Many thanks to the Irish Setter Breeders Club for their kind invitation to me to judge at their open show. I was overwhelmed by the fantastic entry and I wish to thank all those who entered from the bottom of my heart. I really enjoyed my day and could not have been better looked after by my two amazing stewards Joy Russell and Hannah Bouttell. There were some fantastic classes and I was splitting hairs between some of the dogs. The ring was on the small size and this this did not suit some dogs on the move. Some handlers moved their dogs to advantage making use of every inch of the ring. 

I was very pleased with my final winners. Others knocked very closely for top honours but as they say “dogs on the day!”

DOGS

MINOR PUPPY DOG (2/1)

1. COVARNEY CAN’T HEAR YOU AT JACINGAIL (PULLEN & ATKIN, K & J )

This seven month chunky young man was presented in beautiful condition with a wonderful dark, lush, glossy coat. Well off for bone. His head was pleasing with good proportions, a lovely dark eye and correct head planes. Firm topline. Good front angulation and length of leg. Good width of thigh. Would have liked to have seen him stretched a little more behind. On the move he gave his handler a bit of a hard time but settled more as time progressed.

PUPPY DOG (2/2)

1. GWENDARIFF RING ARING AROSES IKC (POOLE, Dr S)

Nine months old, this boy is a taller, racy boy with lots of scope. He will need time to fill into his frame. He has a lovely expressive head with a well moulded skull, correct finish to muzzle and lovely low set ears. Lovely arch of neck with nice clean shoulders and flowing topline . Correct tail set.  Good layback of shoulder and well sprung ribs. Good length of leg. Liked his bend of stifle. In good coat and condition. Would like to see more drive on the move.

2. CAFOTALIENA PLAY WITH FIRE (HARDY, Miss N& Miss C)

This is a smaller, cobbier type of dog with lots of substance. Beautiful dark coat. Good bone. He has a very pleasing head with a lovely dark eye. Good ear placement. Good length of neck and pleasing topline. Terrific spring of rib. Would like a little more length to leg. Moved well but tended to carry his tail a little.

JUNIOR DOG (5/1)

Loved this class and would happily have taken all of them home! Tough separating them as they are all excellent examples of breed type. Any of these could swop places.

1. IXIA BOYS DON’T CRY AT SHANOAH ( FOSTER, Mr N & Mrs S)

This seventeen month old youngster took my eye as soon as he entered the ring with his “look at me” attitude. Not the biggest of boys, he has a racy outline and is well balanced.

Loved his long lean refined head. Beautiful  melting expression with look of Irish mischief that melted my heart.  Correct topline and tail set. Good length of leg and nice turn of stifle. Excelled on the move with lovely confident reach and possibly the best lashing tail action of the day. Lovely happy character.

2. RIVERBRUE GIVES YOU HELL (CLARKE, Miss C)

Fifteen months old  he is very mature. Another super quality young man with a cracking shape. In gleaming coat he presented a beautiful picture and was beautifully handled. Lovely flow to his construction . Super head full of breed type. Lovely square finish to muzzle, dark eye and low ear set. Beautiful clean neck and topline.  Excellent  length of leg, good bend of stifle and strong hocks. Nice tight feet. Moved well.

3. STRATHMEAD TENNESSEE WALTZ (FRAMPTON, Mrs J)

YEARLING DOG (/)

1. BLUESPRINGS LINDA’S LEGACY AT FORESTFIRE (RICHARDSON, Mrs L A )

This rugged 18 month old was beautifully balanced and free from exaggeration. Delightful head with plenty of work and  chiselling.  Well constructed body with a good front and good spring of ribs. Liked his length of leg. Good topline which he maintained on the move. Lovely dark coat. Moved freely and happily with a definite smile on his face!

2. KERRYMERE NIGHT BREEZE AMONG JOANMAS (GILBERT, Mrs J )

This boy, just short of 2, has a nice racy outline. Shorter coupled than 1. Correct gently sloping topline. He has an excellent head and expression. Beautiful chiselling and  correct finish to muzzle. Lovely expressive brows. Sufficient front. Good  length of neck. Tailset a tad low. Moved well.

NOVICE DOG (1)

1. CASACHARED MR DELANEYS SON (SHEPHERD, Mrs S A )

This 12.5 month old boy is a heavier set dog with super bone. Lovely head with wistful expression. Nice length of neck. Good depth of chest and nice length of body. Needs to be careful not to lose top line when stacked. Lovely rich coat. Enthusiastic mover.

UNDERGRADUATE DOG (4/1)

1. KERRYMERE NIGHT BREEZE AMONG JOANMAS (GILBERT, Mrs J )

This boy was far more settled in this class and moved with greater enthusiasm than in the  earlier class.

2. QUENSHA FINE AND DANDY AT COLEMIST (WHEELDON, Mr )

Built on racy lines this 2 year old boy has a classic head with correct head planes, lovely finish to muzzle, dark eye and low set ears. Good length of neck and gently sloping topline. Good overall shape but not as strong behind as 1. Lovely rich coat. Moved well.

3. SHELDONITE MORE ROMANCE (SPENCER, Mrs J)

GRADUATE DOG (5/2)

1. HENALEAS GO WEST AT TEIGNESTUARY (FULL, Mrs S M & Mr N W )

This 2 year old presented a very racy, elegant outline. Head very pleasant.  He has plenty of bone, a good front, deep chest and good spring of rib. Good flow from neck to topline. Good tail set. Lovely bend of stifle. Would prefer tighter feet. Needs to be stretched a bit more behind. Moved with drive.

2. REDCLYST SIBELIUS (PIKE, Mr D G & Mrs P A )

This boy is well put together and presented a lovely outline. Full of raciness and elegance. Sweet head. Would like a darker eye. Good arch of neck and lovely flowing topline. Good front. Good length of leg and bend of stifle. In super coat and condition. Moved well but not with the drive of 1. .

3. QUENSHA I KNOW HIM SO WELL (MURRAY, Mrs D )

POST GRADUATE DOG (5/2)

1. SWIFTLARK INVINCIBLE JW ( CORLESS, Mrs S S )

This boy has a beautiful masculine head with lots of work and with desired Irish expression. Strongly built dog he is very balanced all through. Good front and depth of chest. Well sprung ribs and strong quarters. Good length of leg. His stylish movement won him the class. His wonderful head carriage on the move was a joy to watch and he moved with great drive and presence which won him the class. 

2. FORFARIAN FANCY FOOTWORK JW ( JACOBS & BERNARD, G & K)

This boy is longer cast and presents as another good example of the breed. Pleasing head with lovely dark eyes and low set ears. Lovely flow to him however at times he was overstretched and this made him lose his topline. Well muscled boy. Lovely bend of stifle and  tight feet. In super coat. Moved well but not with the animation and drive of 1.

3. HENALEAS MAXIMILIAN WITH DERRYNORE JW (MURRAY, Mrs D )

LIMIT DOG (10/2)

A quality class.

1. BARDONHILL MILLION TO ONE ( BOTT, Mrs Martia)

This imposing boy caught my eye as soon as he came into the ring. Presented in super coat and condition. He is so well balanced and constructed. Well off for bone. Beautiful  head and expression, masculine and refined. Correct head planes. Lovely dark eye and lowset ears. Good length of neck. Terrific forechest and spring of rib. Correct depth of body and length of leg. Moved with great presence and happy driving action. Beautiful head carriage on the move. Well handled. It was my pleasure to award him Best Dog and later Best In Show.

2. LOGANRISH OUT ON THE TOWN JW (GREEN, Mr R G )

Liked the racy outline of this boy. Lovely type. Beautifully balanced head with melting expression. Lovely dark eyes and lovely finish to muzzle.  Good neck into shoulders, correct topline and good tail set. Good bend of stifle and lovely short hocks. Presented in immaculate coat. Moved well.

3. BRINARA COUNTRY BOY ( BERRY, MORRIS & FITZMAURICE, Mesdames B, L,L )

OPEN DOG (4/2)

1. SH CH COPPERS GET OFF MY CLOUD BY BONHOMIE (IMP SWE) (EDWARDS, Mrs S E )

This boy presented a very elegant outline and is very eye-catching. He has a glorious coat . Very pleasing head with correct head planes, good finish to muzzle, well defined stop and expressive dark eyes.  Good length to neck, clean shoulders, correct topline and tailset.  Good bend of stifle and short hocks. Well muscled. Moved  smartly. Delighted to award him Res Best Dog.

2. OAKDENE SCHIEHALLION (IMP BEL) ( DEIGHTON, Mrs R )

This 6 year old is built on heavier lines but presented a good shape and outline. Good skull shape with kind expression. Dark eye. Would prefer lower set ears. Loved the dusting of white on his muzzle. Good neck and topline. Good bend of stifle and width of thigh. Front leg feathering very profuse and in my mind  he would benefit from some being removed  closer to his feet as it made his feet seem big.

VETERAN DOG (2)

Two lovely boys belying their years. Both in super condition. Splitting hairs between them. Class winner happier on the move and owner made good use of the ring to show him to advantage.

1. REDCLYST BORIS ( PIKE, Mr D G & Mrs P A )

This 9 year old was presented in top condition and belied his age. He has a beautiful flowing, racy outline. Beautiful dark coat. Lovely head and expression. Correct head planes, dark eye of correct shape and low ears. Lovely crest of neck with nice length and strength. Good shoulder placement. Lovely topline and tail set. Moved well with good tail action.

2. KERRYFAIR PLEASE PLEASE ME CORPHIN SH. CEX ( MURCHINSON Mrs L A )

Another quality boy of lovely type. Beautifully moulded head with typical Irish expression. Lovely dark expressive eye. Nice front angulation and good length of leg. Well sprung rib. Good bend of stifle. Moved well.

BITCHES

BABY PUPPY BITCH (1)

1. REDCLYST GLENURY AOIFE ( PIKE, Mr D G & Mrs P A )

Just a day over four months this little girl took it all in her stride. She did all that was expected of her, standing like a rock to be examined and moving happily with a lovely waggy tail. She possesses a lovely sweet feminine head with a lovely dark eye and lovely low set ears. Nice length of neck.  Super front with pronounced prosternum, good length of upper arm and good shoulder placement. Well bent stifle.  Gently sloping topline and correct tail set. Finished off with a lovely dark coat.

MINOR PUPPY BITCH (6/1)

This was by far the liveliest class of the day!!! These girls were here to party and led their owners on a merry dance!

1. DAZYCUTTER CROWNEDBYFIRE ( BRYANT, Mrs Scarlet )

This 6 month old baby presented with a lovely dark coat. She had a pretty head with a lovely dark expressive eye. She stacked well to present a  pleasing shape with a good topline. Tended to lean back when stacked. Was an absolute star on the move and moved purposefully around the ring with a lovely waggy tail.      

2. MARZANNE LIGHTNIN STRIKES OVER WHISTLEBUSH (MENHENNETT, Miss S A )

This girl was mature for 7 months. Shorter than 1 she has a nice overall shape. Good substance with nice depth of body and good front. Nice lean head with lovely ear placement. Good spring of rib. Not as steady on the move as 1.

3. ZIMBRA DELLA MAGNA SILA AT LOCHFRAE (IMP ITA) ( DAVIE, Mrs M B )

PUPPY BITCH (7/2)

1. BARDONHILL AS YOU LIKE IT ( BOTT, Mrs Martia)

This 11 month old girl oozed quality. Just loved her. Beautiful dark coat. Exquisite head , long and lean with beautiful proportions. Dark expressive eyes under expressive brows  and lovely ear placement. Good length  of neck, clean shoulders and firm topline. Good depth of chest and length of leg. Super angulation. Moved really well in class but by the challenge she’d had enough! Delighted to award her Best Puppy In Show

2. SAMETSUZ SO TO SPEAK ( SKETCHLEY, Mrs Lynne )

Another lovely young lady same age as 1. Good substance and well balanced all through. Very pretty girl with a wonderful quizzical expression. Lovely dark eye. Good length of body. Good shoulder placement and forechest. Good body proportions and angulation. Lovely dark coat. Moved really well.

3. HEATHCLARE FABERGE ( PRANGLE, Miss C J )

JUNIOR BITCH (5/1)

Super class of quality young ladies.

1. GLIMMER NOBLESSE FASCINATION ( GLONEKOVA, Miss )

Very elegant and eye-catching. She presents with a very racy outline. Very pretty head with desired soft expression. Loved her body proportions. She simply flows from neck to tail. Well angulated. Lovely quality coat. Very smart on the move. Gave her owner a bit of a hard time which at times spoiled her outline when stacked.

• LOGANRISH WINTER PEARL MOON JW (GREEN & HOLEHAN-GREEN, Mr R, Mrs W L )

Elegant girl with a very pretty head. Beautiful expression.  Lovely dark eye and finish to muzzle. Good ear placement. Good substance all through with good spring of rib. Adequate front. Presented in mature coat. Moved with confidence but just carried her tail a little on the move.

3. POLMENNOR PANDORA (ROBERTS, Mrs Angela )

YEARLING BITCH (4/2)

1. DENDROCH ANNE FRANK ( TAYLOR, Mrs Louise )

A girl of good substance. Longer cast. Correct head planes and finish to muzzle. Dark eye and pretty expression. Nice length of neck  and good body length. Strong topline which she held on the move. Good front and nice tight feet. Good bend to stifle and well muscled. Lovely condition to coat. Moved well.

2. BLUESPRINGS LOVE OF MY LIFE FOR SHIRLILAH JW (PETERS, Miss L M )

A shorter more compact bitch. Most beautiful head with melting expression.  Long and lean with correct planes. Raised brows over dark eyes. Good length of neck. Good depth of chest. Would prefer better angulation behind. Moved smartly.

NOVICE BITCH (3/2)

1. CASACHARED JOLEENS LADY RED ( SHEPHERD, Mrs S A )

Fourth in Junior, this  sturdy girl  is well off for bone. Good head proportions. Would prefer more work. Good length of neck and nice shoulder placement. Nice body length and depth. Would prefer better angulation. Moved well.

UNDERGRADUATE BITCH (6/2)

1. POLLNAC NEW MIRACLE (MAPLE, Mrs Lynne )

This rangy girl has a nice overall shape and is free from exaggeration. Her head shape is pleasing and she has a feminine expression. Nice flow to her neck and topline. A little upright in front. Good bend of stifle. Would like to see her stretched a little more behind. Coat a little untidy. Moved well.

2. CLONAGEERA SUMMER MOMENTS JW ( RUTHERFORD, Mrs P J )

This girl presented with a beautiful gleaming lush dark coat. Very mature in body. Hard to believe she is just 2. Overall a pleasing shape. Head well proportioned but a tad heavy. Good ear placement. Good length of neck, clean shoulders and pronounced forechest. Good bend of stifle. Lost her topline at times on stack and on move. Moved with drive. 

3. POLMENNOR SPICE OF LIFE JW ( ROBERTS & BERESFORD, Mrs A, Miss M )

GRADUATE BITCH (7)

1. CASKEYS UNITED WITH BLUESPRINGS JW ( WILLIAMSON, M J & Mrs L C )

This pretty girl took my eye as soon as she entered the ring. Oozed breed type. Has the desired raciness that the breed requires. Classically beautiful head and expression – long, lean, melting and feminine. Body well put together, moderate and elegant. Well angled with good depth of chest and spring of rib. Nice neat feet. Moved with drive. Her owner needs to work at getting the best out of her. Loved her. Delighted to award her Res Best Bitch.

2. ALOLFRANA ISADORA DANCES FOR LAVANSANDS ( WILLIAMS, Mrs )

Another pretty girl who presented with a lovely racy outline. Good head with lovely brows. She has plenty of substance. Super forechest and well angled behind. Good spring of rib and depth of chest. Owner tended to overstretch her behind which spoiled her croup. Super mover.

3. DANWISH ARIA ON LOTUSHILL ( BORTHWICK, Mrs C )

POST GRADUATE BITCH (8/3)

A terrific class with so many beautiful girls. I was spoiled for choice and many could swop places .

1. KEDALITA ABFAB FOR LYNWOOD JW ( MUGFORD, Mrs J P )

What a beautiful racy, elegant typy girl. Not a big girl but so balanced all through.

Beautiful dark rich coat. Another exquisite head with all the hallmarks the breed calls for. Beautiful skull shape, correct planes and pretty expression. Excellent body proportions. Lovely reach of neck and super topline. Moved really well. Loved her and gave her serious considered in my final lineup. 

2. GLENCARRON ANOTHER CHAPTER AT BRAIDMOUNT (HUNTER & BROWN,Ms M,Mr W )

This girl is taller and longer cast. Presented in beautiful coat and condition. Very pretty well chiselled head with lovely soft expressive eyes and beautiful length of ear and good ear placement. Lovely reach of neck and gently sloping topline. Longer cast than 1. Well constructed all through. Moved out really well with plenty of drive.

3. MARLLAND LILY ON THE VALLEY BY SUTTERSETT JW (IMP NLD) JW TAF (GISBY, Miss G)

LIMIT BITCH (8/2)

1. ALOLFRANA ELECTRA (DANKS, Mr R D )

This bitch is so well constructed. She has a lovely head with correct proportions and sweet expression. She has strength all through her body. Lovely flow to her top-line which was firm and ran to a correct tail set. Lovely placement of shoulders and super prosternum. Good spring of rib and depth of chest. Good length of leg. Well angled fore and aft. Presented with fabulous hard muscle. Nothing exaggerated about her. In good coat. To top it off her movement was outstanding. My pleasure to award her Best Bitch and Res Best of Breed.

2. HARREDS LILLIE ( HALL, Mr Peter )

Another lovely girl full of breed type. Nothing overdone, moderate in every way and free from exaggeration. Her head was very classical with desired head planes, good stop and lovely chiselling. Very sweet expression with a definite glint of mischief in her eye!  Nice length of neck, good shoulder placement, gently sloping topline and good tailset. Well angled and super muscle tone. Lovely dark coat with some gentle movement.

3. QUENSHA GALWAY GIRL ( MCDONALD, Mrs Diane )

OPEN BITCH (6/3)

1. TREFAINE AURORA OF AUBANJON ( DALE, Mrs G )

This girl headed a quality class. She caught my eye when she came into the ring. Loved her for type. Pretty head with lovely dark eye and melting expression. Bitch a good substance with good spring of rib and good forechest. Good length to body. Lovely bend of stifle and firm hocks. Good tailset though her handler tended to drop her tail when stacked. Sound on the move with lovely happy tail action.

2. SH CH LYNWOOD RATHER SCRUMPTIOUS JW ( MUGFORD, Mrs J P )

This girl was well presented and in beautiful condition. Lovely dark coat. Pleasant head with lovely low ears. Good length of neck. Would prefer a better flow from neck to topline. Good front and shoulder placement. Sufficient angulation. Preferred the steady movement of 1.

3. BRIDGELLS’S DON’T PUSH IT (BRIDGEWATER & GODDARD, Mr W & Mrs D, G )

VETERAN BITCH (7/2)

A lovely class of older ladies who are terrific examples of the breed.

1. SH CH LYNWOOD ABRACADABRA JW ( MUGFORD, Mrs J P )

At nine years old this girl can still command attention. In super shape and condition.. Beautiful long lean head with a dignified dusting of white. Sweet, soft expression. Lovely dark eye. Nicely balanced all through. Loved her depth and overall strength. Good length of leg. Moved with great drive with lovely lashing tail action.

2. SH CH / INT SH CH FAIRHAVEN ELECTRA (HUNTER & BROWN,Ms M,Mr W)

Longer cast this girl has the most fabulous coat, dark and lush. Prettiest of heads with beautiful proportions.  Dark expressive eye and lovely ear placement. Lovely arch to neck and length of neck. Good shoulders and strong topline. Good bend of stifle and short strong hocks. Another solid mover. Just preferred the body length of 1

3. SIXOAKS LEADING LADY ( HEATHER, Mr J E & Mrs M E )

Have to mention this special girl who holds a very special place in my heart. Just lacked the sparkle of the first pair today but no denying her quality.

BRACE

1. HEATHERS

What a beautiful duo of well matched girls, mother and daughter. Both full of breed type and moved in perfect unison.