London and Provincial Collie Club Open Show
19th February 2022

Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for their kind invitation to judge Smooth Collies at their open show, their hospitality on the day and to my stewards. The ‘in show’ awards were agreed jointly with my co-judge, Pat Hutchinson, and we awarded Best in Show to my Smooth winner with Reserve Best in Show to the 2-year-old Rough sable bitch, Imaginist Pitch Perfect, who appealed for her overall outline and balance combined with sound movement. As there were no Smooth Collie puppies entered, Best Puppy was automatically awarded to Collingvale Campari. Best Veteran in Show was awarded to the Rough sable bitch, Tremaro Tainted Love at Rahlissa who, at 10 ½ year old, was barely showing her age and presented a lovely picture with a super head and expression.

Smooth Collies

J D/B: (2,1) 1st Davies & Brown’s Breckamore Blessings at Wystry, 15-month-old tri bitch. Clean head of good proportions, good eye of good shape and set, flat skull. Needs to clean a little in stop. Good length of neck with good layback of shoulder, front angulation and depth of chest. Good hind angulation and short hocks with neat feet with well arched toes.  Moved freely with drive. Would prefer a slightly longer back to complete the outline, but she has plenty of time on her side. Well presented and handled to win RBB & RBOB.

PG D/B: (3) 1st Benton’s Brackenhaye Queen of Hearts of Oakestelle , 2-year-old tri bitch, really loved this girl as soon as I saw her. Super outline with good length of back and a well arched neck. Good front and rear angulation and well off for bone with neat feet. Head is clean and balanced with a flat skull and well-placed stop. Super eye of good shape and set combined with super ears of good size, folding forward correctly giving a sweet and feminine expression. Moved beautifully with reach and drive, keeping her topline well. In super condition, delighted to award BB & BOB and later BIS in full agreement with my co-judge 2nd Davies & Brown’s Breckamore Blessings at Wystry, 3rd Peacock’s Saraneth Edgedancer.

OD: (2,1) 1st Benton’s Ch Oakestelle Vivaldi, 8-year-old tri dog, good outline although would prefer just a little more neck. Well laidback shoulder and good rear angulation, good depth of chest. Clean head with flat skull nice dark eye, good ears and well-placed stop. Moved well and enjoyed his day out. BD
OB: (2,1) 1st Benton’s Oakestelle Venus De Mile, 8-year-old blue bitch, litter sister to BD and of similar type. Super colour. Pipped her brother on neck and outline, clean head with well set ears and a good eye. Beautifully handled and showed non-stop, BVIB

JUDGE SOPHIE WRAY-RAMSDEN (TAKHISIS)