Kirkcaldy & District Canine Club

Many thanks to the committee and officers for their kind invitation to judge at this friendly club’s 100th anniversary show, which attracted a large entry of quality Golden Retrievers.

I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the exhibitors who entered under me, the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland for supporting the entry and my two excellent stewards, Wilma and Nicola, for their efficient running of the ring.

Puppy (6, 1 ab). A nice class of promising puppies. 1. Williamsons’ SANDTI EASY ON ME. This nine-month-old bitch is well-balanced with a lovely head, dark pigment and profuse light cream coat in tiptop condition. She is deep in body and has an adequate reach of neck, level topline, held on the move, and neat feet. Good length of leg and turn of stifle, and moved well. Beautifully presented and well-handled, she’s sure to have a bright future. BP. 2. Macgregor’s CAMUSDARRACH CALGARY BAY. Another mature-looking puppy in good coat. This 11-month-old light gold male also presented a balanced frame, and has a masculine head with soft expression, a level topline and good rear angulation. Short-coupled, he also has a nice turn of stifle, good second thigh and short hocks. Just preferred the head and movement of 1. Placed over another nice puppy whose nerves just got the better of her on the day. 3. Clarkson’s DRUMKILTY TRUE COLOURS.

Junior (7, 3ab). Close decision between 1 and 2. 1. Carlton’s THISTLEGATE SONOMA MOON. This 17-month-old mid-gold male took my eye for his lovely masculine head, soft expression and balanced outline. I liked his depth of chest, length of leg and upper arm, and well laid-back shoulders. He held his level topline on the move. Although lacking in coat, he has everything in the right place, and I shall follow his progress with interest. Heard afterwards that today he gained the final point for his Junior Warrant - well done! 2. McNeish’s PEVRILPOINT DON’T STOP ME NOW. A different type, who also appealed. This 11-month old pale cream bitch has a lovely overall shape, is well angulated front and rear, and was beautifully presented. She boasts a pretty, feminine head, good length of neck, nice shoulder and level topline, held on the move. Good width of stifle and strong pasterns. This eye-catching, smart young lady also has a bright future ahead. 3. McCulloch’s CAMUSDARRACH SILVERSANDS.

Graduate (10, 4 ab) 1. Williamson’s PONFEIGH TOPP NOTCH WITH DAWNRYAN. This not-quite two-year-old gold dog won this class on his balanced outline and good front and rear angulation. Short-coupled, he has a lovely masculine, but soft, head, while his neck flows nicely into a level topline with well laid-back shoulders and corresponding upper arm. Would just prefer stronger front pasterns, but he moved well and was in good coat. 2. Halkett’s LILLIESLEA QUEEN IDUNA OF GARRELLGLEN. Longer cast than 1, this rangey two-year-old cream bitch doesn’t quite possess the upper arm of 1 and was lacking in coat, but she has a lovely feminine head, good length of neck and leg, level topline, well set-on tail, which didn’t stop wagging, and a nice turn of stifle. Although evidently enjoying her day out, she didn’t flinch when a gust of wind blew paperwork off the table - top marks for temperament! 3. McCulloch’s CAMUSDARRACH SILVERSANDS.

Post Graduate (7, 5 ab) 1. McAlpine’s DRUMKILTY ZARITA. Well-presented four-year-old bitch in profuse cream coat. Deep in body, she has a lovely head with dark pigment, a good shoulder, adequate length of neck, well set-on tail and nice turn of stifle. Would have preferred a more sloping upper arm, but moved well, particularly on the first run-around. 2. Macleod’s BLUEBRAES BIDEY IN AT ROCAMAR. A well-presented three-year-old mid-gold male with a nice outline, masculine head and kind expression. Well off for bone with nice feet, he is longer in the loin than 1, who just beat him on movement today.

Limit (8, 4 ab) A strong class. 1. McFarlane’s KING OF SWING QDORE OF LABGOLD TO BLUEBRAES (IMP POL). My star, and best mover, of the day, with excellent rear action. This well-balanced six-year-old mid-gold male possesses a lovely masculine head with soft expression, good front and rear angulation, and a level topline and tail set. Correct length of leg and nice, round cat-like feet. Well-presented and expertly handled, both freestanding and on the stack. BOB and shortlisted in a top-quality Gundog group, where he powered round the ring and did the breed proud. 2. McAleese’s TOSELAND ROLLS ROYCE. This well-presented four-year-old male has a lovely balanced frame, good bone and his cream coat was in tiptop condition. He boasts a level topline and tail set, good length of leg and width to second thigh, and nice turn of stifle. Unfortunate to meet 1 on such cracking form today, just losing out to the RBOB on movement. Placed ahead of a nice three-and-a-half-year-old bitch. 3. Harper’s TULLOCHMOHR RAY OF SUNSHINE AT GLYNERVA JW.

Open (13, 7 ab) 1. Williamsons’ SANDTI TIKI TAKA JW A rising five-year-old bitch in well-presented pale gold coat with a nice outline and lovely soft feminine head. She has a deep body, strong, level topline, correct tail set and good shoulder placement and length of upper arm, although being picky, I’d prefer slightly more front angulation. Strong, well-angulated hindquarters. Moved well. RBOB.

2. Wallis’ BLUE GEMSTONE KATRINA AT CAMELLIS VW. Well-presented eight-year-old mid-gold boy, who is in fit, muscular condition, and belies his age. Shorter in the back than 1, he has a nice balanced outline with a masculine but kind head and good length of neck. Moved soundly, with an ever-wagging tail, enjoying his day. 3. Harper’s TULLOCHMOHR SHOOTING STAR AT GLYNERVA JW.

Joanne Bednall