Southern English Setter Society Championship Show – 22/11/2015 Thank you to my committee for their hard work and kind hospitality in making my day so enjoyable, I had some lovely exhibits present particularly in the baby class and as things progressed. Minor puppy 8 (3abs) 1. Loakes Rachdale Painted Lace at Goldbirch - my notes say wow what a cracker, at only 6 months old this blue baby on her first outing just stole the show. Loved her overall confirmation, pretty head with black eye patch adding to her charm, lean neck flowed into well angulated forehand, short coupled with firm level top line held on the move. Strode out with real purpose and precision, lovely lashing tail carriage, well presented. Pleased to award her BPB and on the referees decision BPIS. Closely followed up by 2. McCabe's Rachdale Elegance, orange and litter sister to my winner so similar attributes apply, beautifully presented and really feminine, just not so positive on the move, will no doubt change places on another day. Two promising babies. 3. Neath's Albadora Second Secret. Puppy 4 (1abs) 1. Atyeo's Samelen Golden Taffeta - upstanding orange, 12 months on the day, who presented a clean outline when stacked. Well shaped head, correct dark eye and ear placement, long lean neck into firm topline, good sweep to quarters. Moved true and with style using her tail, super gleaming coat of good texture. 2. Davidson and Wells's Benchmark Forget Me Not - blue and obviously giving a lot away in maturity. Pretty domed head with kind expressive eye, scores in neck, forehand and body which is short, tail well set on, just needed to settle on the move as was rather erratic, but will improve with time and maturity. 3. Montell's Culverwell Celeste. Veteran 1 1. Bryant and Hollis's Phenset Silver Moon - Just 7 years old, blue bitch, presented in full coat and hard condition, really enjoying her day out as she moved with enthusiasm and precision. Liked her overall type, feminine head, true front with neat tight feet, short and deep through the body, well angulated quarters, pleasure to judge this senior citizen. Junior 7 (1abs) 1. Loakes's Bournehouse Sash of Gold at Goldbirch and 2. Kelly's Richecca Midnight Melody liked both of these bitches very much and was just splitting hairs. 1 presented an elegant clean outline, most feminine all through, sweetest of expression, true front with ample bone and neat tight feet. Pleasing in neck, topline and rear assembly, moved out well with grace and style, beautifully presented. 2. Tri bitch with lovely head shape and most delightful expression, combines both strength and soundness. Good reach of neck flowing into well placed shoulders, pleasing sweep to stifles, free moving bitch with lively lashing tail, in lovely coat and condition. 3. Neath's Albadora Dusty Pebble. Yearling 4 (1abs) 1. Thackers Swannery Blue Rose - pretty headed blue bitch, but would have preferred more of her for me, nonetheless, has a true front with neat tight feet, a decent length of neck and well angulated stifles, when she moved in the class she came into her own, with pleasing use of her tail carriage. 2. Williamson's Bournehouse Spring violet, blue, who I thought at first was to be my winner as I liked her make and shape, however, today, carrying too much weight for me particularly over the shoulders, nevertheless, an attractive bitch in other respects, pleasing head properties, lean well arched neck into level topline, short coupled, presented in full coat and feather, moved true enough but just lacking a little in animation. 3. Aldridges's Grakar Starstruck At Fleckers. Novice 7 (3abs) 1. Loakes's Bornehouse Sash of Gold at Goldbirch, 2. Mitchell and Withey's Sorbus Taylor Maid for Sunsprake - described as naughty but nice in my notes, this young tri bitch was giving her handler a hard time, when she did settle she showed off her elegant outline, pretty feminine head, with correct eye shape and colour, lean arched neck into pleasing shoulder placement, level topline with good tailset, moved out true and with style when she got her act together. 3. Felton-Blythe's Ascot Angel. Graduate 6 1. McCabe's Rachdale Sea Pearl, another beautifully presented exhibit from this exhibitor, attractive orange of substance but still retains her femininity. Refind head, with pleasing length of neck, good angulation fore and aft, a well put together bitch who moved out in true style, in super coat and condition. 2. Goutorbe's Upperwood Goldilocks, dark orange, built on racier lines than my winner, but scored in the neck, topline and rear assembly, tended to get rather over enthusiastic when she moved, but when settled, showed off her sound movement to an advantage. 3. Tucker's Walshaw Date with Density JW. Post Graduate 8 (1abs) 1. Seaman's Mariglen Mercedes JW - impressive blue, who over time has gelled with her handler to form a real partnership. Liked her type with clean classical lines, well put together with pleasing angles. Presented in lovely coat and hard condition, a real show girl who moves with style and purpose. Must surely have a bright future and I had no hesitation in awarding her the RCC. Pushed hard by 2. Harris's Gemsett Ultra Violet - exquisite dark blue who I have often admired and was willing her to really shine. Most elegant exhibit when stacked, loved her beautiful shaped head and dark expressive eyes, stands on good legs, with pleasing angle fore and aft, thought she was going to be my winner as really liked her, but on the move although moved out soundly, was just lacking the sparkle that I was looking for and found in my class winner, a shame as she is a lovely bitch. 3. Stirk's Mariglen Perfect Day for Grakar. Limit 5 (2abs) 1. Mugford's Quensha Summer Nights At Lynwood JW - orange who I have judged before and matured into a pleasing bitch, has the most beautiful of heads with those dark eyes that says it all, strong legs of substance and neat feet. Arched neck flows into well placed shoulders, level topline and tailset well on. Presented in lovely coat and condition, really looked the part as she strode round the ring. 2. Neath's Albadora Robin Daylite - tri of substance, pretty well shaped head with plenty of work in the fore face, correct eye shape and colour, pleasing front with ample bone, well angulated shoulder line and rear assembly, short and deep body properties, moved out soundly. 3. Atyeo's Hazeysunsett Carisimi. Open 5 (3abs) 1. Lawson's Sh Ch Mariglen Ice Crystal - when I judged this bitch two years ago she lacked the finish for top honours, however today was her day and really looked the part when stacked. Pleasing refined feminine head, dark eye and elegant neck that flows into her well placed shoulder line with good return of upper arm, short and deep body properties, with strong angulated quarters used to power herself round the ring. Level top line and good tailset this bitch on the day was presented in full gleaming coat and hard condition, could not deny her the CC and in agreement with my co judge BIS, well done. 2. Harris's Sh Ch Gemsett Gift Wrapped - another quality bitch a tri who unfortunately was lacking her clothes, nonetheless, a well constructed exhibit with a clean outline, pretty head shape and expression, good bone and substance, ample length of neck into well angulated forehand, short coupled with grand sweep of stifle, moved with precision. Special Beginners 5 (1abs) 1. Thackers Swannery Blue Rose. 2. Williams's Bournehouse Spring Violet. 3. Metcalfe's Arabin Summer Celebration. Judge - Chris Sayers Southern English Setter Society championship show – 22/11/2015 Minor Puppy Dog 3 ( 0 abs) Difficult class to start the day – 3 promising puppies. All different types and different stages of development. Sure we will hear a lot more of all 3 over the next few years.  1. Littlechild’s Ravensett Fire ‘N’ Ice Attractive puppy with lovely head and expression. Good reach of neck, well angulated, excellent spring of ribs and very well bodied for his age. Presented a neat outline when stacked and held his shape on the move. The most mature of the 3 which showed in his movement – he was much more settled and in control of his legs today than the other 2 puppies and this helped him win this class. Lovely tail carriage and action. BPD 2. Wight’s Mariglen Sundance Kid Another well bodied orange – perhaps a little too well bodied! A much bigger frame than the class winner but all in proportion for his age. Lovey head, soft expression, strong topline and good tail set. A little unsettled in this class and he kept losing his shape making him appear stuffy in neck - in the next class he was much more relaxed and allowed his handler to stretch him out more resulting in a much better outline. Happy and confident on the move although a little erratic at times. 3. McCabe’s Rachdale Gold Digger Puppy Dog 5 (0 abs) 1. Wight’s Mariglen Sundance Kid 2. Parrish’s Tawnyemeade Tumbling Dice Dark blue boy of lovely type. Well made throughout with good front, strong bone and neat feet. Masculine head with really dark expressive eyes. Looked to be losing his puppy coat at the moment and so today didn’t have the bloom of the class winner. Very sound with correct tail action but would benefit from being moved at a faster pace to really get him animated and into his stride. 3. Atyeo & Taylor’s Samelen Harris Tweed Veteran Dog 6 ( 3 abs) 1. Cole’s Sh Ch Sorbus Jedi Master Mature tri – 7 years old and he has really come into his own now and I don’t think I have ever seen him look better. Well up to size with real substance but no sign of coarseness. Excellent ribs, strong level topline, good bone and neat feet. Masculine head with a very kind expression. Sound, happy mover - beautifully presented today in full coat and excellent muscle tone. 2. Mitchell & Withey’s Sh Ch Sunsprake Raging Storm over Scratchwood Quality orange with that touch of elegance the breed standard asks for. Beautiful head with low set ears, raised brows and gentle expression. Correct front and strong quarters. Unfortunately just slightly lame today but still moved happily with good tail action. 3. Salmon’s Burleycott Irish Cream Junior Dog 6 ( 0 abs) 1. Cole’s Sorbus Storm Ryder Upstanding young orange dog of good make and shape. Attractive head with correct expression. Good reach of neck into clean shoulders, strong topline, well developed quarters. In lovely coat and hard muscular condition ( unlike many today). Moved soundly and happily but I feel he could really use his tail to better advantage and produce that required slashing action if he was moved at a brisker pace. Should have a bright future. 2. Stewart & Quenby’s Tattersett Galileo Dark blue boy of quality who was unlucky to meet the class winner in such good form. He didn’t help his handler today as he seemed to have his mind on the ladies and not on the job in hand! Well grown youngster with lovely balance and masculine head with dark expressive eyes. Another one who should go on to do very well when mature. 3. Butler’s Mariglen Flash Gordon Special Yearling Dog 1( 0 abs) 1. Buckley’s Fishwick Cor Blimey Mature orange youngster. Not an easy dog to show but when settled presented a balanced outline. Well grown with excellent spring of rib, really well bodied, good bone and correct front. Quality head and typical expression. Showed off his attributes on the move – sound and precise mover with a free, easy ground covering action. Novice Dog 3 ( 0 abs) 1. Penn’s Culverwell Golden Glory Attractive orange , well up to size and presented today in full coat and feather. Balanced angles and short couplings give him a pleasing outline stacked. Long, lean head with kind expression. With his qualities I was surprised to see him still in the novice class. 2. Colton’s Clovendale Blue Chip for Ennydloc What a difficult youngster to assess! One minute he was hunched up with a roach back - then for the next few seconds he presented a stylish outline with lovely reach of neck, good angles and a strong straight topline! A little boxy in head for me but he has super dark eyes and a melting expression. Moved really well with drive and style. Still a baby but definitely worth persevering with. 3. Holland’s Couldoran Speckled Wood Graduate Dog 4 ( 1 abs) 1. Johnston’s Daraquist Billy Bong Dark blue of lovely type. Good overall confirmation and, unlike many today, had excellent depth to body and fore chest development. Won this class mainly on his sound, true movement but also on his strong straight topline which he held well on the move. Pleasing to see correct tail set and action. Would benefit from losing a few pounds! 2. Mellish’s Walshaw Blinded by Love for Monbrec Quality blue, short coupled and well angulated, reachy neck and clean shoulders. Loved his head and expression. Lost out to class winner today on his slack topline and this wasn’t helped by his insistence on pulling back when stacked. Beautifully presented in excellent coat. 3. Gilbert’s Brucelm Wykehill at Shadowood Post Graduate Dog 8 (1 abs) 1. Sykes’s Daraquest Barry A Reef JW Beautifully balanced blue with super head and sweetest expression. So well made throughout and particularly scores in shoulder angulation, correct front, strong level topline and excellent tail set. Has lovely bone and plenty of substance but still retains his elegance. Moved out really well showing style and drive and with an ever lashing level tail. Immaculately presented in full coat and excellent condition. Strong contender in the challenge. 2. McCabe’s Rachdale Sea Fever JW Different type of dark blue but still full of quality. Medium sized dog with good confirmation and no exaggerations who presents a super clean outline when stacked. Refined , masculine head. Moved happily and soundly but not with the drive of the class winner. In hard muscular condition and full coat of correct silky texture – top class presentation as always from this exhibitor. 3. Bryant & Hollis’s Phenset Blue Max Limit Dog 9 ( 1 abs) 1. Whittington’s Juldeane Excalibur Eyecatching light tricolour. Loved his shape – he has excellent length of leg to length of back ratio giving him such a balanced outline. Good reach of neck into clean shoulders, straight front, correct rounded bone, neat feet, good ribs and depth of body, firm level topline, strong well angulated quarters. For me he has a stunning head and expression with his low set ears, well defined stop, raised brow and correct dark oval eyes. Moved happily and with drive and precision. He is nearing full maturity now and with a little more coat should trouble the best. Pleased to award him the reserve CC. 2. Davis, Littlechild & Bridgwater’s Brucelm Tangerine Dream Lovely type of orange presented in full coat. Well angulated young dog with a strong topline and good tailset. Lean masculine head and classic mild expression. Very animated on the move enhanced by his ever lashing tail. I preferred the outline and balance of the class winner but this dog has many qualities to admire. 3. Stubbington’s Quensha Oh What a Night at Bondgate  Open Dog 4 ( 1 abs) What a fabulous class and what an honour (and a headache!) to have the opportunity to assess these 3 top winning dogs in the breed today. Unfortunately there was only one 1st prize card and it really was a case of splitting hairs. 1. Kelly’s Sh Ch Richecca Shades of Grey JW Such a stylish dog – loved his size and overall confirmation. Everything fits together so smoothly resulting in an outstanding outline. Strong, straight front with elbows well tucked in, firm level topline, excellent tail set. As with the limit winner a good length of leg and short back gives the balance I am looking for – for me there are far too many English Setters around at the moment that are short in the leg and long in couplings. Moved really well with enthusiasm and style covering the ground with ease, complemented with a high head carriage and slashing tail. He really is the finished article now and just stole this class with his excellent overall condition, super gleaming coat and immaculate presentation. Pleased to award him the CC to add to his growing collection. 2. Goutorbe’s Sh Ch Upperwood Pyschedelic Top quality orange with a classic outline. His lovely reach of neck into clean well angulated shoulders, short strong body and rugged quarters give that required picture of elegance without losing the substance required for our breed. I just love his head – lean and balanced with such work and chiselling and with super dark eyes. Very happy on the move showing drive and reach and with excellent tail action. A favourite of mine but today seemed a little in between coats and was unlucky to meet the class winner in such superb form. 3. Watkins’s Sh Ch Mariglen Snowdrift at Hayworth Special Beginners Dog 1 ( 0 abs) 1. Stewart & Quenby’s Tattersett Galileo  Judge – Linda Taylor