Ashfield (Notts) Canine Society

ASHFIELD CANINE SOCIETY PREMIER OPEN SHOW 

15 August 2026

Judge: Lini Owen (Svetllen)

I’d like to thank Paul and Yvonne Bullivant and the committee for the kind invitation to judge several Pastoral breeds at this most welcoming and friendly show. My thanks also to my able steward Bruce for running the ring efficiently and with a sense of humour. 

A long spell of exceptionally hot weather meant that the ground was inevitably very dry and stubbly. I moved the dogs plenty to get them used to the feel of it underfoot and the interesting smells rising with the dust; most did settle well to ultimately show and move to best advantage. 

Many thanks to the all the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their beautiful dogs today and the good grace with which my decisions were accepted; there was some wonderful sportsmanship and a lovely atmosphere around the ring all day which I truly appreciated.

CATALAN SHEEPDOG

Junior (D/B)

(2,1) 1st Adkin & Pickering’s Bouvibear Rockefeller Gem JA Lively 14 month old fawn dog presenting well-balanced proportions, slightly longer than tall in 9:8 ratio. He has a pleasing head with correct furrow to skull, slight stop, muzzle slightly shorter than skull. Nose is black. His bite is correct, and roof of mouth is also pigmented black. Well pigmented, tight lip line, high-set ears, and dark, black-rimmed eyes give him typical alert and bright expression. He is well constructed all through with a moderate, strong neck into well-laid shoulder, withers obvious, into a level topline flowing into slightly sloping croup. Adult coat still coming through but shows appropriate rough texture and moderate length. He stands on good oval feet, compact and well covered with hair. Double dewclaws both present and correct. Handled well given his exuberance and when settled demonstrated a lovely smooth, free, vigorous action. Pleased to award him BOB.  

Postgraduate (D/B) 

(2,0) 1st Adkin & Pickering’s Un Ami Falcor Del Somni Catala To Bouvibear JA (IMP DEU) NLD JCH Appealing black and tan 19 month old male, masculine and well up to size, presenting a nice outline on the stand and good ring presence. Correct proportions of skull to muzzle, central furrow present; dark eyes, strong black pigment in all required places. Covered in correct rough, medium-length coat, slightly more abundant over croup. Good length of neck flows into well laid shoulder, forelegs strong and straight with short pasterns. His topline is level, flowing into a gently sloping croup, and he has a slight tuck underneath. Good depth of chest with well-sprung, long ribcage. He has ample length of thigh and low-set hocks. Strong double dewclaws in evidence. More settled than his kennelmate in this class, he moved well with a moderate, free trot showing minimal lift of paws. RBOB

2nd Adkin & Pickering’s Bouvibear Isabella Emerald Pretty and feminine 14 month old fawn bitch, littermate to the BOB and sharing many of the same qualities. Presents appealing, typical outline, slightly longer than high, with moderate strong neck, level topline into sloping croup, straight and strong forelegs and well-developed thigh leading into short rear pasterns. Double dewclaws are present. In good condition all through with a firm loin and good spring of rib. Good head proportions with dark, black-rimmed eyes, central furrow to skull, black nose, and short muzzle. Black pigment to roof of mouth. Unfortunately very unsettled today and played her handler up on the move, a lovely young bitch who I would like to see again on a different day when she has her mind on the job a little more.

Open (D/B)

(3,1) 1st and 2nd; same as above, in order.

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

Limit (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Ballynabola Ria At Casiann VW Lovely 8 and a half year old long-coat black and tan bitch, wearing her years well. Pleasing head with correctly set and carried ears having firm leather, and brown, intelligent almond eye. Good width of skull and overall head proportions, conveying strength, could just have a slightly tighter lip. She has excellent substance throughout and is presented in well-muscled condition today, covered in coat of good weather-resistant texture with ample undercoat. A strong muscular neck flows into firm shoulder of good layback, met by upper arm almost perpendicularly to set strong, straight forelegs under withers. Good strength to pasterns and a nice tight foot despite her years. Firm topline slopes gently from withers without break over long croup to tail that reaches midpoint of hock easily. Muscular hindquarters with strength to rear pasterns. Lovely temperament, steady of nerve, and stands freely. Covered plenty of ground with strong driving action, holding her topline. Stood alone today but well deserving of BOB. 

Open (D/B) (1,1)

HUNGARIAN PULI

Junior (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Corah’s Szentmihalyi-Szabo Saci At Callendu (IMP HUN) NAF Charming white bitch, of nice size, just over a year old and well covered with abundant coat that is starting to form cords. Presents square outline. Has typical small, fine head with a gently domed skull, dark eyes and black pigment to nose, close-fitting lips, and eye rims. Medium-length neck and well laid shoulder, with elbows closely fitted to body. Ribcage is well sprung, and she has a tightly curled tail. Ample bend of stifle to low-set hocks, and stands on round, tight well-padded feet. A little reluctant today, but did show typical quick, short-stepping action when settled. Kindly and sympathetically handled to get the best out of her. 

Post Graduate (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Scrutton’s Tyngeli Make A Wish For Gemeau Pretty 2 year old black bitch, in profuse, well corded coat of good length. Has a small, fine head with slightly domed skull and good pigment in all required areas. Lips tight and eyes dark-rimmed. She could just body up and take a little more height; outline is very slightly off-square. Moderate length of neck flows into well laid shoulder met by close-fitting elbow into fine-boned forelegs. Tightly curled tail set on and carried well over rump. Moved out well around the ring with breed-typical brisk, short-stepping action, accurate coming and going. Another who was well handled today. 

Open (D/B)

(2,0) 1st Cowley’s Ch Kashbeluli There We Are Then JW ShCEx OSW Striking 4 and a half year old black male in full glorious maturity, profuse and thick well-formed cords reaching the floor. Presents an eye-catching outline, square with tightly curled tail over rump, and holds himself so well on the stand. Small, masculine head, with gently domed skull and good stop. Deeply pigmented black nose, tight lips, eye rims, and roof of mouth. He has good length of neck into a well laid, strong shoulder and closely fitted elbows. Well-sprung ribcage to compact loin and well-made rear with low-set well-defined hocks. Stands on good tight, round strongly padded feet. Moved out with supreme self-assurance, covering ground with brisk, quick, short-stepping strides, very true on the down and back. Pleased to award him BOB and delighted to see him take Group 1 later in a large, keenly challenged Group.

2nd Corah’s Szentmihalyi-Szabo Saci At Callendu (IMP HUN) Lovely black bitch of correct size, rising 4, in mature fully corded coat of good length. Presents typical square outline and has a feminine, small head with a gently domed skull, dark eyes and good pigment to all necessary parts. Her neck is strong and of moderate length flowing gracefully into a well-laid shoulder and her elbows are closely fitted to her well-toned body. Well-sprung ribcage, compact loin, and good width of pelvis as desired for a mature bitch. Her hindquarters are well-developed, with good turn of stifle, well-let down hocks, and straight rear pasterns. Quality example who pushed hard for the top spot, moving soundly with short-striding, quick action, just not quite as accurate on the down and back but I do appreciate the stubbly grass presented its challenges today. RBOB

PYRENEAN MOUNTAIN DOG

Junior (D/B) 

(1,0) 1st Cave’s Lisjovia Crowning Glory At Casiann Only just over a year old, white and badger bitch, everything correct and in the right place, just needs to body up all through and mature on as she is in that raw, junior stage at present. Curved skull with very slight stop connecting to slightly tapering muzzle with good strength and depth, ample fill under dark obliquely set almond eye. She is well made, with medium length of neck and moderate angulation fore and aft, topline to strengthen a little but she’s only young. Strong, well-made dewclaws set low clearly present. Good length and carriage of tail which has a slight upward swirl at the end. Covered well with flat, straight coat of good coarse texture. Moved out with steady powerful gait, although perhaps not the most keen on the spikey grass at times. Lovely youngster with plenty of promise, BOB.

Post Graduate

(1,0) 1st As above

SAMOYED

Puppy (D/B)

(3,1) 1st Mann’s Vandreem Imperial Linken Super 11 month old that I have done well for before, all male and fulfilling his early promise well; loved his wedge-shaped head with dark almond eyes of increasingly elusive oblique set. Presents a lovely breed-typical outline on the stand, with proudly arched neck, correct proportions for an endurance trotter produced by good length of body and leg; graceful sweep of stifle the standard asks for balanced perfectly by a well-angulated front. He is well covered with quality profuse harsh jacket of long but correctly standing off guard hairs and ample undercoat for his age; putting my hands on him I find good strength of bone with no undesirable heaviness, well-sprung ribs and nicely developing depth of chest, a strong level topline with a correctly set on beautifully plumed tail draped over back and to one side – good tails are critical for protecting a moist nose against frostbite and insulating air around the muzzle when the Samoyed curls up against the Arctic blizzard, and this male had just the length of tail I look for in the breed. Could tighten slightly in front pastern, I suspect to do with entering the “junior” growth stage. Stands on well-padded hare feet of good length and flattish quality, again ideally suited to snow and rocky terrain, and he used them to advantage today to cover ground with a steady, unhurried, fluid, and long-striding gait, absolutely unfazed by the unevenness and stubbly grass underfoot. He will no doubt trouble at the highest level soon enough. RBOB, BP, and delighted to see him take Puppy Group 2 later. 

2nd Rojowska’s Dynar Lady Slipper to Arcticuno Beautiful 8 month old bitch puppy of instant appeal, extremely well-schooled and immaculately presented. She has a wedge-shaped head of good proportions with pleasing width and depth of muzzle, a broad, flat skull, and correct stop; dark almond-shaped eyes set well apart. Deep scissor bite with strong, white, even teeth. She has very neat, thick ears, covered profusely inside and out with coat and used well in the ring. Good substance throughout for her age and stands on a nice true front with good width of forechest and a broad, level back. She is covered in profuse gleaming white coat of lovely straight, harsh texture, with good feathering to well-padded feet. Tail is set on high and carried well standing and moving. Well-balanced all through in front and rear angles; could just come up on leg slightly and take a little more length of body for a bitch, but she is a baby yet. Moved out confidently and with lovely self-assurance for one so young, showing good drive and balanced, positive strides, true and accurate on the down and back and returning to stand four square naturally. A quality baby who did not stop showing for her handler today, full of promise and should have a bright future.  

Junior (D/B)

(3,1) 1st Fowlers’ Artsam Butterfly Striking 18 month old bitch, caught my eye for overall balance and type as she entered the ring, sunshine lighting up her profuse, stand-away silver-tipped coat. Regards the ring with lovely dark-brown almond eyes set in oblique lines, set well apart in a pleasingly typical wedge-shaped head having excellent ratio of broad, flat skull—with neat and plush well-coated ears set well apart—to moderate-length tapering muzzle with good underjaw; overall impression strong but very feminine. Excellent pigment throughout. Her proudly arched, muscular neck flows into a well-laid back, muscular shoulder connected to upper arm of almost equal length and return, good front angulation complemented nicely by good bend of stifle and low-set, firm hocks, legs. She has ideal length of body for a bitch, being slightly over 10% longer than high; and correct leg length, elbow at about 55% of height at withers. Good depth of chest and ribcage well-sprung and carried well back. Stands on lovely feathered long, flattish feet, with large thick pads. Moderate but strong bone, correct for our medium-sized breed. Could just take a little more muscling all through. Continued to impress when she set off on the move, dropping her head and driving steadily with good reach in front, converging to show good economy as she approached working trot. In the Challenge she was pushed hard all the way by the quality male puppy but just had the edge today on overall maturity and being more “together” in her development. Pleased to award her BOB and delighted to see her take Group 3 later. 

2nd McGreades’ Vandreem Imperial Ocean For Frostia JW Simply gorgeous 15 month old bitch showing strength and substance all through while retaining abundant glamour and feminine beauty. A picture of balance and harmony in profile, highly breed-typical outline covered in excellent harsh, stand-away, immaculately presented white coat, in abundance. Classic head proportions; a broad, flat skull with very neat, thick, profusely coated ears set correctly, strength and quality to muzzle, excellent deep black pigment to nose, tight lips, and eye rims. Stands proudly on a true front, legs well-boned but not too heavy, to long, exquisitely feathered feet cushioned by large, thick pads. Pasterns have right amount of slope and flexibility. Textbook front angles, long sloping shoulder set at 90 degrees to equal-length and angled upper arm. Her back is exceptionally strong and had the breadth the standard asks for. Rear angles match the front to produce lovely balance. Tail is plumed, long, set high and carried well over her back. Another excellent mover with balanced, free strides and good ground coverage. Unfortunately developed irritation in an eye and a bit of a squint, likely due to the very dry dust rising off the parched ground as the class went round; I felt kindest to allow her to rest so it could work its way out. I do hope she is all recovered now. 

FINNISH LAPPHUND

Open (D/B) 

(1,0) 1st Lloyds’ Arianrhod Havukruunu Handsome 2 and a half year old dog; presents a strong and masculine outlook: nothing is coarse or overdone. Excellent proportions, being smaller than medium in size and slightly longer than high. Very typical Lappy head carried proudly on a medium-length muscular neck covered in pronounced mane, underlining his masculinity. Head features are broad and strong, with well-formed stop and gently rounded skull. His thick and plush ears are set nicely apart, used well. Appealing mask. Muzzle short and strong, tapering to form a blunt wedge, kind and endearing expression in his oval, black-rimmed dark amber eyes. Correct strong scissor bite. His well-constructed frame is covered in abundant double coat, black and pale with some tan markings, of straight and coarse texture, good length to guard hairs, with soft undercoat. Angulation moderate front and rear, very well-balanced, with good depth of chest to just above elbow and a broad, muscular, level back. His gently sloping croup leads into profusely coated tail of good length, set high and carried correctly over back. Well-muscled all through with a short, strong loin. Moved out well today on strong oval feet with brisk, moderate strides, agile and economical, and straight and accurate on the down and back. Stood alone today but well deserving of BOB. I will watch his career with interest.

LANCASHIRE HEELERS

I’d like to congratulate these exhibitors for their super sportsmanship, the evident camaraderie between them and genuine delight they took in each other’s wins; it made for a lovely atmosphere both within the ring and ringside.

Junior (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Bradford’s Droversrock Rhyolite Appealing black and tan bitch, just over a year old. Feminine but not lacking in strength or sturdiness typical for the breed. Good proportions throughout, appearing a little longer in body at present but this may change as she matures and fills out. Pleasing head qualities with moderate stop, erect ears set well apart on her flat skull; tight lips with strong scissor bite. Moderate length of neck into well-laid shoulder, strength to forelegs, and strong, thickly padded feet. Covered in hard, straight coat and stands on a strong, well-angulated rear with straight stifles. Tail set high and carried in a wide curve over back. Like several smaller breeds at a slight disadvantage today on the spiky grass, and the tantalising smells rising with the dust did not help, so was often unsettled on the move, but did show me good glimpses of brisk, smart working trot. Handled well.

Post Graduate (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Droversrock Pyrite A lovely black and tan bitch, rising 3; I see from the same mating as winner of previous class and sharing many of her qualities. Lively and enjoying herself today, tad unsettled as a result but presented a lovely typical outlook on the stand. Good ear set, positioned well apart on her flat and wide skull. Dark, almond eye, medium in size and set well apart. Moderate length neck into well-laid strong shoulder with closely fitting elbows, could just take slightly more bone to legs. Nicely carried back ribcage gives her topline strength. Stands on a well angulated rear, just slightly high in hock. Good strong oval feet, nicely padded. Covered well in coat of good hard, weather-resistant texture, just beginning to moult. Nice brisk action when settled and true on the down and back, tail curved over back and mobile. 

Open (D/B)

(2,0) 1st Thomas’ Skipest Winter Blues Rising 4, black and tan male, presents typical sturdy and robust outlook. Very masculine. Pleasing head with correct ear set and good width of flat skull between. Almond eyes set well apart. Stood out in his construction, with correct moderate strong neck flowing gracefully into very well-laid shoulder, closely fitted elbows, well-muscled and amply boned. Well ribbed up with excellent strength to topline, and correct proportions in terms of length to height. His rear is equally strong, showing good bend of stifle and firm low-set hocks to straight and short rear pasterns. Correct oval, well-padded firm feet. Tail of good length, set slightly low but carried nicely over back in a curve and mobile for balance on the move. Covered in excellent weather resistant coat with good undercoat, tan markings could just be slightly richer, if nitpicking. Although initially reluctant to use his tail and ears today, he settled into himself as the class progressed to show lovely, happy typical temperament. Like the others quite unsettled on the move on the first go round but again pulled himself together beautifully to demonstrate consistent excellent brisk, smart, accurate action that I could not look past today. BOB

2nd Bradford’s Simonsville Ediva Lovely 5 year old black and tan bitch, mature and I see the dam of the Junior and PG class winners. Another with excellent typical happy temperament, good head qualities with parallel planes of skull and muzzle and correct ear set and carriage. She has good proportions, being about an inch longer than tall, and a lovely rich black and tan coat of correct hard, slightly wavy but weatherproof texture. Good strong neck and lay of shoulder, with well angulated rear to balance. She is unfortunately however carrying a little extra weight and could strengthen in topline, which cost her today, but this can be easily remedied. Good bone throughout and excellent set on and carriage of tail. Very interested in the smells on the ground and so often unsettled in movement, but did show good brisk, lovely action and was accurate on the down and back. 

BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG (GROENENDAEL)

Post Graduate (D/B)

(1,0) Davis’ Debruix Agatha Christie Attractive two year old bitch with pleasing head qualities, head long and cleanly chiselled with dark, medium-sized eyes and high-set erect ears. Has good square proportions and moderate angulation front and rear. Well-muscled all through and stands on straight, strong legs and compact, arched feet. Pasterns are short with good strength and only slight slope. She is in double coat of moderately harsh texture but lacking some undercoat today. Good muscling to hindquarters but could just strengthen a little in hock. Moved out positively today with correct brisk, lightfooted action, showing convergence as she gathered speed and looked a strong contender in the Challenge. 

Open (D/B) 

(3,0) 1st Scott’s Domburg Pure Love For Aniesh Lovely two and a half year old bitch, presents typical proud and noble outlook, with a refined, clean head, and square proportions. Eyes dark and almond-shaped with oblique set, along with high-set, erect ears give her an alert and intelligent expression. Shown in good double coat of medium-harsh texture, slight frosting to cheeks and tiny blaze to forechest. Medium-length strong neck; her angulation is moderate and balanced front and rear, with good muscle tone all through. She has strength to short, straight pasterns and a compact, well-arched foot. She moved out best in the class today with clean, brisk, effortless gait, strides moderate in length, light on her feet, converging fore and aft as she gathered speed. Maintained consistency of correct action in the Challenge to win BOB. 

2nd Snook and Fowler’s Ugni-Blanc Des Perles Noires At Ashjack Striking male, rising 3, looked a picture on the stand presenting proud and alert head carriage on a moderate-length strong neck. His head is cleanly chiselled and long, eyes dark and set obliquely, ears are triangular, firm, and erect, set high on his skull; excellent head qualities and proportions giving him excellent, typical expression. He has correct square proportions to body and moderate, balanced angulation to fore- and hindquarters. Stands on strong, straight legs, good muscle tone all through. In excellent coat of good, medium-harsh texture with ample undercoat. Feet well arched and strong, tail set on correctly and carried low. Pushed hard all the way today, showing good lightfooted brisk economical action typical of the breed.

3rd Scaddings’ Jaraz Day For Night to Astarvinie

BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG (LAEKENOIS)

Open (D/B)

(1,0) 1ST Snook’s Laeken Paradis Simba-Leffe at Ashjack (IMP BEL) Strong and masculine red-fawn male; rising 7. Full of beans today, lovely to see in an almost-veteran. Stood on strong straight forelegs with good head carriage on moderate neck, giving proud and dignified outlook with a slight hint of mischief. Has good head qualities and pleasing oblique set to dark, almond eyes. Ears carried high and erect. Moderate layback of shoulder connected to upper arm at fairly open angle, complemented by moderate bend of stifle in the rear. In good condition all through and covered with correct coat of harsh, wiry texture, just a little long-cast in body giving slightly off-square proportions. Moved out smoothly with moderate strides, occasionally unsettled but so were several others today on the uneven and spiky grass. BOB

BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG (MALINOIS)

Open (D/B) 

(1,0) 1st Brett’s Ch Goldmali Over the Rainbow Striking bitch, red with a black mask, over 9 years old and carrying her years so well, only signs of age showing in slight grey frosting on mask. In excellent condition, well-muscled and fit. Presents breed-typical proud and noble outlook with perfectly square proportions. Stands on straight legs, well-boned but not heavy, still with excellent strength to short pasterns. Feet are compact and strong despite her age, no loosening or splaying to be seen here. Excellent high set and alert carriage of ears combined with sparkling, dark, oblique-set eyes give her a most typical direct and intelligent expression. She has a moderately angulated front with close-fitted elbows, short and firm back with taut loin, rear angles complementing her moderate forequarters. Covered in thick coat of hard texture. Moved out very well with brisk, moderate, and economical strides, good accuracy on out and back for age. Stood alone but well deserving of BOB.

BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG (TERVUEREN)

Post Graduate (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Scadding’s Jaraz Fabulous Me To Ayshavinnie Lively and exuberant fawn bitch, excellent temperament, presented appealing outlook with proud head carriage and alert, direct expression. In lovely coat today of long and profuse harsh hair. Square in proportions and stands well on strong and straight legs, pasterns short and vertical. Her feet are compact and well-arched. Head is cleanly chiselled, long and refined, with oblique dark eyes and firm triangular ears placed high on her head and carried erect. In good muscling all through with a compact, taut loin and moderate angles front and rear, very well balanced all through. Showed excellent, typical moderate brisk-striding effortless action when settled. BOB

WELSH CORGI (CARDIGAN)

Puppy, Junior and Post Graduate (D/B) – exhibit below entered each of these classes

(1,0) 1st Waldron’s Oscar Black Star Loved this black and white male; almost a year old. Masculine and well-boned, presenting a strong and sturdy outlook. Skull broad and flat, slightly domed above eyes which were dark, black-rimmed and set well apart. Ears large, erect, and set well back on skull. Good strong scissor bite with strength to underjaw. Muscular neck flows into a well laid shoulder, on into a strong, level topline, good length of back coming from a well-carried back rib. Stands on large, round feet, well-padded. A full long foxbrush tail carried low standing and moving completes the picture. Carrying hard weather-resistant coat with attractive white chest and collar. Moved freely and smoothly despite uneven ground, with good reach and drive. BP

Open (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Down’s Elessar Eclipse The Stars JW Very appealing brindle and white bitch, 2 years old, feminine but conveying strength and toughness. Strongly boned all through and presented in well-muscled, hard condition. Excellent features, with correct foxy head and correctly set large ears rounded at tips. Eyes are dark, rimmed with black and outlook alert and intelligent. She has a textbook front with long sloping shoulder set at right angles to close fitting upper arm, legs well boned and feet large and well-padded. Good ribbing gives strength to her topline, and she has good length of body. Brisket extends to elbow. Correct foxbrush tail carried low standing and mobile when moving but never carried too high. Covered in excellent coat of hard texture, weatherproof and medium in length with undercoat. Her rear is strong and well-made, hocks firm and low set, which she used to advantage to power around the ring with free, driving action. BOB

WELSH CORGI (PEMBROKE)

Junior (D/B)

(1,0) 1ST Down’s Creslow Down Derry Dreamer with Elessar Lovely tricolour male, just out of puppy. Good strength and bone all through for age, and a nice level topline with good ribbing. Correct proportions and outline, presents typical sturdy, bold outlook. Foxy head with moderate stop and tapering muzzle, some broadening and filling out to do; this will come as he matures. Correct round brown eyes with alert and friendly expression. Good depth of chest for age, with textbook front angulation and a strong, well-made rear, also well angulated and balanced. Coat of good texture and length. A full tail completes the picture. Showed well today, and moved out nicely with free, driving action. 

Post Graduate (D/B)

(1,0) 1st Evans’ Modlen Mair Pretty 5 and a half year old red and white bitch; lovely typical expression, friendly and intelligent. Correct foxy head of good proportions, well-set ears and round brown eyes, nose black. She has good ribbing to a short loin; good topline, just very slightly dipping behind withers. She is well boned all through and has excellent, balanced angulation front and rear. Stands on strong, nicely arched, oval feet, and is well covered in medium-length coat of hard texture with ample undercoat. Powered around the ring with steady, driving action, good flexibility from hock. Showed very well for her handler today to take RBOB.

Open (D/B)

(2,0) 1st Hulse and Adams’ Babaneira Kensington At Fablecroft ShCEx Handsome four year old red and white male; presents appealing and typey low-set, sturdy picture, with foxy head and alert but kind expression. Head proportions excellent, with wide, flat skull and shorter tapering muzzle punctuated by well-formed stop. Eyes are round, brown, and set well apart. He has an attractive small blaze on his forehead. Scores on strength of bone and condition, giving a robust, powerful feel when gone over. Strong, level topline with strength and length coming from good ribbing. In well-presented medium-length coat of straight hard texture with dense undercoat. Good length of muscular neck flows into a well-laid shoulder met by upper arm at 90 degrees, elbows closely fitting; all balanced nicely by well-angulated stifle and low-set firm hocks which he used to advantage to cover ground with free, steady gait; good reach and drive. Well-deserved BOB and was pleased to see him take Group 4 later.

2nd Evans’ Hortonpoint Blue Lagoon Rising 3, appealing red and white male whose head is his strength, lovely and foxy, with correct proportions and strength to features. Excellent pigment and tight black lips. He is well covered with straight-hard, medium-length coat with softer, dense undercoat. Low-set and sturdy in appearance, his expression is alert and kind. Could just take a tad more bone and substance all through. A well-constructed male with good length of strong, muscular neck, broadening into well laid shoulder which meets his muscular upper arm perpendicularly. Good strong tight feet, oval and thickly padded. Excellent strength to level topline and he is well ribbed up. Chest deep and broad, brisket extends to the elbow. His rear complements his front well, with good bend of stifle and well-let down firm hocks, rear pasterns straight and parallel from behind. Moved with free and powerful drive from rear matched by good reach, another who was not distracted by the uneven ground or smells. Unlucky to meet the winner today but overall also a quality male who should have a good future.