such lovely company - a beautiful example of our special breed.

2. Morrison's Kayzaelle Kind Spirit

Another who I love and have had the pleasure of judging before. A different type to 1st, she too is perfectly balanced and was strongly considered for the RCC. Her head and beautiful expression is one of the best I've ever seen; so appealing and ultra feminine. She has a super front and corresponding rear; is well boned with lovely tight feet and in excellent muscle tone. This little girl is a super mover; she's confident, straight and true, and so eye catching. Another who I would be proud to call my own! Was a little unsettled by a change of handler when called back in for the challenge, but this stunning girl must be destined for a bright future.

Open Bitch (18,5)

1. Rodgers's Ambersun Passione of Odarla, JW

This girl had to be good to top this strong class of quality bitches, and that she was. Another for the top drawer - she was perfectly presented and handled - there wasn't a hair out of place on her pretty mid golden coat. She has such a feminine head and pretty expression; the strongest of jaws for her bait and, thankfully, a brave handler who doesn't mind missing a finger or two. Beautifully angled in forequarters with good width to her chest and is balanced in rear; she is mature in frame with adequate bone and neat feet. She holds a dead level topline, moving out truly and freely whilst carrying her tail straight off her back. She's a truly lovely girl and stepped it up a notch further in the challenge to be awarded the RCC in strong company.

2. Byers's IR SH CH Balibeau Thons A Terra, CPW 22 JCH

Very close up to 1st and another pretty, feminine girl who I liked a lot. She has a lovely head and an all-knowing expression with a bit of sass behind her eyes, another who knows she's good and makes you feel honoured to be sharing the same air space as her. She's well made in forequarters and is balanced in rear, standing on good bone and presented in fine fettle; she moves with real confidence, verve and gusto whilst maintaining her lovely shape - another truly lovely girl.

Amy Sharp (Jomaroski)