Gryphon & Herc reign as the sun shines.

08/06/2014 at 18:54 Leave a comment

Following hot on the heels of his BOB at the Southern Counties Champ Show, Belatarr Dizzy Gillespie (Gryphon) and Irene negotiated their way through the dense, never-ending stand-still show traffic to just make the HWV breed classes by the skin of their teeth at this weeks Royal Cornwall Show…

Arriving at the show literally as his class was being called Gryphon & Irene still managed to perform to their usual standard and took Best of Breed, earning the lovely critique (below) from the breed judge before going on to take Group 2 in the huge Gundog Group under Jayne Eyeington later in the day and then winning best AV brace, along with his sister Billie, from a class of 8 pairs:

“My star of the day! Lovely masculine head with such a super expression, he melted my heart! His head is well balanced with good eye colour, he has good reach of neck into well laid shoulders. He has a straight front with good bone and feet. Well angled rear quarters with correct bend of stifle, he moved with reach and drive holding his firm topline well. BOB and so pleased to see him finish with G2.” Lesley McCourt

“Just loved this HWV dog, one I have judged before and he has developed into a super example of the breed. He has an appealing outline, with good balance and substance, and a head that is full of quality. Shown with a good harsh coat and at one with the handler on the move.” Jane Eyeington

“These two HWV’s made a splendid duo. In harmony with their handler both stood and on the move. Thought them to be a super matching pair.” Jane Eyeington

Gryphon on his way to BOB at Royal Cornwall.

Three days later Gryphon and his younger brother Belatarr Hercules were amongst those in action at the Three Counties Championship, presided over by Sandra Marshall.

Herc was first up and won 1st Puppy Dog, whilst Gryphon stepped out to win 1st Open Dog. Then, in the Dog challenge Gryphon was awarded another Best Dog, whilst Hercules was Best Puppy Dog, his 5th out of 5 Champ show appearances. He then went on to take Best Puppy too – a lovely double for the Belatarr brothers.

The judge’s critiques for the boys also made for very happy reading:

“Belatarr Hercules. Super puppy who can only go on. Nothing to dislike & everything to play for. Should continue his winning ways. BP”

“Belatarr Dizzy Gillespie. What a super dog. Loved his shape & balance, excellent construction throughout. Shown in lovely coat & condition. Moved on a ground covering driving stride. BD”

Sandra Marshall

Hercules in preparation!

…and saying hello to the judge.

Amazingly, Gryphon’s win today also means that Belatarr dogs have now taken either Best Bitch or Best Dog at 8 out of the last 10 Championship Shows, a run that started way back at LKA last December!