British Gordon Setter Club

British Gordon Setter Club Championship Show. 11th October

What a huge honour to be voted by members to judge at this, the Senior Breed Club's Championship show. In these days of declining entries a fantastic entry of 87 dogs was a huge compliment. Thank you exhibitors. The hardworking committee should be very proud of the 2 great shows they put together. The atmosphere in the RKC building was lovely with a background hum of chatter, laughter and applause for class winners. Finally good stewards should never be underestimated and my good friends Jayne and Ben Bennett kept everything running smoothly and made for a wonderful day for me. Thank you.

DOGS

BPD (0) BPB (3) 3 lovely babies all born on the same day! 1 Keaswood Love Games (Horn) Very well developed with good bone and substance. Pretty head and dark eye. Moved confidently. BEST BABY PUPPY 2 Longrow a Kind of Magic (Williams) 3 Longrow Endless Love at Glenarden (Ede & Williams) Both good outline and shape. Movement not as settled as 1 but goodness they are only 20 weeks old! 

SVD (3,1) 1 Sh.Ch.Yennadon Lochan at Rubymoon JW ShCM (Butler) 12 3/4 years young! Compact, well boned, solid topline and good bend of stifle. Lovely old fashioned head. Movement accurate and dignified, BEST SPECIAL VINTAGE 2 Rosemullion Braganza (AI) (Fuller) Larger dog not as balanced in outline being shorter in body and taller on the leg. Decent head with dark eye. Moved out well.

 VD (5,1) 1 Sh.Ch Palangor Moonlight Echo at Pangarak (Bain) A well muscled dog of correct size. Compact outline with a still solid topline. Decent head but would prefer a darker eye. Moved out on a free and reachy stride. 2 DT/AM/BEL Ch Munroc Berreta (Timmermann,Cornum & Welling) Another of correct size and balanced outline. Great angles fore and aft. Lovely coat and colour. Movement powerful and precise. 3 Sh.Ch, Hernwood Achilles at Ettrick JW VW (Harker) 

 MPD (1) Yennadon Arrow at Bratticus (Parker-Smith & Tuer) 7 month. Mature in body for age. Well sprung ribs and good bone. Lovely outline, A bit nervous being handled but settled and moved with confidence. 

PD (2) 1 Kilnrae Black Ice (Macewan) 10 months. Pleasing head with good stop, nice eye shape and expression. Deep muzzle. Good angles in shoulder and rear quarters allowed him to move with plenty of reach and strength behind, BEST PUPPY IN SHOW. 2 Balnakiel Beinn Macduibh (Wray) Big boy with huge bone. Very mature in body. Big barrel rib-cage, deep brisket. Handsome head and dark eye. Strong arched neck into level topline, Movement needs to settle. 

 JD (1) Cottonstones Dawn Treader by Brobruick (Mitchell) Tall well boned young man. Level topline and nice run-off to tail. Nice head, dark eye. Deep in brisket. Good width in quarters. Would prefer more length in loin to give a more balanced outline. Lovely colour and coat condition. Moved ok but a bit wide in front. 

 YD (3) 1 Rhiwgerrig Caractacus by Melview (Hall) Correct size, balanced outline. Pleasing head. Decent stop and nice shaped eye. Arched neck into well sloped shoulders. Overstretched on the stack he regained a good bend of stifle when free standing. Impressed on the move with a long easy stride. 2 Hernwood Master Blaster (Sandiford, Sandiford, Beagle & Beagle) Bigger boy all over. Head a little plain but a dark eye and gentle expression. Good front and spring of rib. Glorious coat and colour, Moved close behind. 3 Wasely Lazy Dayz at Stylersetts (Macaulay) MD (1) Kilnrae Black Ice (Macewan) 

 ND (0) GD (7, 1) 1 Laurelhach Bugatti at Siochail (Sinclair) Lovely all over. Balanced settery outline. Handsome head. Long neck into clean sloping shoulder. Level topline and lovely tailset. Correct length in loin. Well muscled he was the best mover in this class. 2 Kewstoke Ocean Commander at Glendudmoor (Robson) Similar to 1 but shorter in neck and length of loin. Good head and gentle expression. Solid topline and broad hindquarters. Moved well. Great coat condition. 3 Rhiwgerrig Caractacus by Melview (Hall)

 PGD (3) 1 Caradilis Fiach Dubh (Gregg) Correct size young man. Beautiful old fashioned head. Good outline, correct length in loin and nicely set tail. Stifle well bent and muscular thigh enabled him to move positively with accuracy, Great coat condition. 2 Cottonstones Dazzling Lad (Burke) Taller rangy type. Head ok. Gentle expression. Level topline. Shorter in neck and steeper in shoulder than 1. He was not co-operating with handler so movement difficult to assess. 3 Gailiech Wirnpa (Hogg) 

 MLD (3) 1 Amscot Angels and Demons JW (Poynter, Poynter & Collins-Pitman) Super type out of the top drawer. Correct size and balanced settery outline. Masculine head held on a long well arched neck. Clean well sloped shoulder and neatly tucked in elbows. Enough spring of rib and length and strength in loin. Dead level topline and lovely run-off to tail. Strong well muscled hindquarters. He moved with precision and power, if a bit fast!! 2 Hernwood Wizard of Oz JW (McCarthy) Slightly bigger old fashioned type. Rugged, workmanlike appearance. Correct in all departments. Solid frame. Good tailset. Movement, though correct in footfall did not display enthusiasm. 3 Colourbox Wild Wild West With Rackens (Horler) 

 LD (4,1) 1 Hernwood Bleu Spirit to Rackens JW (Horler, Horler, Sandiford & Sandiford) Smashing balanced outline. Beautiful "bricky" head. Dark eye with mischievous outlook. Longest of necks into the best shoulders. He swallowed up the ground with a long economic action maintaining his topline and wagging his tail. 2 When I Was Your Man Black Lofty ShCEx(IMP POL) (Henderson) Compact and strong. Well off for bone. Masculine handsome head. Elegant neck into well sloped shoulders. Big rib-cage, nice tight feet. Fluid determined action. 3 Burroughtof Loch Leven at Glenarden (Ede) 

 OD (9) This was my class of the day filled with top quality exhibits. 1 Lainnireach Star Gazer JW (Cuthbertson) Correct super stylish dog from all angles. Able, workmanlike "Scottish" appearance! Stunning dignified head. Big nose and Lovely dark eye with a switched-on look. Well arched neck fitting seamlessly into perfectly angled shoulders. Excellent body properties and super tailset. Well muscled hindquarters and correct length on his loin enabled flexible accurate movement, He powered round the ring with his head held high and his tail slashing exhibiting his lovely personality. Glorious colour and coat presented in gleaming condition. My notes say "this is what a good Gordon should look like". I simply loved him. Easy decision. C.C. and BEST IN SHOW. 2 Sh.Ch.Forresters Northern Hunter of Darkmoor with Gadieburn JW(IMP.DEU) (Michalak) Lovely dog correct in all departments with no exaggerations. Beautiful head, good stop and eye shape. Soft expression. Decent neck, good angles both ends. Tight elbows below deep brisket. Level topline and "bang on" tailset. Fluid ground covering action. 3 Sh.Ch.Cafotaliena Thief of Hearts by Brobruick JW (Mitchell) 

 SBD (1) 1 Kewstoke Ocean Commander at Glendudmoor (Robson) BEST SPECIAL BEGINNER 

 CHD (3,1) 1 AM/INT Ch/Ch Carnoustie Let The Game Begin (AI)(IMP AUS)SGWC (Newton, Cornum & Timmermann) Impressive dog who epitomised the weight carrying hunter described in our standard. Strong able and dignified. Well constructed throughout. Gorgeous bricky head, Gentle eye. Long well arched neck. As much of him in front of the withers as behind. Big barrel ribs. Deep in back ribs. Correct in loin allowing flexibility. Powerful rear end. Magnificent on the move with his reachy fluid action and great drive behind. He displayed a picture of strength, endurance and ability. Add to that his beautiful tan colour and gleaming coat he cannot be overlooked. RES C.C. 2 Sh.Ch. Glenmaurangi Mandalorian JW (Lomas, Watkins & Phillips) Another cracking dog who so deserves his title. Shares most of the same qualities as 1st. Balanced outline, huge bone, straight front and strong back-end, Good head. Long low set ears. He is slightly longer in loin and not as animated on the move and this is what split them. Nevertheless a smashing dog.

 FTD (0) BRACE (1) (Hardy) A really well matched Mum and daughter combo. Both are lovely feminine balanced examples in gleaming coat condition. Their smartly turned out handler had them moving in perfect unison at the right speed. They presented a lovely (if tear jerking!) picture. Very well done.

BITCHES

SV (2) 1 Benbuie Rose Quartz with Kellizlot (Tong) 10 years young. Very feminine head , dark eye and sweet expression. Good body properties. Straight front and tight elbows. In fine coat and muscle condition, Stylish accurate movement. 2 Chartan Treacle Tart JW (Thomas) 12 years. Grand old lady out of a smaller mould and looking stockier in build. Sweetest of heads. Still in hard muscular condition she moved a bit more sedately than yesteryear and why not now!! 

 VB (5,1) Sh.Ch. Glenquin Phoenix (Johnston) Stylish substantial girl though utterly feminine. Classic head. Glorious long arched neck into the best angled front. Again, as much of her in front of the withers as behind creating a balanced picture. Good bone. Well sprung ribs. Nicely arched loin. Just a bit slack in her topline today as she is still carrying too much weight. Wide muscular quarters and low hocks she swallowed the ground with long sweeping strides. Coat in fantastic condition. BEST VETERAN IN SHOW. 2 Sh.Ch. Cairacailie Night Of Love with Ordett JW (Slaughter) Beautiful compact girl with curves in all the right places. Gorgeous head which deserves to be the blue-print for our standard. Darkest eyes and softest expression. Long low set ears. Clean shoulders and well sprung rib-cage.Broad hindquarters and super bend of stifle. Lovely coat and colour. Shown today on her 10th birthday she moved accurately with her tail wagging in great style. 3 Melview Phoenix (Hall) 

 MPB (1) Bonnienicht Darl Truffle (Harris) Really confident 6 month old girl. Nicely balanced proportions with good topline and well bent stifles. Pretty head, dark eye with cheeky expression. Coal black coat and rich clear tan. Moved very well. She should have a bright future. 

 PB (1) Balnakiel Creag Nan Damh (Green) Another well schooled youngster of correct size and enough substance. Stop still needs to develop on. but plenty of time for that. Lovely coat and colour. Good angles in front. Level topline. She moved out on a fluid ground covering stride. BPB.

 JB (1) Balnakiel Creag Nan Damh (Green) YB (2,1) 1. Rhiwgerrig Sonatina (Jones) A very nice young bitch who had the best colour here today. Not feeling very confident today however, she actually relaxed more on the move round and went well. She is a lovely type and with more experience should do well. Please persevere with her.

 MB (2) 2 Bitches differing in type, age and maturity. 1 Benbuie Chinook at Coldwelfield (Potter) Larger framed and bigger boned. Decent head, strong neck into good shoulder placement. Solid topline, nice run-off to tail. Moved ok when she settled. 2 Balnakeil Creag Nan Damh (Green) 

 NB (3) 1 Benbuie Chinook at Coldwelfield (Potter) 2 Balnakiel Creag Nan Damh (Green) 3 Kewstoke Ocean Seahorse (Miller Webb) 

 GB (6,2) 1 Pipruda Jubilation (Alpe & Abram) Sweet petite girl. Very feminine head. Appealing gentle dark eye. Good Stop. Super outline. Amazing angles fore and aft. Long elegant neck seamlessly into rock solid topline and perfect tailset. She used her well muscled quarters to sail around the ring with her tail slashing. An impressive picture. 2 Laurelhach Mercedes at Blairbelles JW (Bell, Millar & Bell) Another lovely bitch in a lighter frame. At that in between stage of maturity she has all the essentials to finish well. Balanced and correct in loin. Very pretty head, good stop, deep muzzle and sweet kind eye. Moved too fast at first but settled to a lovely graceful precise footfall. 3 Glenquin Phantom (Johnston) 

 PGB (6,3) 1 Kewstoke Sea Queen Zena (Smith) Super old fashioned type. Good body proportions. Rock solid topline and perfect tailset. Lovely head with plenty of work and sweet expression. Impressive on the move. Economic elastic and strong. 2 Laurelhach Lotus with Muckpups JW (Bryant) Super girl with balanced outline and great angles. Feminine head set on the longest neck into clean well sloped shoulder.Moved out with style but not the reach in front of the winner. 3 Chartan Little Black Dress (Thomas)

 MLB (1) Cafotaliena All Eyes On Me (Hardy) Correct size girl. Attractive head. Strong neck, clean shoulders and terrific forechest. Deep well sprung ribs. Solid topline and good run-off. Stylish elegant mover.

 LB (5,1) Amscot True Lies(AI) (Alpe & Abram) Super breed type combining strength with femininity. Beautiful "bricky" head. Correct length and depth of muzzle and flew. Long muscular neck into the best fronts. Excellent conformation and body proportions. So firm in topline and perfect tailset, Powerful wide hindquarters and short hocks made for impressive, agile accurate movement. Beautifully presented and handled. Carrying the right amount of weight showing off a good waistline. Knocked hardest on the door of top honours. Champion quality. 2 Balnakiel Creag Rainich JW (Green) Similar size and balanced outline of 1st. Lighter framed. Decent head, clean shoulders and elbows tucked under. Well muscled she has a fluid and ground covering action. 3 Eusanit Marcella at Hernwood (Sandiford, Sandiford & Mazzeo) 

 OB (5) 1 Ch. Beechlake Hey Jude SGWC (Burke) I've admired this girl before. So utterly feminine and compact. Pretty head with soft expression. Ample bone and tight feet. Body proportions and angles correct. Solid frame and lovely tailset. She cruised around the ring showing precise footfall, animation and super head carriage. RES C.C. 2 Amscot Air Born Via Kewstoke (Smith) Beautiful girl. Has substance but remains utterly feminine. So balanced in outline. Good width all through ribs, loin and hindquarters. Lovely head, super stop, dark eye with mischievous look. She sashayed around with authority and style. 3 Sh.Ch.Cafotaliena Hello My Love (Hardy)  

SBB (2,1) 1 Kewstoke Ocean Seahorse (Miller Webb) Substantial correct height girl with huge bone and rib-cage. Balanced outline. Attractive head. Would like a darker eye. Moved out well but carrying too much weight.  

CHB (2) Sh.Ch./AM GRCHS/CAN Ch. Fenwyck's Glamour (ATC BD 66573USA) (Patterson) O.K., to quote Barry Manilow....her name is Lola she is a showgirl....extraordinaire!! She certainly lives up to her name. I was concerned at first about her "Irishy" topline on the stack. And also about her extravagant coat presentation. However, under all that coat she is so well made. Everything fits together seamlessly. Delightful feminine head with good stop and dark nicely shaped eye. When standing freely and certainly on the move she displayed wonderful angles both ends and a dead level topline. She commands the ring on the move covering the maximum ground with the minimum steps accurately with great aplomb and smashing head carriage. C.C. RES BEST IN SHOW 2 Sh.Ch/IR Sh.Ch. Caradilis Sparks Will Fly JW CW26 (O'Kelly & Hancock) Good traditional able looking type. Gorgeous head. Lovely eye, muzzle and lip shape. Reachy neck to well laid back shoulders. Deep in brisket and slight arch over loin. Presented a totally balanced outline. She drove off short hocks with plenty of drive and reach in front in impressive style.

 FTB (4,1) 1 Chartan Little Black Dress (Thomas) 2 Chartan Maple Mayhem (Thomas) Mother and daughter out of the same mould. Both petite and balanced in outline with enough length in loin to allow flexibility so important when covering a grouse moor. 1st is cleaner over the shoulders than 2nd but 2nd had a prettier head. In the end the shoulder situation split them. 3 Ch. Painted Lady at Tregarrick SGWC

Mrs Christine Lomas - Judge