Tornado creates a stir

There is so much that I need to let you all know about from the National Gundog Association championship show which was staged at the Three Counties showground last Saturday, I trust you are all sitting comfortably with a cup of coffee!
Having arrived at the showground at around 5.30am, I took the opportunity to have a short spell wandering around, appreciating the stunning setting of the Malvern Hills which provide such a magnificent backdrop at this venue. While I was luxuriating in the peace and quiet with just the sounds of sheep and cockerels awakening, I watched a couple of pied wagtails breakfasting in the grass rings. It was slightly overcast with just a gentle breeze that I suspected would help burn away the cloud later in the day.
Imagine my astonishment to see the NGA secretary, Chris Bexon, emerging from his caravan and set to work! At that time of the morning! Within a few minutes, more of the team began to arrive and very soon they were all beavering away, diligently putting the finishing touches to everything in time for the exhibitors arriving. This really is an exhibitor’s show, run by exhibitors.
To establish the route of success in any endeavour, I always feel that it is best to go back to its beginnings, so I will briefly give you a glimpse of the history behind the NGA.
We have to step back to 1971, a time when the Kennel Club was being overwhelmed with requests from canine clubs for championship show status. As it was not practical to grant all clubs CCs, the idea of group shows was mooted – the hound and terrier shows already existed. A collection of early gundog enthusiasts gathered in Leicester; they favoured an association of gundog clubs and this resulted in the birth of the NGA.
NGA’s first championship show was held on August 5, 1972 at the Great Yorkshire showground and originally it was able to move its show around the country. Unfortunately suitable venues are not so easily available these days so, other than an occasional sortie into other areas, the regular home nowadays is Malvern.
Thirty-six years ago at its first show, 19 breeds were scheduled and this attracted an entry of 992 exhibits. Entry fees then were £1.50 and prize money was also offered. In comparison, this year’s entry was 2,767 dogs with a first entry fee of £21; somewhat down on 2007 but I guess this is just a reflection of the ‘credit crunch’ and the massive hike in fuel prices we have seen over recent months.
By the time the first show was staged, NGA comprised 14 member clubs and each took turns to stage the show. This tradition is still followed today but it now consists of 24 member clubs and the 2008 show was hosted by the Gundog Club of North Wales.
In 1972, the BIS judge was Dr Esther Rickards and she selected the English Setter, Sh Ch Engsett Electrode as her overall winner. I’m sure it is purely by coincidence and not because it ties in with the theme of my report, that this year’s BIS judge was Penny Williams, whose famous Bournehouse English Setters have achieved so many accolades. Some of their recent achievements include RBIS at Crufts, the current overall Top Stud Dog and far too many other major awards to be able to list them all here.
I wrote that there are loads of things that I need to let you know about, so here comes a quick list of some of things that should be mentioned: Good Citizen tests are staged at a fee of £1 which is donated to the KC Charitable Trust; NGA suggest a £1 donation to the KC Health Foundation Fund from exhibitors with each entry and NGA pledged to donate an equal amount to that raised by exhibitors; there was a fascinating working gundog display by Coventry Gundog Society in the main ring at lunchtime; and not only does NGA organise all these activities for the show, in the interim one of the many things it manages to organise are training sessions for judges as part of the KC’s judges development programme! I hope I am accurate in stating that 2008 sees the end of the third round of its participation in the rolling three-year JDP.
I’m hoping that you will also be amused to learn that when I raised a query as to exactly what measurement was utilised for the signs proclaiming that the rings were a minimum of 60 by 40 was? The rings were certainly all of a very good size but readers will understand that I like to be precise! Was it metres or feet, or what, I asked? 'Well, Bonnie, we thought that even you might be able to work out that it wasn’t miles', was the quip I was given as a reply!
Barry McCartney and Linda Cooper are well known for their stewarding prowess at many shows and today was no exception. At this show, though, there was a surprise in store for Linda before she was able to head towards the ring to start her duties at this show. She had celebrated a milestone birthday in the days leading up to the show and Barry presented her with a beautiful diamond solitaire ring!
To be honest, I was aware of only one ‘blip’ during the day. NGA makes it very clear from the outset that it will not tolerate dogs being left in cars and even gives a statement to this effect in its schedule. Why then, at before 10am, when the clouds had already started to clear, was it necessary for announcements to be made about dogs left in vehicles with little or no ventilation? NGA’s zero tolerance of this became very clear as further calls had to be made as the day progressed.
Each announcement was accompanied by the temperature reading of the inside of the vehicle involved; if exhibitors were even slightly attuned to the tone of the announcer’s voice, they would have realised that NGA meant business about this. I don’t believe that any vehicle registration plate details had to be repeated but they should never have had to be announced in the first place!
Unbelievably, one of the calls given out was at around noon, when the sun was at its height, and the temperature recorded inside the vehicle was 39 degrees!
Breed judging had started bang on time, with most breeds having a relatively early start at 9.30; Labradors and Golden Retrievers had kicked off slightly earlier at 9am. All the stakes classes, this year judged by Chris Atkinson, ran to schedule and details of his winners are given in the captions under their photos.
Whether it was that the sun had come out or simply that gundog enthusiasts enjoy each other’s company, when it came time for the BVIS, BIS and BPIS judging, the ringside was still well attended with everyone wanting to watch the major awards being made. In fact, I would have to say that it certainly seemed to be a very good humoured ringside with everyone determined to take advantage of the ideal weather, beautiful setting and stunning dogs sent forward.
I had one final demand to make of NGA; not only do I expect a show to meet all the expectations of exhibitors but I also think that along the way it should be entertaining, pleasurable and with my weird sense of humour, possibly amusing. These are all adjectives which simply describe having fun.
Well, I have news for you all – yes, it most certainly was fun and this really is my last request – please can we do it all again next year?
BONNIE SCOUGALL

Best in Show
My sincere thanks to everyone involved for the honour of judging BIS at a show dear to every gundog exhibitor’s heart.
In the beautiful setting & from an almost full complement of dogs, I shortlisted the following nine for further consideration: The GWP, Bareve Banghazi; the Spinone, Sh Ch Adinas Mandriano at Valabeau; the Pointer, Pipeaway Billy Bling; the Chesapeake, Ir Ch/Sh Ch Penrose Nomad; the F/c Retriever, Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian; the Cocker, Lujesa Touch The Sky; the Irish Water Spaniel, Sh Ch Zanfi Ego; the Welsh Springer, Sh Ch Slapestones Tornado; & the Vizsla, Sybaris Tabasco.
After further consideration, I arrived at my final four placings, all of whom gave their very best performance on the final run-off. After splitting hairs, I awarded BIS to the Welsh Springer Spaniel, Sh Ch Slapestones Tornado, excellent example of the breed, well constructed, in full coat & show bloom, handled well, moving with precision, drive & style. The sunlight on his back completed a lovely picture.
G2 was the Irish Water Spaniel, Sh Ch Zanfi Ego, this dog could never be overlooked for type, construction, soundness & the excellence of his coat, such powerful front & hind action with typical side gait.
G3 was the F/c Retriever, Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian, so beautifully balanced, presented as always in first class coat & body condition, excellent head & eye, on his toes & so willing to please, moving very well.
G4 was the Vizsla, Sybaris Tabasco, very pleasing head & eye, well balanced with no exaggeration, put on an excellent show both standing & moving, very impressive viewed from any angle.
PENNY WILLIAMS


Best Puppy in Show
From a very promising selection of puppies I shortlisted the following nine:
The English Setter, Quensha Little Jeanie; GWP, Karlejay Gump Youve Got Mail; Vizsla, Kazval Hugo Boss; Irish Setter, Gwendariff Mr Noticeme; Pointer, Hawkfield Sunkissed Sea; C/c Retriever, Lizallwood Summer Magic at Elkysar; Golden Retriever, Tashsheen Jasmin; Cocker, Asquanne Generation Gap; & Sussex, Glenbrows Scrumpy Jack.
A run-off decided my final four with BP the Pointer, Hawkfield Sunkissed Sea, could not pass this lovely puppy, so pleasing in head & expression, beautiful outline & very well constructed, very confident & positive on the move, excellent body & quality bone.
PG2 the Cocker, Asquanne Generation Gap, so feminine in head, well constructed & very Cockery, excellent coat & presentation, moved so well using her tail which was very well set & carried, plenty of attitude & ring presence.
PG3 the Irish Setter, Gwendariff Mr Noticeme, lovely example of the breed, very typical & well constructed, impressive outline & sound movement.
PG4 the English Setter, Quensha Little Jeanie, very well balanced, good type, strong topline giving her a pleasing outline, excellent body properties, sound & confident on the move.
PENNY WILLIAMS

CC winners
BRITTANYS (G Hargreaves) – D: Cutler’s *Jayricnbrits Bowen. B: Hughes’ Sh Ch Primrose Anne at Sonnenberg.
ENGLISH SETTERS (E Farningham) – D: Henry’s *Beechanger Golden Cricket. B: Goutorbe’s Richecca Paper Doll with Upperwood.
GSP (Mrs J Jennings) – D: Thurm’s Sh Ch Bryburn The Toff. B: Joy’s *Mannlicher Alice Springs.
GWP (Mrs P Dempster) – D: Pinkerton’s *Bareve Banghazi. B: Stamp’s Sh Ch Tynsil Tysse.
GORDON SETTERS (Miss S Tye) – D: Nagaty’s Marlbeck Massimo. B: Macara’s *Sh Ch Shannas Keepsake for Cromasaig.
HUNGARIAN VIZSLAS (G Upton) – D: Dyson’s *Sybaris Tabasco. B: McAngus’ Redfurs Lucie In The Sky.
IRISH R/W SETTERS (Mrs K Lockwood) – D: Jones’ Sh Ch Ryemills Deerstalker of Berryessa. B: Tuck & Curtis’ *Dalriach Joie de Vivre at Couldoran.
IRISH SETTERS (K Lewis, dogs; M V Launchbury, bitches) – D: Smith’s Reddins Pause at Magiconkers. B: Bouttell’s *Ixia Genevieve.
ITALIAN SPINONI (Miss D Smillie) – D: Graham’s *Sh Ch Adinas Mandriano at Valabeau. B: Cropper’s Orsacchiotto Breath Of Hope at Darrowdale.
LARGE MUNSTERLANDERS (Mrs M Day) – D: Cobbledick’s Sh Ch Blitzan Rhine. B: Dowden & Raggett’s *Jagerreh Coranto of Chontelle.
POINTERS (Ms J Drake) – D: Parsons’ *Pipeaway Billy Bling. B: Barker’s Flinthill Wild Thyme.
RETRIEVERS, CHESAPEAKE BAY (Miss J Condron) – D: Murray’s *Ir Ch/Sh Ch Penrose Nomad. B: Price’s Nunneyswood Accomac Fern.
RETRIEVERS, C/C (A Scott) – D: Hayes’ Pepperiever Star Anise. B: Brookes’ *Sh Ch Lenellie Touch Of Ebony at Grenowood.
RETRIEVERS, F/C (Mrs R Talbot, dogs; Mrs J Bird, bitches) – D: Irvine’s *Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian. B: Smitherman’s Ch/Sh Ch Levelmoor Lanosa of Seaheart.
RETRIEVERS, GOLDEN (Mrs G Wicklow, dogs; Mrs C MacKay, bitches) – D: Maynard’s *Chinnordale Rockhopper. B: Towers’ Sh Ch Alibren Misteeq.
RETRIEVERS, LABRADOR (P Taylor, dogs; R Wiles, bitches) – D: Autey’s Ryedown Scottish Reel. B: Dodd & Holt’s *Sh Ch Eneleon Amber.
SPANIELS, AMERICAN COCKER (Mrs L Swigciski) – D: English, Manser, Moon & Reitze’s *Am Ch Half Acres The Boy From Oz. B: White & Sutherland-Bolton’s Misticolas Angelina.
SPANIELS, CLUMBER (C Woodward) – D: Metcalf’s *Burnchild Gilbert Knight of Hajacan. B: Lidgate’s Dockwray Serendipity.
SPANIELS, COCKER (R Needham, dogs; D Todd, bitches) – D: Wildman & Fowles’ Sh Ch Lindridge Ticket To Ride. B: Kettle’s *Lujesa Touch The Sky.
SPANIELS, ENGLISH SPRINGER (Mrs B Ganarin) – D: Hales’ Sh Ch Trimere Trading Places with Sheledams. B: Calvert’s *Sh Ch Calvdale Claire Blake.
SPANIELS, FIELD (Mrs A Harding) – D: Mosedale’s *Dubldee Knight Reflection. B: Messer’s Arishmell Abby.
SPANIELS, IRISH WATER (Mrs J Miller) – D: Waters’ *Sh Ch Zanfi Ego. B: Ford’s Cuboglach West Coast Lady.
SPANIELS, SUSSEX (Mrs S Alderson) – D: Hastings’ *Sh Ch Bardings Brown Bear. B: Bennett’s Sovaroma Ruby Tuesday.
SPANIELS, WELSH SPRINGER (Mrs P Butler-Holley) – D: Ritchie’s *Sh Ch Slapestones Tornado. B: Salt’s Kazval Spot On.
WEIMARANERS (R J F Ellingford) – D: Sayer & Wallwork’s *Nemrac Nickel by Braefell. B: Byrne’s Morspirit Aphrodite.

No CCs
BRACCHI ITALIANI (Mrs E Craske) – D: Hayward’s *Braccanza Adorazione. B: Parris’ Bonario Aude Sapere.
GLP (Mrs D Hammond) – D: Wilks & Moss’ Arthur vom Munsterschlag mit Arany. B: Wilks & Moss’ *Arany’s Baiser.
HUNGARIAN W/H VIZSLAS (Mrs M McAngus) – D: Holman’s Silvanus Oh Oh Seven. B: Morgan & Schofield’s *Cwsscwn Chintz.
KOOIKERHONDJE (E Simpson) – D: Swinburn’s *Bel Ch Poacher Wescalle v Muskyteira at Bynton. B: Whybrow’s Unosta Trixie.
RETRIEVERS, DUCK TOLLING (D Hutchison) – D: Harding & Whitehill’s *Narod The Impossible Dream. B: Hawkins’ Camusmor Caol Ila of Trevargh.
SPANISH WATER DOGS (Mrs S Nicholls-Ward) – D: Bryant’s Glenturret Tauro of Darksquires. B: Grief’s *Int/Ir Ch Hollutrix Zula of Goldfly.
IMPORTED REGISTER (Miss J Lanning) – D: Stenton’s Lagotto, Rocco del Gaesten. B: Herbert’s Korthals Griffon, *Diva von der Hohen Ley at Sanjon.

GROUP SUMMARY
Chris Bexon, NGA secretary, undertook the commentary in his usual clear, efficient manner. I believe only the Kooikerhondje was missing from the group.
In all, 31 breeds are scheduled and 25 of these have CCs on offer; 11 breeds secured three-figure entries and Irish Setters, Flatcoats, Labradors and Golden Retrievers all have the sexes split between two judges. The highest overall entry was from Golden Retrievers with 264 exhibits and Cocker Spaniels achieved the largest entry of 210 dogs for a solo judge.
The BOB winners were efficiently marshalled into order and ready to enter the BIS ring for Penny Williams’ appraisal by 4.35pm.
Penny called nine in for further consideration and these included Barbara and Sharon Pinkerton’s German Wirehaired Pointer, Bareve Banghazi, who had gained his first CC after two RCCs; Karen James handled Brenda Graham’s Italian Spinone, Sh Ch Adinas Mandriano at Valabeau, who was also shortlisted at Darlington last year and holds nine CCs; the Pointer, Erica Parsons’ Pipeaway Billy Bling, handled by husband Steve, was awarded his first CC. They also won the RBCC with P Polly Garters.
Also included were Des and Mary Murray’s Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Ir Sh Ch Penrose Nomad, who had won his second CC, his first being won at SKC in May. He was G4 at the Irish LKA last month; and the Cocker Spaniel, Sue and Annie Kettle’s Lujesa Touch The Sky, who had also secured her second CC.
After putting them through their paces again, Penny called in her final four, moved them again and then placed them in order. The dogs gaining group places have their details included in the captions under their photographs.
From among the other BOB winners, celebrating gaining their crown by winning a third CC were Margaret and Chris Henry’s English Setter, Beechanger Golden Cricket, handled by Dilys Watts; Karen Joy’s German Shorthaired Pointer, Mannlicher Alice Springs; and Russell Mosedale handling his mother Vale’s Field Spaniel, Dubldee Knight Reflection.
With particular reason to celebrate were Roy and Lindsey Maynard as their Golden Retriever, Chinnordale Rockhopper, gained a third CC and this entitles him to a full champion title.
Taking the first step onto the ladder by gaining a first CC were Angela Tuck and Richard Curtis’ Irish Red and White Setter, Dalriach Joie De Vivre at Couldoran; the Irish Setter, Ixia Genevieve, handled by Hannah Bouttell, who owns her in partnership with her parents, Bob and Deb; and Mark Sayer and Debbie Wallwork’s Weimaraner, Nemrac Nickel by Braefell.
Penny also presided over the puppy group and she remained centre stage as the puppies were called in at 5.25pm. Having given each exhibit a thorough assessment, Penny again brought forward nine for another look. These were the English Setter, Morgan, Bott and Petherick’s Quensha Little Jeanie; O’Connor’s GWP, Kalrejay Gump Youve Got Mail; Johnston and Rudkins’ Hungarian Vizsla, Kazval Hugo Boss; Crosswell’s Irish Setter, Gwendariff Mr Noticeme; the Pointer, Isherwood’s Symitry Gold Brocade; Soloman’s Curly-Coated Retriever, Lizallwood Summer Magic at Elkysar; Beer’s Golden Retriever, Tashsheen Jasmin; the Cocker Spaniel, Webster’s Asquanne Generation Gap; and the Sussex Spaniel, Harrison’s Glenbrows Scrumpy Jack.
From these, Penny cut to her final four, moved them again and then beckoned the Pointer as BPIS with the Cocker PG2, the Irish Setter PG3 and the English Setter PG4.

Best in Show winners' background
THE RITCHIE family has enjoyed remarkable success since obtaining their first Welsh Springer 11 years ago. They had never previously owned a show dog although Thelma had been brought up with dogs and other animals.
From Sandra Stevenson in Scotland, well known also for her Flat-Coated Retrievers, they bought Steelriver Rysa as a pet for themselves and their young children. They had no intention of showing but someone in the same village persuaded them to join the breed club and things went on from there: a first first prize and so on and they were hooked. Eventually she gained her title plus six RCCs, and qualified in the field for her full title too, and now holds a top brood award as well.
They pay special credit to Margaret Aynscough at the local ringcraft club for her help and advice.
Her first litter by Sh Ch Parkmist Pit Your Whits produced a RCC winner; the next, by her cousin Arkview Moon Stroller, produced Sh Ch Slapestones Rysauryn.
Her third litter was by Crufts group winner Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Ferndel Maverick, a son of Moon Stroller and all time top brood bitch Sh Ch Ferndel Cecilia, and the pick of the males was sold and became Sh Ch Slapestones Twister over Priestbeck, BOB at Crufts this year. A sister is an American champion and another has won well here.
The Ritchies had no intention of keeping a male and the brother Tornado was sold to a pet home. At 14 months circumstances dictated that he return to his breeders; the Ritchies thought he had come on well so decided after all to keep him to give their teenage daughter Dawn, now 16, something to show.
His first time out was the parent club show where he was entered in three classes for practice; Dawn was unable to show him and Thelma handled him to win them all. Since then Dawn has usually shown him except when school commitments forbid it.
His first RCC came behind his sire at Midland Counties ‘05 under Zena Thorn Andrews, and his first CC at Border Union ‘06 from Frank Whyte, going on to G3 under Di Arrowsmith. He was again BOB at his next show, Blackpool, under Freda Marshall, and his title came at Belfast from Moray Armstrong. His total now stands at seven CCs plus ten reserves.
He has three CC winning offspring including today's BCC, and at National Gundog the Ritchies had a super day, also winning RBCC with a daughter and minor puppy with a granddaughter.