1st November 2024
Midland Counties at Stafford very often draws good entries, this year was no exception. Maybe the fact that most people find Stafford an easy venue (apart from those living in the south) and very often the society appoints judges who appeal to the majority of exhibitors. However, although all the Groups were scheduled, various minor groups were not included, for example, Best Veteran, Best Puppy etc but there was scheduled a Special Beginners Group. This year, for those at home, not only was there the facility, offered by Fosse Data to purchase an “On Line Catalogue” but with results inputted by the Ring Stewards, staying away did not feel so bad. Congrats to the Midland Counties for this.
This year, Albert Wight drew one of the highest entries of Roughs for the year, excluding Crufts but the ring available to the breed could have been larger as many free striding dogs could not really show off their virtues.
Albert, one of our more established and knowledgeable judges last officiated in 2021 at CA and prior to that at Mid Cos in 2018 and this year drew an entry of 125, comprising of 61 dogs and 64 bitches.
The Dog CC went to the winner of a well filled Open class, and was Jan Milligan and Nigel Marley with their blue, Ch Alfsden He Lives In You, winning, I think, his 5th CC. Sired by Ch Ladnar Mustriharder out of Ladnar Trust In Me for Alfsden. Taking the RDCC for Sue Harris was the winner of Junior, Geosamka Loves to Love at Ithilien. A sable bred by Karen Johnstone he is sired by Jopium Front Runner at Geosamka (who is a full brother to Jo Hodges’s Jopium Love On The Rocks) out of Sea Dreamers Gracey Love at Geosamka who originated in the Netherlands. Arran, as he is known at home was born 17th October. Two young puppies competed for BPD, one was the recent BPIS winner at CA, Brian and Odile with Beldones Ivory Star and he beat Roughrigg Rag’n’Riches owned by Morag & Jim McCarte. Di Collino and Wicani Altitude at Imaginist took Veteran whilst John & Sandra Newton won Spl Beginners with Fiorcara Brave Explorer, who had also won Limit.
Taking her 4th CC was the sable, Claire, better known as Ch Corydon Clarissa, owned by John Blake but handled today by Miranda. She is the dam of Corydon Christopher, who also won a class earlier, handled by John. Sired by Corydon The Ringmaster out of Corydon Moonflower and recently gained her crown at YCC. Although the 2nd in Open, Avonfair A Million Lovesong JW was called in, the RBCC went to the winner of Yearling. Roughrigg Red Lagertha JW. Now officially in the ownership of Hannah & Simon Walder, she had returned to her breeders, Morag & Jim McCarte, having spent most of her early show career in their names, but always handled by Hannah, with whom she has a strong bond. Realising that the bitch was not happy at Roughrigg, a decision was made to return her back to Hanvale . Sired by Hanvale Arthur Shelby at Damos out of Beldones Fun’n’Games at Roughrigg. BPB was between Gataj Time FOR Love and Gataj Exotic Girl, both owned and bred by Melissa Lockyer with the nod falling to the MP. Best Veteran Bitch was another lovely win for Ch Gillyflower Della Buca Delle Fate for Rob & Margaret Shipp. Although there was no Veteran Group, the Veteran Stakes class was judged by Tim Ball and Marianne Benton and Keira, Ch Brooklynson Jayne Russell of Oakestelle did get short listed to the last few from an orignal 25 entries. This must have been a great boost to Marianne, who has just lost her beloved Smooth, Piper, Ch Alopex Marionette at Oakestelle at the wonderful age of 15. Piper was such an ambassador for the smooth fratenity and her awards if listed would cover many many pages. I am sure you will be aware of this loss, following her rough, Pedro and we all wish you better times ahead. Lynda Boyle annexed Spl Beginners with Timeless Destiny Star Actis Over Barrenclough.
With the final challenge completed, it was Miranda and Claire who were sent forward for the group under the very well-respected Liz Cartledge. BPIB went to Brian and his boy whilst Rob took BVIB with Gillyflower. John and Sandra Newton won Best Special Beginners.
Carole Smedley
(Antoc)
email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com
