Wirral Kennel Association

Thank you to the committee and officers for their kind invitation to judge Golden Retrievers at this well-run, friendly show, and for their hospitality.

Many thanks, too, to the exhibitors who supported me at this, my first judging appointment; to Midland Golden Retriever Club for supporting the entry; and to my two stewards, Jodie and John, whose efficiency ensured the ring ran smoothly.

I was really pleased with the quality of my entry, and thrilled to see my BOB take Gundog Group 2.

PD/B (4) Two very promising puppy dogs, both just six months old, headed this class - I am sure a bright future awaits them both. 1 Gerhold’s NAVILIS SHCHEDRYK. This smart cream boy has the loveliest of heads with dark pigment, a level topline, good length of leg with nice round feet and a profuse coat. Confident and accurate on the move, with a happy, wagging tail. Loved his outline. BP. 2 Millington’s STRETTONHILLS BRING IT HOME TO JARABEES. Another lovely young man, in attractive pale gold coat. Lighter framed than 1 but also boasting a lovely soft head, nice outline, good feet and accurate movement. Just preferred 1’s overall shape on the day. Will watch both these puppies’ careers with interest as they mature. 3. Hooton’s JORBY EVERLASTING LOVE AT PENTICHARM.

JD/B (4, 1ab) 1 Loverock’s LOVISSA SEEING STARS. This quality 13-month-old mid-gold bitch presented a lovely balanced frame, with a pretty, feminine head, a nice flow of neck into a level topline and correct tail set. Good front with straight forelegs and tight feet; moved out very well with good drive. Expertly presented and handled. Maturing nicely, she is another with a bright future. 2 Hooton’s JORBY EVERLASTING LOVE AT PENTICHARM. Third in Puppy, this 11-month-old pale gold boy will take time to fill out and mature but nevertheless has a nice, gentle head, good reach of neck and turn of stifle and was nicely presented. 3. Goddard’s JORBY ETERNAL FLAME AT GLANSEVERN.

YD/B (5, 3ab) 1 Nelson’s CADWST SONG OF SPRING JW. Nicely-balanced 19-month-old cream bitch with a sweet, feminine head, nice reach of neck into a level topline and good front angulation. Moved soundly. Close decision between 1 and 2. Turns out she’s the daughter of my Limit winner and BOB. 2. Loverock’s LOVISSA SEEING STARS. As above.

PGD/B (4, 2ab) 1 Falconer’s CHEEK TO CHEEK UNBRIDLED DREAMS FOR SIATHAM (IMP FRA) JW. Two-year-old cream bitch with impressive balance and construction. She has a sweet feminine head, nice flow of neck into a level topline and tail set, a very good front and layback of shoulder and nice, tight cat-like feet. Straight forelegs and good turn of stifle; moved well. Well-handled and presented. RBOB. 2. Loverock’s LOVISSA SEEING STARS. As above.

LD/B (4, 1ab) A close decision between two lovely, feminine and well-balanced bitches in good, hard condition. 1 Nelson’s WILLOWLAWN STAYCATION AT CADWST. A five-year-old well-presented cream bitch, with a pretty feminine, balanced head, good reach of neck into a level topline, excellent front and straight forelegs. Moved well with a wagging tail, enjoying her day. BOB and GG2. 2. Rodgers’ AMBERSUN PASSIONE OF ODARLA JW. A three-year-old cream bitch of a lighter construction who’s very feminine all-round. She is a lovely shape and has a beautiful head, excellent reach of neck, good straight front, well-made shoulders, level topline and correct tail set. Moved well, and was expertly handled. 3. Burrows’ DILWORTHEY SECRET SANTA.

OD/B (5, 3ab) Two classy males headed this class. 1. Gerhold’s NAVILIS VIVAT VIVALDI (IMP UKR) JW. Full of quality, this four-year-old cream dog is well-balanced and has excellent proportions. He has a lovely head, kind expression, level topline held on the move and super front and rear angulation, moving enthusiastically with good drive. Although I’m a long admirer of this dog, he was sadly not in his best coat today. 2. Millington’s GOLMAS GUARD OF HONOUR AT JARABEES JW. Another upstanding four-year-old dog who was also a pleasure to go over and presented me with a tough choice. This mid-gold dog is of a similar quality and construction to 1, with a nice head and expression, good front angulation and straight forelegs. Moved well but I would have preferred a slightly lower tail carriage, which was the deciding factor for me on the day.

Joanne Bednall