Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

Ripon Racecourse  

Friday 18th September 2026

Golden Retrievers 

Judge: Mrs Janis Ward 

Total Exhibits Entered/Total Exhibits Absent/Total Exhibits Present: 140/25/115 

Humbled and privileged to judge such a wonderful entry of goldens with a great depth of quality, the highest entry in the show, I was thrilled with both my final line-ups. In my opinion, the only way to separate each winner is to move them around the ring together. We were not afforded the courtesy of a second steward, however, my exemplary Crufts steward Karen Williams was worth five. 

I was impressed with the vast majority of quarters, almost all with correct length of second thigh, strength throughout with good stifles and only one or two standing on weaker hind pasterns. I’m afraid I could not forgive two or three otherwise beautiful boys who carried their tails too high from steeper croups.There were some not so wonderful heads but the majority had the typical golden charm. There were very few carrying too much weight, most exuded active condition for enjoying their favourite activity - running endlessly!

Above all I was looking for our goldens’ most important attributes - confidence, intelligence, calmness, a willingness to please, kindliness and tolerance. 

VD (10 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1ST Ogilvie Mrs L LINIRGOR PLAY MY SONG FOR GLENBUIE BEST VETERAN

Gorgeous rich golden gentleman with a classic outline thoroughly enjoying his day out. The most appealing expression from his well-chiselled head, clean lines flowing into each other standing on super feet. Deep through the ribs and in great body condition. Handled perfectly into winning the class on his excellent movement. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ 

2ND Warden Mrs AR NOBLEMOON TAK THE HIGH ROAD TO GLENTOCHTY VW

Darker, compact nine year old also with the most beautiful eye, quality and balance throughout, covered the ground with ease and confidence.

Both belied their ages by retaining their fluid movement like youngsters

MPD (3 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1ST Lopez Noguera Dr A TO DIE FOR RIA VELA (ATC ESP) ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ 

Confident, happy youngster with a perfect topline and tail set carried well on the move from his very short couplings and super, correct bone and balance. Excellent presentation and handling.

2ND Layland Mr ML & Mrs T & Miss LA APPLECOTE WINTERS GLOW ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

Larger framed cream boy not quite as confident as my winner, longer cast with good bone and movement. Dark pigmentation and a lovely head.

PD (6 Entries, 0 Absent) 

1ST Loach Mrs SA & Zubair Mrs S BERRYMEADE MERLOT‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍ BPD

All boy without coarseness so well constructed with short-couplings and well-let down hocks, allowing driving propulsion. Impressed with his correct balance in width with firm topline as well as angulation, stifles strong with no exaggerated length of bone. In gleaming golden coat with correct weight, responsive to handler with happy, easy gait.

2ND Lopez Noguera Dr A TO DIE FOR RIA VELA (ATC ESP)

JD(2,1A)

1ST Beck Mrs S PRIESTSIDE HUNGRY HEART IN BEINANGUS

Gorgeous eye expressing his exuberant character, balanced correct angles on good bone, wonderful condition, covered the ground well although carried his tail a little high on the day. So perfectly handled.

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YD (3 Entries, 0 Absent) 

1ST Davis Mrs L LYNSTE DREAM BOY (AI) JW 

A dream he certainly is - a quality boy balanced from every angle, great substance with good depth and breadth of chest and forechest and correct maturity for age, already a worthy Show Champion. Super straight bones standing on knuckled up feet and correct bend of stifle within balanced quarters and short hind pasterns. Consequently moved around the ring with such ease. Loved his head with happy expression and confident rapport with handler. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ 

2ND Williamson Ms D PONFEIGH TOPP NOTCH WITH DAWNRYAN (AI) ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍

So very close to winner, a quality boy more compact than first and just as fabulous with a wonderful balance and attitude. Great expression and connection with handler, moving out with ease.

ND (4 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1ST Beck Mrs S PRIESTSIDE HUNGRY HEART IN BEINANGUS 

2ND‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ Carney Mr DC ASTLEYFOLD SNOWY BARNEY OF FIONAFIELD 

This masculine boy moved with freedom once his novice handler understood how to prevent him pacing, the dog suddenly realising he had to be a good boy! A striking head with a deep muzzle, he had great bone and a very dense coat.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍

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GD (11 Entries, 1 Absent) 

Quality class with hard decisions to be made.

1ST McCormack Miss S FLYNGALEE TOPSY TURVY JW RDCC

What a star! So wonderfully balanced and moved out accordingly, amazing drive from strong quarters. Matching correctly angled shoulders. Attractive expression, adoring his handler. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍

2ND Jackson-Haines Mr G & Mrs J LEIGHSHAM SWEENEY TODD JW 

Cream boy presented probably the best handler in the business! Moved with such flow and drive. Longer cast than first but still with short-couplings with ribs well laid back, oozed character, quality and balance. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍

PGD (9 Entries, 3 Absent) 

1ST Towers Mrs S & Henderson Mrs M BARICIA BELLA DIVINO JW 

Won this class on his beautiful head and expression. Excelled in strong, straight bone, good forechest, balanced angles on super feet, covering the ground with freedom and personality.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍

2ND Vernon Mr MP & Mrs DJ GRACELEIGH LEGEND OF TARZAN 

Another gorgeous boy full of quality, so beautifully presented. Well let-down hocks, dead straight topline. Full of quality, movement was even and impressive.. 

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LD (14 Entries, 2 Absent) 

A breathtaking class.

1ST England Mrs SJ BREKSWOOD GENTLEMAN JACK JW DCC

‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍And what a gentleman he is, superb balance with correct construction affording a reachy flow of strong neck into his great shoulder angulation and correct leg length in symmetry with all of his angles connected with his short, strong loin. Cream waves in his gleaming coat and body in great, muscled condition. Gentle, balanced head, perfect ear set framing his charming, melting expression. Correct spring and depth of rib with good forechest. Filled the eye with his cut-glass outline topped with a solid topline. Covered the ground with freedom, soundness and drive. Perfectly handled with sympathy and rapport.

2ND McFarlane Miss K KING OF SWING QDORE OF LABGOLD TO BLUEBRAES (IMP POL) 

A golden boy who impressed with his great character, balance and excellent movement, longer cast than winner however with a strong topline and ribcage strong, deep and laid well back. Super coat and condition. ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍Loved his head with deep muzzle and gorgeous eye. 

Both placed on their lovely heads over some who were not so appealing and some with tails carried too high. ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ 

OD (5 Entries, 0 Absent) 

1ST Vermander Mrs N BEL CH WILD WILD WEST OF SUNSHINE'S VALLEY (ATC BEL)‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ 

What a showman this boy is, comes alive with his extension and flow around the ring, eager to please, oozing personality. Not in the best of coats but such good body condition and muscling with ribcage of correct width and depth, balanced into short couplings and strong quarters with wonderful short hind pasterns affording his driving movement. Beautifully handled, winning the class on effortless ring coverage,,

2ND Law Mrs E SH CH SANDTI BACK OF THE NET 

What an amazing, handsome, worthy Champion with a gleaming, rich golden wavy coat and the most beautifully balanced head and adoring expression from a dark, melting eye. Balanced all ways in his body with strength and depth in spring of rib. Moved out holding his topline

VB (6 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1ST Dunbar Miss L LINIRGOR PIPER'S SONG RBCC

What a grand lady enjoying her day in the ring, fabulous body and condition with golden double coat. Epitome of a classic golden retriever with quality, balance and ring presence. Good depth and breadth of chest with super angling fore and aft with collected, even driving movement, great personality.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍

2ND Phipps-Baker Mrs SE & Baker Mr IR MADDOUSE TAIL SPINNER SGWC 

Spinning is appropriate from this ultra-feminine, active lady who had not a care in the world with her enthusiasm. Beautifully turned out with wonderful cream coat and body condition, balanced and easy mover.

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MPB (14 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1ST Harding Mrs LJ EVENINGHILL BLACK BETTY ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

 What a sweetie, headed an excellent class, full of promising babies. Extremely well-handled to show off her excellent balance from all angles shining through her naughtiness! Cream, attractive coat. Covered the ground with ease and confidence.

2ND Woolley Mrs R AMILONE YOU'RE STILL THE ONE ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍

Another quality girl I loved equally, not quite the exuberance of first. Standing four square with a maturity just right for her age, darker gold, she moved out with evenness and drive from balanced angles and strong feet 

PB (17 Entries, 8 Absent) 

1ST Booth Mrs J HAYDENGOLD SWEET MOMENTS FOR ALIHELNIX BEST PUPPY

Stunning, quality puppy, so balanced, a joy to watch. So feminine with super shoulder angulation balanced throughout. She strode out happily at one with handler from good feet covering the ground gracefully. Very attractive, melting expression. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍

2ND Harding Mrs LJ EVENINGHILL BLACK BETTY‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍. 

JB (8 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1ST Vermander Mrs N YELLOWSTONE TOPAZE OF SUNSHINE'S VALLEY (ATC BEL) ‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ 

A striking, beautifully balanced girl from any angle, good substance and muscling, deep chest with good forechest, Such a sweet, feminine head expressing happiness to her handler. Correct straight bone, amazing compact feet and short hind pasterns, driving her around the ring effortlessly.

2ND McFarlane Mrs W & McFarlane Miss K BLUEBRAES VOYAGER JW 

Gorgeous golden girl with a classically balanced head with a beautiful eye and expression exuding happy character. Dead straight front, excelled in bone, balance and easy strides.

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YB (6 Entries, 4 Absent) 

1ST Mandley Mrs VL MALTQUDOS VANITY FAYRE ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

Lovely, feminine lady with all the attractive attributes for a wonderful future with correct balance, cut glass outline with firm topline, good drive from well boned legs, super rapport with handler

2ND Vernon Mr MP & Mrs DJ GRACELEIGH HOOCHIE COOCHIE 

A confident, quality girl with a gorgeous head, very similar to first whose movement I just preferred. Again a super outline, correct bone, balanced fore and aft, responsive to handler and covered the ground with ease. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍

NB (16 Entries, 9 Absent) 

1ST Booth Mrs J HAYDENGOLD SWEET MOMENTS FOR ALIHELNIX ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍

2ND Evans Mrs MJ & Mr RM MARDARGOLD RAZZLE DAZZLE 

An attractive, darker gold girl, very balanced with a‍‍‍‍‍‍n excellent topline and correct bone with neat feet.‍‍ ‍‍

Confidently responsive on the move to her handler.

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GB (8 Entries, 3 Absent) 

1ST List Ms L HAYDENGOLD LATEST GOSSIP JW‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍

Balance personified, this quality cream girl is outstanding and presented in excellent condition. Holding her topline as she flows around the ring there is nothing to fault in her construction, effortless footfall and drive, a joy to watch. Correct maturity for her still young age. Confident personality responsive to handler.

2ND Searle Mrs B ASTLEYFOLD SNOWY BELL JW 

Really admired this lovely girl, more upstanding in frame, unlucky to meet first. Loved her overall balanced angles and body condition. Oozed character, flowing around the ring with drive.

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PGB (14 Entries, 2 Absent) 

Another fabulous quality class, could only position on a final circuit.

1ST Cole Mrs LP ROOKSBURY AURORA 

Impressive lady with good leg length to body and short couplings. Deep well-sprung ribs, tight elbows and correct bone. Excelling in a chiselled head and charming expression. Long, easy strides completed her responsive presentation.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍

2ND Youngson Mrs DA LINIRGOR ADELINE AT TREEVEVILLE JW 

Another lady oozing quality from her wonderful coat condition and beautiful presentation. She was so well put together, well let-down hocks, moving with confidence. Her head especially was so attractive.

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LB (18 Entries, 5 Absent) 

Another wonderful class

1ST Woolley Mrs R AMILONE PINKSTER (AI) BCC & BEST OF BREED ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍

Absolutely outstanding, gorgeous, feminine lady with all the attributes of a quality Champion with chiselled features expressing love. Scopey, balanced lines throughout flowing into each other precisely, I could look at her all day, she radiates class. Tight in elbow on well-sprung ribs lying well back into short couplings. Her motion was pure joy to witness, such an easy action from muscled, hard conditioning, took my breath away. Has since become a worthy, full Champion.

2ND Williamson Mr SD & Mrs TY SANDTI TIKI TAKA JW

Another wonderful head and expression on this darker, well made girl with a fabulous coat and body condition. Dead level topline and correct bone and super feet. Trust and response shone in effortless movement.

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OB (5 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1ST Mell Mr ML & Mrs HJ SH CH SANSUE LOVE ACTUALLY AT MELOAK ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

Elegant is not a word we are supposed to use for goldens but it matches her whole physique - streamlined, perfect condition, everything flowing into everything else with athleticism and no excess weight, this ultra-feminine, worthy, quality, mature Champion who you just know could pick up with the best! The most beautiful dark eye and melting expression. Correct leg length to balanced length of body, simply flowed with drive around the ring.

2ND Clarkson Mrs FM SH CH DRUMKILTY YOURS TRULY JW 

Very similar to first, exuding balance and quality, perfect leg length to height, good forechest, moved effortlessly from her correct construction. She was so very appealing and had a great character. Beautifully handled, so responsive with such willingness to please.

Credit: Golden Results FB Group

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍The treatment of golden retrievers exhibitors, often the biggest entry at these shows, has got to change.

It was a total disgrace that the committee did not wait for my stunning golden retriever BOB to compete in the Gundog Group. The Group had been called around 2.20 thus invoking Regulation F(1)7.c.(14) The committee made no attempt to find out whether we had finished and completed the group around 3.30. I completed Best Bitch, Best Puppy, Best of Breed, by 3.50. They stopped collecting my judging slips after Limit B. No final results on Higham Press, no promised print-out for me.. My letter states that ‘Judging of the Groups will be from 3.30pm each day’. Before judging we had been told that the Group would commence ‘after we finished’.

Many golden exhibitors have since complained about their unprofessional treatment as their BOB representative was denied their rightful opportunity to compete at a higher level. No one suggests that the judging of all the other gundog BOB’s should be held up to wait for the golden retriever.

Now this was the first live streaming by Higham Press, advertised around the world. They have not afforded me any response to my queries as to what arrangements had been made.

On my approach two Officers denied any responsibility- I was assertive but not rude, there was no sympathy, no apology, no explanation, they refused my request to record what had happened in the Incident Book and stated that they would put in a complaint about me. I later discovered that a Royal Kennel Club Board Member who was not at the show had commented and criticised me on social media, garnering support from others. I would not normally dignify keyboard comments with any response however that would do a disservice to the many exhibitors who submitted complaints to the Darlington Committee, the RKC and Higham Press. I don’t care a jot about myself but was very upset for the Best of Breed and my exemplary Crufts steward. This is my only right of reply. 

I could write and justify the length of time it took me - the 113 dogs I know I treated equally, the one triangle they each did, the run-ons who had paid for more classes and were perfectly entitled to move again, the gentleman who had never shown before whose dog paced and I gave him the opportunity to move correctly, the official five placings of 100 dogs in 20 classes, the 40 dogs I made notes on, however I know I could not have judged more quickly. I certainly would not have rushed through the later Bitch classes as happens so often.Then we came to the ridiculous ring which was almost divided in half by tenting. As I understand it was the same ring as last year and complaints made then were ignored. Having done the RDSJ yet again three days earlier I knew I was not entitled to ask for another ring. Every dog without fail was ready for examination because the previous dog was moving in the second half of the ring. However, walking backwards and forwards took more time. 

What is very touching is the many messages of support from the exhibitors. Why did the Gundog Group start so early, why did they not wait for the golden retriever? Two or three of the most eloquent complaints to the Committee and the Royal Kennel Club have been submitted by relatively new exhibitors who did not necessarily receive high placings. They are the future of shows. The RKC who licence the shows replied they can run how they like. None of us has received the courtesy of any acknowledgement from the Darlington committee. 

The number of judges and entries for the Toy Group are there on record. Each judge asessing around half the number than I but they were not finished. The argument that entries are falling would have to be very dramatic to reach only 50 golden retrievers entered.

I am of course very aware of the gratitude we must all afford to the Officers who are volunteers, however can we not expect a professional service for the huge costs we incur for our hobby? In my experience most General Ch Show committees do not invoke Regulation F(1)7.c.(14) and do their very best to get the golden retriever into the Group. At Richmond only a couple of weeks previously a steward practically lept on the BOB to ensure they had a chance in the Group, an amusing video clip.

That brings me on to the unequal treatment of goldens at so many shows. When they are able to ‘make’ the Group they are already at a disadvantage, having rushed, not rested or exercised. 

The new judging system does not really support breed specialists and I encourage newcomers to judge other breeds for the sake of their careers. With the requirement of a two year gap between appointments only the all-rounders can mix and match the breeds.

It is golden retrievers who are the losers. Why should they not be afforded the same fair time in the ring being assessed as other breeds have? Why should the exhibitors not have the chance of earlier journeys home? Societies can schedule more classes and easily recoup expenses.

In conclusion I request that all General Championship Shows schedule two golden retriever judges for all their NEW contracts.

Janis Ward

Royal Kennel Club Member