DRIFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW

Judges Critiques

Mrs L RACE

Judging: Afghan Hound, Hound Group

Driffield Championship Show - Afghan Hounds - Lynda Race

Firstly, thank you to exhibitors for a super entry and for graciously accepting my decisions.  All the dogs were presented down to the last hair, which was a great compliment.  Also for the sporting appreciation from the ringside for my two eventual winners. The generous applause from fellow exhibitors just goes to show that we come together as a family and that our breed is in a good place.

When I received this invitation to judge in 2019 I made the decision not to accept any other appointments in order to ensure that most of the exhibits were new to me. This was the case - with the exception of a couple of bitches in todays higher classes who had previously done well under me as youngsters (I might add that they have since gained their titles and are looking just as wonderful).

I always enjoy Driffield show. The officials were very welcoming, from the gentlemen in their evening suits to the lovely ladies serving tea in the judges reception. I was allocated an extremely efficient steward in Graham Smith, who made sure my large, square ring ran seamlessly. The weather was kind up until the Open dog class, when a shower interrupted the proceedings and we had to dodge into the tent for a few minutes until the rain eased.

My entry consisted of the usual mixture of types that we have become accustomed to seeing in the UK. The overall quality was good and I was able to find plenty to meet my requirements. One or two were stacked, angled and strangled, which had the adverse effect in displaying their true conformation - but we did get there eventually!

Above all when judging, I have a ‘bones in the right place’ perspective and I always try to award correct conformation as priority. I try to bear in mind that this approach is how breeders usually assess and select their puppies for the show ring and therefore feel it only fitting that their careful deliberations are recognised and rewarded accordingly. Naturally, other factors are taken into consideration, but we have a breed standard for a reason … and it happens to be imprinted into my DNA!

It’s currently a matter of concern that our breed is numerically in decline and Club memberships are gradually dwindling. Challenging times are most definitely ahead, but to finish on a positive note, we do still have a nucleus of dedicated breeders and enthusiasts both at home and overseas - and today’s entry gives me encouragement in that there are enough promising youngsters coming through the ranks to weather the storm.

BEST OF BREED : 20 GLEED, Miss Violet Catherine & MCPHERSON, Mr I & M Saviour and my salvation at ksiadz
Dog CC : 69 REED, Mrs Amanda Jayne & REED, Mr Terence Cloudside Sunstrike JW
Res Dog CC : 64 GARDNER, Mrs Gloria Ch Drishaun Said Tiger To Lily
Bitch CC : 20 GLEED, Miss Violet Catherine & MCPHERSON, Mr I & M Saviour and my salvation at ksiadz
Res Bitch CC : 10 DOWD, Miss C & MALIA, Miss A Ch SAXONMILL MIRROR IMAGE
Best Puppy : 58 MOYES, Mrs E & LOCKETT-DAVIES, Ms E & SHAW, Miss J Rhazmakh Heart O'Summer By Bryelis
Best Veteran : 38 JAMES, Mrs Emma & JAMES, Miss Imogen Ch Gilari Vermillion Venus JW
Best Special Beginner : 34 HUDSON, Mrs Nicola SHIMALMA IZARRA

Class 1 VD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 43 LATIMER, Mr &Mrs R.E. UK Ch JEREMIAH DE KOULANGAR AT ZHAROOK JW (Imp) Fr - 9 years old shaded masked gold with masculine head of great type. Strong neck into clean shoulders and good front, sound body built on a good frame. Put in a great performance, covered the ground easily with great drive and extension. Huge coat, presented beautifully. 

2nd: 83 WINTERS, Mr Clive & WINTERS, Mrs Susan Garamond Cloudberry for Tokando - 
10 years old black in lovely condition. Upstanding hound with great breed type, dark triangular eyes and piercing expression. Correctly built all through, defined croup and good tail carriage. Looking super for his age, moved steadily and true. 

3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 2 PD (5 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 48 LOCKETT-DAVIES, Miss E & LOCKETT-DAVIES, Ms M & MO Rhazmakh Sun O'Summer TAF - 11months old attractive white with beautiful head, chiselled foreface and the darkest of eyes. True oriental expression with great pigment. Excellent front assembly, clean shoulder placement with corresponding upper arm. Sound both in body and movement, correct silky coat presented immaculately. Sound, steady movement. Looks very promising.

2nd: 46 LEES, Mrs Sylvia Altside Micah Hot Prophet - 11 months old self masked gold.  Scored in head and expression, balanced body and overall breed type. Striking coat pattern, already displaying his saddle. Firm topline. Lots to like, today not quite as cooperative with his handler. Nicely presented, just preferred shoulder layback of 1.
 

3rd: 29 HARWOOD, Mrs Mary & HARWOOD, Mr Mark Altside Too Hot To Handle (BA1)
Res: 24 GRIFFIN, Miss Danielle Istani creed
VHC: 41 KIRK, Mr A & WILLIAMS, Mrs Elizabeth Istani Davidoff The Game

Class 3 JD (7 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 57 MOORE, Mr Wendell Merrick Prince Charming Cloudside( imp Fin) - 16 month old self masked cream. Functional hound with ideal body proportions and most pleasing head and dark eye. Good pigment. Positive easy action with springy gait, moved true coming and going.

2nd: 16 FRENCH, Ms Margaret & FRENCH, Mr William SITANA MOON KNIGHT AT ZALMEERAH - 17 month old black/tan, equally sound youngster who appealed in head, body makeup and overall balance. Moved very true, nicely presented. Came close to 1, both youngsters will have a very bright future.

3rd: 29 HARWOOD, Mrs Mary & HARWOOD, Mr Mark Altside Too Hot To Handle (BA1)
Res: 71 ROPER, Mr David & MOORE, Ms Carol Sitana The kingsman at temenshu
VHC: 31 HITCH, Ms Melinda & HITCH, Mrs Norma ZENDUSHKAS AMARILLO

Class 4 YD (5 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 23 GORMAN, Mrs T & GORMAN, Mr P & LATIMER, Mrs P A & Shahfoladi Sphinx riddle at zharook (ai) JW - 17 month old black/tan. Scored in head type, piercing expression and free movement. Long neck into pleasing front, level topline, deep chest and sweeping quarters. Nice croup and tail set. Well off for bone. Huge coat, accurate and exuberant mover, covered the ground with little effort. Well presented.

2nd: 32 HITCH, Ms Melinda & HITCH, Mrs Norma ZENDUSHKAS TAKE THAT - 12months old shaded masked gold and very much the baby of the class. Classical head with darkest of eyes and Eastern look. Good front assembly with sloping pasterns, well sprung ribs and good quarters. Level topline which he held on the move. Composed, steady movement for one so young, presented very well. 

3rd: 71 ROPER, Mr David & MOORE, Ms Carol Sitana The kingsman at temenshu
Res: 79 WALSH, Miss Jenna Danielle Khawari You Got The Look
VHC:

Class 5 SBD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 28 HARWOOD, Mrs Mary & HARWOOD, Mr Mark KRISHAN RAINBOW WARRIOR - 4 years old cream domino, presented to the last hair. Balanced body with deep chest, good width and ribbing. Correct front and rear angulation, level topline, firm loin, he is sound all through. Ringed tail, carried well. Nicely handled and presented. Well done. 

2nd: 79 WALSH, Miss Jenna Danielle Khawari You Got The Look - 17 month old black/tan. Pleased in all departments with balanced head, well sprung rib cage, level topline, firm loin and good balanced angulation fore and aft. Ringed tail. Moved true. 

3rd: 41 KIRK, Mr A & WILLIAMS, Mrs Elizabeth Istani Davidoff The Game
Res:
VHC:

Class 6 PGD (8 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 59 NEWTON, Mrs L Shimalma Jagermeister - 3years old self masked pale gold of lovely breed type. Masculine head, good length of foreface with correct eye shape and expression. Correct layback of shoulder into a sound front, deep chest, sweeping quarters and firm hocks. Great muscle tone and correct silky coat, presented to the last hair. Moved true.

2nd: 66 PARKER, Miss Claire M SAXONMILL MAJIC MOMENT AT KHATIRA - 2 years old black/tan with pleasing head properties and the darkest of eyes. Upstanding youngster, has all the breed essentials to make it to the top. With his light, springy stride and flowing effortless movement he just needs time to fill out his lovely, houndy frame. Well handled.

3rd: 15 FRENCH, Ms Margaret & FRENCH, Mr William Imp Trust Queen Budda At Zalmeerah (Imp Rus)
Res: 30 HILLS, Miss M & THORNTON, Mrs B Absolute Afghans Djibouti at Karnak JW (Imp Nor)
VHC: 13 EDWARDS, Mrs Jane Lesley & EDWARDS, Mr Stephen Beast Friend Forever at Djasti ( AI ) imp Nor

Class 7 LD (9 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 37 HURL, Mr Richard & HURL, Mrs J & NISBET, Mrs F & F Zandahar Xcuse Me Mister
5 years old silver brindle, built on the type of frame that appeals. Rangy and well made, with good head properties and substantial body. Long neck, well sprung rib cage, deep chest, sweeping quarters with good length to second thigh, big feet. Powerful stride, excellent reach and drive. Abundance of coat, very well presented.

2nd: 78 WALSH, Mrs Jacqueline Calamus Devil In Disguise (Imp POL) - 4 years old red brindle, good head and keen eye with clean shoulders, good spring of ribs, level topline, well set croup, balanced angulation fore and aft. Glorious mahogany saddle, free moving, covered the ground well.

3rd: 33 HOPPER, Mr S FINCH & Miss E Zandahar Xtraordinary Me At Zinzani JW
Res: 14 FRENCH, Ms Margaret & FRENCH, Mr William Sitana Bijali Toofan At Zalmeerah
VHC: 22 GORMAN, Mrs T & GORMAN, Mr P & LATIMER, Mrs P A & Affietar Glen Sheil at Zharook

Class 8 OD (6 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 69 REED, Mrs Amanda Jayne & REED, Mr Terence Cloudside Sunstrike JW
Competition was strong in this class and the eventual winner was of a type that appeals, now mature and at his best. 6 years old, silver brindle with super head, chiselled fore face, darkest of eyes, excellent front assembly with sloping pasterns, well sprung ribs with powerful quarters, big feet. Ample forechest. Extremely sound, honest dog both in body and movement, lovely to go over. Well conditioned profuse coat, shown in super condition and handled well. CC

2nd: 64 GARDNER, Mrs Gloria Ch Drishaun Said Tiger To Lily - 5 years old red brindle in good form, has matured into a fine, upstanding hound. Pleasing head and eye, punishing jaw, strong neck into correct front, sound body with balanced well angulated quarters. Well off for bone. Displayed good body strength and muscle tone lacking in so many throughout the day. Covered the ground with ease. Correct coat texture, beautifully presented. Reserve CC

3rd: 39 JAMES, Mrs Emma & JAMES, Miss Imogen Ch Syrdarya Darjeeling chai of simkhan
Res: 2 ANDERSON, Mrs Laura Jane & ANDERSON, Mr Mark Ch Zandahar Tartan Xplorer JW
VHC: 3 BARTRAM, Mrs B & BARTRAM, Mr R & PERRY, Miss S & B CH Gezancol Utter Chaos At Chardara

Class 9 GCD NO ENTRIES

Class 10 VB (4 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 38 JAMES, Mrs Emma & JAMES, Miss Imogen Ch Gilari Vermillion Venus JW - 8 years old shaded masked red. I awarded this lovely bitch her first Reserve CC in 2019 and considered her for top awards again today. Lovely head, strong neck into clean well laid shoulders, good depth and perfectly balanced head and tail carriage. Powerful movement with good reach and drive won her the class. Well presented and still on top form. Best veteran and 3rd in Veteran Hound Group.

2nd: 47 LINK, Mrs G A Int Ch Ned Popov's Bora Bora at Orashan JW - 9 years old masked gold. In all respects a lovely bitch who is beautifully made and balanced all through with level topline with natural saddle. Refined head and eye, low set ears and arrogant expression. Presentation was spot on, not showing her age age at all. A very happy mover and enjoyable to watch. Close decision with 1.

3rd: 1 ADAMS, Mrs G Ch Zandahar Just Tiger Lily JW Sh.CM VW
Res: 25 HARRIS, Mrs J Devanmarn Majic Touch At Portianja
VHC:

Class 11 PB (4 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 58 MOYES, Mrs E & LOCKETT-DAVIES, Ms E & SHAW, Miss J Rhazmakh Heart O'Summer By Bryelis - 11 months old black/silver. Promising young lady with lovely head carried proudly, dark eyes and keen expression. Arched neck, clean shoulders, level topline, good spring of ribs, well angulated quarters and ring tail. Free, steady mover, extended well. Correct silky coat, handled and presented well. Best Puppy.

2nd: 62 NISBET, Mrs F & FORRESTER, Ms A B & SMITH, J Finix Just A Girl (ai) - 7 months old and very much the baby of the class. Quality black/tan, with typical head, darkest of eyes and good neck. Beautifully balanced throughout, I appreciated her excellent forechest and width, standing four-square. Blackest coat of good texture, lovely temperament. Close decision to 1, both youngsters destined for glittering futures.

3rd: 74 SCOTT, Mrs Jackie & SCOTT, Mr Tim Altside Hot Shot At Arushkhan
Res:
VHC:

Class 12 JB (3 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 45 LATIMER, Mr &Mrs R.E. & GORMAN, Mr & Mrs P Sitana Moon Star at Zharook - 17 months. Super youngster of excellent type, classic head and beautiful eye shape, very well balanced. Lovely neck flowing into good shoulders, well sloped pasterns, deep brisket and powerful well angulated quarters. Moved with a long springy gate, settling well. Nice outline with natural saddle and good croup. Handled and presented well.

2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 13 YB (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 20 GLEED, Miss Violet Catherine & MCPHERSON, Mr I & M saviour and my salvation at ksiadz - 17 months gold brindle. Quality hound all through, she has a raw natural beauty that cannot be overlooked. Displayed all the hallmarks of the breed in spades, along with a wondrous free spirit that just screams Afghan. Such a natural, easy movement with spring, lift and lightness - pure athleticism. Feminine head, low set ears, dark eyes, strong neck into the best of fronts, sloping pasterns, level topline and sweeping quarters. She just flows from her head to her tail. Silky straight coat with totally natural saddle, good croup and correct tail set. Still a youngster but has so much potential. Well muscled and conditioned. Loved her! Pleased to award her 1st CC and BOB.

2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 14 SBB (2 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 34 HUDSON, Mrs Nicola SHIMALMA IZARRA - 3 years old shaded masked cream. Has the most classic head and eye of an exquisite type. Built on a lighter frame, her clean shoulders flowing into a well balanced body. Correct silky coat, presented beautifully. Well done.

2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC: 

Class 15 PGB (5 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 55 MITCHELL, Mrs W & THORNTON, Mrs B & SMITHSON, Mr G Absolute Afghan's India at Karnak (IMP NOR) - 3 years old masked pale gold. Super head and dark eye, low set ears, good eye shape, strong neck into substantial body. Correct front and well muscled, powerful quarters. Deep chest with excellent forechest, width and well sprung ribs. Covered lots of ground, easy natural mover. Presented to the last hair. 

2nd: 36 HUMPHREYS, Mrs N V Ayoubkhan Porcelain Dove - 2 years old self masked cream. Lovely head properties with excellent eye shape and defined chiselling. Very houndy in body, looks like she could run all day. Moved true once settled. Natural saddle with beautifully presented silky coat. 

3rd: 27 HARRIS, Mrs J Saxonmill Girl In The Mirror At Portianja
Res: 34 HUDSON, Mrs Nicola SHIMALMA IZARRA
VHC: 7 COLLYER-TODD, Mrs A Shimalma Kamora

Class 16 LB (12 Entries) Abs: 6
1st: 9 CULLEN, Mrs T M Cloudside Sevillana At Eweyisska (Ai) - 4 years old black. Lovely type with correctly balanced body, sound all through. Feminine head with dark piercing eyes and sculptured foreface. Built on clean classic lines. Correctly laid shoulders with corresponding upper arm, deep chest, good spring of rib and strong loin. Excellent fall away, well angulated quarters with firm hocks and big feet. Well off for coat. Most honest bitch, headed a quality class.

2nd: 35 HUGHES, Mrs Geraldine & HUGHES, Mr. Colin & LUTY, Gezancol Fallen From Grace - 3 years old shaded masked gold with pleasing eye shape, defined cheekbones and chiselling. Built on a similar framework as 1 and displaying equally clean lines, sound construction and overall balance. Lovely front, deep chest, good quarters with plenty of second thigh. Naturally deep saddle exposing an excellent spring to ribs. Moved soundly.

3rd: 53 MILLIGAN-BOTT, Mrs D & BOTT, Mr J Medawlark Attitude Is Key The Wones Thendara(imp.R
Res: 6 CHARLTON, Mrs Susan & CHARLTON, Mr Alan John DRISHAUN LILY AMONG THORNS AT NYANZA
VHC: 5 BRENTANOS, Mrs Viviane Valkor Vilholin

Class 17 OB (6 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 10 DOWD, Miss C & MALIA, Miss A Ch SAXONMILL MIRROR IMAGE - 2 years old black/tan . Beautifully sculptured head with correctly shaped dark eyes and strong underjaw. Feminine and houndy, she displays excellent breed type. Arched neck into true front, great spring of rib, deep chest and sweeping quarters. Great croup and tail set. Enviable free and easy movement, as light as a feather. Presented in lovely coat and condition. Headed a super class. Reserve CC.

2nd: 56 MOORE, Mr Wendell Cloudside Flamenco (ai) - 4 years old gold brindle. Excellent head properties, with dark eyes and desired chiselling. Balanced, well muscled body with good front and rear angulation. Good croup and tail carriage. Sound hocks. Nice type, a true hound fit for purpose, carries herself well on the move. Well presented and conditioned.

3rd: 65 O'DONNELL, Miss Lianne & O'DONNELL, Ms Catherine Ch Drishaun Faith Is Like A Lily For Javidan JW
Res: 17 GILBERT, Mr R Ch Altside Hot As Hell At Affietar
VHC:

Class 18 GCB NO ENTRIES