Judges – Miss Becky Johnson (Dogs) and Mrs Roz Bellamy (Bitches) Referee Mrs Val Orme.
Best In Show and Dog CC Helen Fox’s Steelriver Blazin Hot at Blacktoft JW (Pictured Below)
Reserve Best in Show and Bitch CC and BOS Sandra Stevenson’s Sh Ch Steelriver Heatwave JW ShCM
Reserve Dog CC Roy Douglas’ Sh Ch Greenbayhill Black Tuxedo
Reserve Bitch CC Hayley Walkers’ Lizzlog Kiss and Tell JW
Best Puppy in Show Katie Lutner’s Beautyfield’s Flashdance at Telurn (Imp DEU)
Best Veteran in Show Sally Collin’s Rainesgift Summer Thyme at Steeplehouse JW
Best Liver in Show Jacob’s and Holmes Charming Melvin Oasis of Peace JW (Imp Cze)
Best Working Caroline Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo
Winner of Special Members Open Dog or Bitch (Judged by Mrs V Orme) Hayley Walker’s Lizzlog Kiss me Quick JW ShCM
Thank you all our stewards for keeping the rings running smoothly and thanks to all the helpers.
Full Results can be viewed by following this link and photos only available by contacting Caroline Hewison
Becky A Johnson’s Judge’s report – DOGS
My sincerest thanks to the Committee of NEFRA for affording me the honour of judging dogs at their Championship Show. I had a wonderful day and would like to extend my gratitude to my hard working stewards – Bob Allen and Kath Trevor along with all those who brought their dogs forward for my consideration. It was a large entry and in many cases it was a very close call for the top placings.
I do have some concerns that seem to be creeping in. Firstly mouths. I don’t think I have ever encountered so many level or incorrect bites in one day. This is a worry as this is hereditary and care needs to be taken when breeding to try not to double up on it. Secondly there were a lot of dogs lacking the desired spring of rib. The standard states that the fore ribs should be flat with the body well ribbed up showing a gradual spring and well arched in the centre but lighter towards the quarters. In a great many cases my hands went straight along a body that was tubular in shape. This was not just in the youngsters but in fully mature dogs as well. The Flatcoat should not be as narrow as an Irish Setter in body but a great many were and thus there was not sufficient breadth and depth of chest when viewed from the front.
My final line up pleased me enormously with dogs that looked capable of fulfilling their function. My co-judge Mrs Roslyn Bellamy and I agreed on all the overall winners which was the icing on the cake – indeed the Dog CC and Bitch CC winners were litter brother and sister. Congratulations to the breeder who for many years now has produced some top quality Flatcoats.
Veteran (7, 3)
1st Jones’ Braemist Ocean Kestrel JW. A great favourite of mine. Upstanding male whofor me defines the typical character of a true Flatcoat. He never stops smiling! Classical head shape with good fill in beneath the eyes. Excels in layback of shoulder and return of upper arm. Deep chest with long ribcage and short strong loin. Powerful hindquarters with well set on tail. Excellent bone and feet. Sound and true on the move displaying good open side gait. BVD
2nd Hall’s Ch Blacktoft Stray Cat Strut at Ghilgrange. Well balanced all through with good head and expression. Correct layback of shoulder although not as good in return of upper arm as the winner. Excellent topline leading to well muscled hindquarters. Correct bone and well padded feet. Moved well.
3rd Holland’s Sh Ch Calzeat Causa Commotion at Flatcharm (Imp Swe). Completed a super trio of dogs. Well balanced and of the correct size. Excellent head and laughing expression. Clean through his neck to level topline. Not the feet of the first two and sadly out of coat today. Moved well with drive.
Special Veteran (1,1)
Minor Puppy (17, 2)
1st Warrington’s Woodavens Water Charmer. The naughtiest puppy in the class!Although he is still at the roly poly stage he could not be denied for his overall type, construction and particularly bone – where so many puppies were lacking. Well shaped head with dark eye and small ears. Excels in his forehand construction. Deep chest with good length of rib. Despite wagging his tail hard so hard he still displayed accurate movement fore and aft and just had a better length of stride in profile than his litter brother who finished 2nd. BPD
2nd Warrington’s Woodavens Shiro Noda. Very similar to winner. Well balanced all through. Excellent head. Good shoulder – though not quite the return of upper arm as his brother which showed in the profile movement. Correct ribcage and hindquarters. I am sure they will change places many times.
3rd Millbank’s Kvicksans Eye Of The Storm NAF TAF. At just 6 months old he was giving everything away but his obvious qualities could not be overlooked. Excellent overall balance with super head and dark, kind eye. Needs to develop more in his forechest. Correct length of rib and well shaped hindquarters. Accurate movement. Very promising all through.
Puppy (11, 2)
1st Ashcroft’s Gunoak Obsidian. Shortlisted in strong MP class. Correct for size andoverall balance. Excellent head and expression. Deep chest and well ribbed back.
Hindquarters just need to develop more. Moved accurately.
2nd Bowen’s Candiliz Black Admiral for Clandrift. Taller all through than my winner.Excellent head. Well laid shoulder and return of upper arm. Not the development in
chest and ribcage of the winner. Good bone and feet. Hind movement a little close. 3rd Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot (Imp Swe). Very up on his legs at present and needs
time to grow into himself. Excellent head and expression. Correct layback of shoulder. Good bone and feet. Good forward reach on the move although a little close going away.
Junior (8, 2)
1st Jones’ Blacktoft American Smooth. Excellent for type. Classic head with correct fillin beneath the eyes and small well set ears. Good layback of shoulder and correct
depth of chest. His ribcage is well sprung and of good length leading to a strong short loin. Well shaped hindquarters with properly let down hocks. Excellent bone and feet. Movement was true fore and aft with good extension in profile. Although he had completely thrown his coat his overall type and balance won him this class which I was told later gave him his JW. Well done.
2nd Ross’s Islstrom Orrin. Quality dog from this kennel who was giving away a bit in age today and therefore did not have quite the maturity of winner. Classical head with good length and depth of muzzle. Correct forequarters and good length of ribcage. Excellent bone and the best of feet. Moved well at one with his handler.
3rd Shelley’s Pajanbeck You Sexy Thing Rivage. Well balanced and of the correct size. Very typical head with dark eye. A little stuffy in neck. Correct depth of chest with good length of ribcage and short loin. I would like a little more width of second thigh but this should come. Excellent feet. Sound, steady movement.
Yearling (7, 3)
1st Walker-Cotton’s Flatcharm Tobermory. Very promising youngster. Excellent head.Good layback of shoulder. I would like a little more length of upper arm. Correct
depth of chest and spring of rib. Strong hindquarters. Moved well.
2nd Perry’s Casanjay Demetrius. Well balanced all through. Not the refinement in headof the winner. Correct layback of shoulder and return of upper arm. Excels in depth and length of ribcage. Excellent bone and feet. Winner was more positive on the move.
3rd Nelson’s Byeways Parklane Hawk. Correct size and good overall balance. Little strong in back skull. Good layback of shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Well made hindquarters with excellent bone and feet. Fore and aft movement could be tidier.
Novice (5)
1st Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot (Imp Swe). 3rd in Puppy
2nd Hall’s Ghilgrange Noggin The Nog. Up to height and very much at the “legs andwings” stage at the moment. Good head with level topline and strong hindquarters. I
would like a little more bone all through. Excellent feet.
3rd Hammersley’s Ghilgrange Dudley Do Right. Another who will need a lot of time tocome to his best. Pleasing head and expression. Needs to develop through his chest and ribcage. Excellent bone and feet. Movement very close behind at present.
Graduate (10, 2)
1st Blain’s Rotherfield First Request JW. Excellent for overall type and balance.Classical well shaped head with correct fill in beneath the eyes. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulder and return of upper arm. His chest is of the correct width and
depth leading through to a well sprung rib and short loin. Strong hindquarters.
Moved well with drive.
2nd Jacobs and Holmes’ Charming Melvin Oasis of Peace JW (imp Cze). Another qualitydog whom I liked very much. Good head with dark eye and correct depth of muzzle. Well laid shoulder and correct length of ribcage. Well muscled hindquarters with excellent bone. Good movement in profile – not quite as accurate as the winner fore and aft.
3rd Creasey’s Willowswind Orion’s Star. Well balanced very workmanlike dog. Not quite the head of the first two. Good layback of shoulder and return of upper arm. Correct depth of chest and well ribbed back. Correct turn of stifle with good bone. Moved and showed well.
Post Graduate (17, 5)
1st Jones’ Toutnoir Hiriwa Tohuga of Benvellyn JW. This dog displays the classic type ofa true Flatcoat. He is of the correct size and balance. Head of correct proportions with smooth flat cheeks and good depth of muzzle. His forehand construction was probably the best of the day with the shoulder and upper arm of equal length allowing his forelegs to be correctly placed under the body. Excellent depth and width of chest with the ribcage well sprung and going right back into a strong short loin. Well muscled hindquarters with correct tailset and low hocks. Excellent bone and feet. On the move he showed good drive once settled.
2nd Reading’s Sastrugi Beautiful Sunrise at Sabarka. Another really good dog who pushed the winner hard. Excellent head with an expression that continually smiled up at me. Correct forehand construction with good length and spring of rib. Good bone. Not quite the feet of winner. Sound, driving movement.
3rd Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Mayhem JW ShCM. Completed a quality trio. Good head and expression. Correct layback of shoulder. I would like a little more length of upper arm. Good through his ribcage to hindquarters. Correct bone and feet. Moved well.
Limit (11, 3)
1st Fox’s Steelriver Blazing Hot At Blacktoft JW. This dog turned out to be my find ofthe day. My eye was immediately drawn to him for his correct size, balance and he is so workmanlike – totally free from any exaggerations which are creeping into the breed nowadays. Excels in his head with correct fill in beneath the eyes and long muzzle of the correct depth. Clean neck leading to well laid shoulder. To be critical I would like a little more pronouncement of forechest, however his chest has plenty of depth and width allowing his elbows to work freely alongside the ribcage which is well sprung and of correct length. His loin is short and strong leading to powerful
well muscled hindquarters. Excellent bone and feet. Although not profuse in feathering his coat is of the correct density. Powerful mover – so sound and true. He left me in no doubt that he could go all day in the field – truly fit for function. Delighted to award him his first CC and in complete agreement of my co-judge BIS.
2nd Gale’s Willowswind Whispering Elm JW. Another quality dog. Slightly taller than my winner but still very well balanced all through. Excels in head, with dark eye and small ears. Clean neck into well laid shoulder and correct length of upper arm. Good depth and length of ribcage leading through to powerful hindquarters. Excellent bone and feet. Really powered round the ring showing good open side gait. As always beautifully presented and shown by his extremely competent young handler. Close up for RCC.
3rd Lutner & Holland’s Telurn Already In Trouble at Flatcharm. Completed a quality trio. Excellent head with good lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. Good depth of chest. I would prefer a little more spring of rib. Excellent topline. Moved well with drive.
Open (10, 4)
1st Douglas’ Greenbayhill Black Tuxedo. Very workmanlike well balanced dog – anothertotally free from exaggeration. Similar in type to my limit winner – they are related! Good head and expression. Correct layback of shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Level topline with good length and depth of ribcage. Strong hindquarters with correct tail set and well let down hocks. Excellent bone and feet. Moved well at one with his handler. In excellent coat. Carrying a little overweight today which ultimately cost him. RCC.
2nd Dalziel-Scott & Scott’s Sh Ch Branchalwood Daer Water. Another very classical dog as one would always expect from this famous kennel. Beautiful head with dark eye and the kindest expression. His forehand construction is copybook as is his depth and spring of rib. Well made hindquarters with excellent bone and feet. Moved well but not quite the rear drive of winner today. A worthy titleholder nonetheless.
3rd Hills’ Branchalwood Benrioch at Lindisfarne. Very workmanlike dog of the correct size. Not quite the head of the first two but excellent overall construction. Correct angulation fore and aft with good depth and length of ribcage. Excellent bone and feet. Moved well.
Special Liver (2)
1st Charming Melvin Oasis of Peace JW (imp Cze).
2nd Evan’s Gemswin Relight My Fire. 10 months old. Well grown – just needing time tocome together. Pleasing head with dark eye. Strong hindquarters. Excellent bone. Moved well.
Special Working (3, 2)
1st Hewison’s Maddistream Indigo Jack at Casblaidd. Very workmanlike all through with pleasing head and dark eye. Level topline with strong well muscled hindquarters. Excellent bone and feet. Moved out soundly.
Roslyn Bellamy Judge’s Report – Bitches
I was honoured to be invited to judge Bitches at the Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association Championship Show. I was pleased with the exhibits and I had a quality entry in my Junior, Limit and Open Classes. Sadly, there were a few absentees due to an outbreak of Kennel Cough. An excellent size ring to allow the dogs to move out freely, however, a few close movements evident in the lower classes and a couple of level bites too. Overall, the bitches were presented in gleaming condition and with superb temperaments. Many thanks must go to my Stewards Chris Whitmore and Harry Nelson who did a professional job of keeping the ring flowing at all times. My class winners were excellent examples of the breed and I thank all the exhibitors for their entries and sportsmanship. My Co-Judge and I had no difficulty in agreeing decisions and were thrilled that at the end of the day our two CC winners were litter brother and sister! Many congratulations to the Best in Show winner, Ms Helen Fox’s Steelriver Blazin Hot at Blacktoft JW; my Bitch CC winner Miss Sandra Stevenson with Sh. Ch. Steelriver Heatwave JW. ShCM; my Res CC winner, Mrs Linda Walker’s Lizzlog Kiss and Tell JW, handled by Miss Hayley Walker and my Best Puppy Bitch, Miss Katie Lutner’s Beautyfield’s Flashdance at Telurn (Imp Deu) who went on to be Best Puppy In Show. Also an absolute pleasure to award Best Veteran Bitch to Rainesgift Summer Thyme at Steeplehouse JW who also went on to take Best Veteran in Show. The Knight & Jacobs family’s Gemswin Disco Inferno; Best Liver Bitch, and finally, Mrs Caroline Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo, Best Working Bitch and Best Working in Show. A really enjoyable day with a super friendly atmosphere, thank you NEFRA.
Veteran Bitch – 7 entries (1 abs)
1st Joyce’s Rainesgift the Dawn of Tyme for Stranfaer JW. Superb bitch with a stunning outline. Classic moulded head with dark eye, well set on ears. Good reach of neck into correctly angulated shoulders. Well muscled rear quarters with the best feet. Super topline and tailset. Moved well. As always, giving her handler a hard time.
2nd Tomlinson’s Sh. Ch. Rainesgift Clemence. Another super bitch from this kennel. Again all the attributes of my first place, just carrying a little too much weight at the moment which spoiled her racy finish. Another bitch that has the most excellent feet, good bone and superb movement.
3rd Mr R & Mrs C Malz’s Ger/Vdg Ch. Calebri’s for Your Eyes Only.
Special Veteran Bitch – 2 entries
1st Mr & Mrs Collins Rainesgift Summer Thyme at Steeplehouse JW. What a delight to see this 12yrs and 8 moths lady power round the ring giving her handler Anne Barnett a hard job of keeping up! Excellent type with the sweetest head, dark eye and correct scissor bite. Good angulation all round, and again super feet. Delighted to see her win Best Veteran in Show.
2nd Mrs Ann Brook’s Culmquill It’s a Hazilazy Day JW. Another lovely old lady enjoying her day out. Moved a little steadily showing her age. Correct head and
dark eye, well constructed all through, just could not command the presence of my first place.
Minor Puppy Bitch – 7 entries (2 abs)
1st Miss K Lutner’s Beautyfield’s Flashdance at Telurn (Imp Deu). Classic bitch puppy who stood out in this class. One piece moulded head with dark eye of good shape with sweet expression. Well set on neat ears and correct scissor bite. Good reach of neck into well angulated shoulders with good length in upper arm. Good bone down to tight feet. Moved at one with her handler.
2nd Mr D Ashcroft’s Gunoak Emerald. Sweet bitch of just 8 months. Again good overall outline with correct angulation all round, just preferred the upper arm length and topline of my winner. Handled tenderly to get the best from this little girl.
3rd Mrs M Romeo-Dieste’s Yonsaff Vienna by Hopevalley. What a happy girl on her first day out. At just 6 months and 4 days took it all in her stride and moved confidently.
Puppy Bitch – 8 entries (2 abs)
1st Mrs M & Mr J.L. Dalziel-Scott & Scott’s Branchalwood Strathwyvis (AI). What a sweet classic bitch. Moulded head, dark eye, well set on ears and after a little gentle encouragement, a correct scissor bite. Good defined brisket with correct shoulder placement. Good rear angulation with super topline and tailset, carried on the move round the ring at a nice pace for a young pup.
2nd 2nd Mr D Ashcroft’s Gunoak Emerald. Second in the last class. 3rd Mrs S Groom’s Candiliz Black Velvet.
Junior Bitch – 15 entries (6 abs)
1st Mrs H Fox’s Blacktoft Burlesque JW. This bitch shone in this class, I really like her. Correct size, lovely moulded head with correct shaped dark eye. Scissor bite. Clean flowing lines with good angulation all round. Level topline and tailset with muscles to die for. Good strong bone and tight feet. Very workmanlike, but elegant too. A super young lady who had a bright future I am sure.
2nd Miss K & Mrs S Wojciechowska & Richards’ Cornfolk Thimbleberi. Another really quality bitch with super head and dark well shaped eye. Good length of upper arm and lay back of shoulder. Good bone and tight feet. Level topline and tailset. Moved really well.
3rd Mrs H. Tomlinson’s Rainesgift Bide Your Time.
Yearling Bitch – 9 entries (5 abs)
1st Ms I Gilchrist’s Gloi Dubh Blue Moon over Ardmhor Super bitch, very feminine with correct well moulded head with dark eye and gentle expression. Good
reach of neck into correctly angulated shoulders, good bone, tight elbows and feet. Moved really well although just a little proud of her tail on occasion.
2nd Miss K & Mrs S Wojciechowska & Richards’ Cornfolk Thimbleberi, second in the previous class.
3rd Mr P & Mrs S Goodman’s Keepersway Gracie to Beanit.
Novice Bitch – 6 entries – (2 absent)
1st Mrs M & Mr J.L. Dalziel-Scott & Scott’s Branchalwood Strathwyvis (AI) – 1st in Puppy Bitch.
2nd Mrs S, Mrs G & Mr M Knight & Jacobs Gemswin Disco Inferno. Liver bitch excellent condition. Most attractive head with dark eye and correct scissor bite. Good angulation all round. In full coat, moved with drive and ever wagging tail.
3rd Mr B & Mrs K Perry’s Casanjay Kishi.
Graduate Bitch – 4 entries (1 absent)
1st Mrs C & Mr L Malone’s Kissock Weesleekit for Kirkbeck JW. Bitch of correct size and type. Lovely moulded head with dark eye and mischievous expression. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulder construction. Good bone and tight feet. Well muscled rear quarters which drove her round the ring with style. Another quality bitch to watch with interest.
2nd Mrs T & Miss C Gale’s Willowswind Maias Wish. Up to size elegant bitch with good head and dark eye. Excellent reach of neck into correct shoulder placement. Just out of coat today. Moved well with her proficient handler.
3rd WILLIAMS G & GOODWIN S Wistaston Love Bird .
Post Graduate Bitch – 12 entries (4 abs)
1st Mrs J Smith’s Montegrino Toasted Teacake. Such an elegant bitch in full coat. Attractive one piece head with dark eye and kind expression. Correct scissor bite. Good angulation all round with nice tight elbows, good bone and best of feet. Moved really well. A classy Flatcoat.
2nd Mrs D Brooks & Mrs S Ayling’s Flatham’s Gaode Delbax from Castlerock JW (Imp Swe) Another bitch of correct size. Not in full coat today, but all attributes of my first place. Well muscled with level topline and tailset. Good bone and feet.
3rd Mrs C Murray’s Araminta Glass at Gayplume.
Limit Bitch – 15 entries (4 abs)
1st Mrs L. Walker’s Lizzlog Kiss and Tell JW. Gorgeous bitch of correct size. Elegant outline with super head and dark kind eye. Well set on ears with good reach of neck and correct front angulation. Tight elbows, strong bone and best of feet.
Superb topline and tailset. In full gleaming coat. Moved powerfully round the ring. Delighted to award her the Reserve Bitch CC.
2nd Mr & Mrs R. Ross’s Islstrom Torrachilty JW. Again another favourite of mine, such a glamorous bitch with sweetest head and well shaped dark eye. Good reach of neck into super shoulder placement, tight elbows with good bone and feet. Well muscled in beautiful coat and condition. Just splitting hairs here, but preferred the topline and tailset on my winner.
3rd Mrs D Brooks’ Castlerock Stormy Song JW.
Open Bitch – 7 entries
1st Miss S Stevenson’s Sh. Ch. Steelriver Heatwave JW ShCM. Wow! This bitch just fills the eye. Perfect size with classic head, dark eye and naughty expression. Superb front assembly with tight elbows. Good spring of rib. Strong bone and best of feet. Well muscled rear quarters with excellent topline and tailset. Moved straight and true with good forward extension. She flowed round the ring to take top honours today. Delighted to award her the Bitch CC.
2nd` Mr R & Mrs C Malz’s Ger/Vdh/Lux Ch Black Mica’s for Honor and Glory. Delightful elegant bitch of correct size with super head and dark correctly shaped eye. Nice tight well set on ears. Super reach of neck into well angulated shoulders, tight elbows. Just would prefer tighter feet. Topline and tailset all correct with well muscled rear construction. In lovely condition and presented beautifully. Strongly considered for Res CC.
3rd Miss H Walker’s Lizzlog Kiss me Quick JW ShCM.
Special Liver Bitch – 5 entries (3 abs)
1st Mrs S, Mrs G & Mr M Knight & Jacobs Gemswin Disco Inferno
2nd Mr & Mrs Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld). Lighter weight bitch with a dark liver coat. Moved well.
Special Working Bitch – 2 entries
1st Mr & Mrs C. Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo. Sweet youngster with well moulded head and dark eye. In super hard condition. Moved well. Best Working Bitch.
2nd Mrs C Wells’ Ir. Sh. Ch. Gilduffe Ceili. This bitch was carrying a little too much weight today although she moved very well round the ring. Good overall construction with nice head and in super coat.
Val Orme’s Judges Critique – Brace, Stakes & Junior Handling
My thanks to NEFRA for inviting me to be Referee and also judge for the stakes and junior handling classes. Although not called upon to referee I enjoyed judging the classes I had.
BRACE ( 9, 3a )
I did enjoy judging this class. Attempting to get two lively flatcoats to stand and move together is no mean feat , even for the experienced handler. So consequently some good individual dogs were unplaced.1st Mr. B & Mrs. K M Perry. Two black bitches, evenly matched in size and construction with matching pretty heads and soft expressions. Stood well together and moved well in unison with their handler.
2nd Mrs M E Romeo-Dieste. Dog and bitch, similar in looks and of good construction. Standing and moving well together as a brace.
3rd Mrs H M Fox.
JUNIOR HANDLING 6-11 Years No entries
12- 16 years
1st Georgina Mellor Very confident and smartly dressed young lady, who handled her dog very competently throughout. She followed all my instructions, showing and moving her dog round at a good pace. She was in complete control of her dog at all times, always aware of my position. Although she stood alone she was a worthy winner and I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of her in future.
SPECIAL MEMBERS OPEN DOG OR BITCH (14,4a ) 1st Walkers` LIZZLOG KISS ME QUICK JW ShCM
Well constructed bitch of correct size with a lovely feminine head and soft expression. Good length of neck into well laid shoulders and level topline, good bone and super tight feet. Presenting a lovely outline standing and moved out well with drive.
2nd Holland`s Sh.Ch. CALZEAT CAUSA COMMOTION AT FLATCHARM (Imp Swe )A dog I have always liked. Sire of the winner and sharing a lot of the same attributes. Typical moulded head and kind eye. Good reach of neck , balanced in outline with correct angulation. Sound, true movement. Just preferred the feet of the winner.
3rd Jacobs & Holmes` CHARMING MELVIN OASIS OF PEACE (Imp Cze ) JW 2 year old liver dog with a good head and soft melting expression. Balanced outline in good coat and condition. Lively outgoing character with a constant wagging tail. Moved well.