NWA Open Show
6th February 2010
Judge: Mr Nick Gourley
It was an absolute privilege to be invited by the Officers & Committee Members of the N.W.A to judge this, my first, Breed Club Open Show. I was looking for an athletic sight hound in tip top physical condition. The best constructed dogs always scored highly which was reflected in my placings. ‘What you see is what you get’ with a whippet and it was evident which dogs are exercised regularly just by looking at feet, nails and muscle tone. I also favoured those whippets with the correct top line – a true ‘rise over the loin’ and well let down hocks. My principal winners all excelled on the move – the challenge for Best in Show was a difficult decision.
Best Dog & Best in Show – Stock & Gilmour’s Courthill Come Fly With Me. A mature, stallion hound absolutely at his prime and ‘foot perfect’ on the day. Very handsome head with good under jaw and a strong yet elegant neck. His forequarters are so very well constructed which you can appreciate when he is stood and knew he would not disappoint on the move. His overall balance when moving in profile is an absolute joy to watch and so true going away and coming towards. He just flows effortlessly and with speed. A real test with his colour too - he loses an inch in his loin when stood on the floor (not so on the table) and gains an inch on the move when he holds his top line to perfection. In excellent condition and expertly handled.
Best Bitch & Reserve Best in Show – Howgate & Hull’s Barnesmore Red Rose at Palmik JW. A beautiful young bitch again in peak condition. I loved her head and eye – exquisite. Her construction is absolutely correct –my notes say forequarters ‘bang on’ and perfect overall shape which about says it all. She has powerful hocks and a bend of stifle to match her well laid shoulders. The very closest of decisions for Best in Show and another 6 months maturity on her side and she could have easily turned the tables.
Best Puppy in Show – Smeath’s Willingwisp Moon Walker. First class of the day certainly set the standard with this promising young chap. Very much a minor pup but everything is in the right place. Lovely head with soft gentle eye and neat ears. Well laid shoulders and complimentary return of upper arm. Already showing correct top line due to length of rib and loin. When not testing Mum’s patience he really excels on the move.
Best Veteran in Show – Howgate’s Palmik Princess. I was surprise this ‘young’ veteran was not a Champion. So elegant and refined with flowing lines. Beautiful head and eye. Scored in top line and strength of hocks. In first class condition. Really comes to life on the move driving from behind and with superb reach in front. Close decision for Reserve Best Bitch. A credit to her owner/breeder.
MINOR PUPPY DOG (3,0) 1st Smeath’s Willingwisp Moon Walker BPIS. 2nd Kupica’s Deljorhea River Runner. Promising pup lacking maturity of winner despite same age. Liked his head and elegant neck. Higher on the hock than the winner.
PUPPY DOG (4,1) 1st Price’s Whisterfield Jack Be Nimble. Absolutely ‘fit for function’ as were all the dogs owned by Mrs Price. In pristine and hard condition. Very well muscled with extremely powerful hindquarters for his age. Broader head and strong neck. Very deep chest. The neatest ‘walnut feet’ with short nails. Would prefer more definition of loin – big breakfast?. A worthy winner. 2nd Long’s Blandings Keeping The Faith. Liked his head and neck and scored in top line with correct rise over loin. Little unsettled on the move.
JUNIOR DOGS (6,0) 1st Oliver’s Spyanfly Set In Stone. Handsome young man; just out of puppy and maturing very well. In superb condition. Loved his head and eye. Neat ears. He is very well balanced with forequarter angulation matching hind quarters. Very deep chest and length of rib. Low hocks which he used to create quite effortless flowing movement. He is my ideal length (rib and loin) and perfect over the croup. His top line just flattened slightly today. Will look out for him once fully mature. Absolutely no hesitation in making him my Reserve Best Dog. 2nd Clarke’s Yialousa Frisco Bay at Sunwalkers. Another well muscled dog with good bone and typical overall shape. Moved well with good extension and drive from behind. Preferred overall balance of the winner.
YEARLING DOG (6,0) 1st Smith’s Courthill Chorister at Steveila. Most accurate mover in this class both in profile and ‘away and back’. Fine head and good neck with very good pigmentation. Would ideally like another inch in his loin as he can tend to fall off a bit over the croup when stood. Presents much more balanced picture on the move. Loved his powerful hind quarters and low hocks. 2nd Rishworth’s Daleko Democrat. Another handsome dog who scores in correct top line and angulated forequarters. Very good return of upper arm. A real power house in excellent condition. Can come towards a little wide if moving too fast.
NOVICE DOG (7,0) 1st Welsh’s Mulranney Lionheart. Dark eye and handsome head with neat ears. Elegant neck into good shoulders. Deep chest. Would prefer better definition over the loin. Low set tail and let down hocks. 2nd Kupica’s Deljorhea River Runner
GRADUATE DOG (3,0) 1st Clilverd’s Monelli Mississippi. Won here due to his front assembly with super extension on the move. Good depth of chest. Very well let down hocks and good bend of stifle. Moving closer behind today. 2nd Price’s Whisterfield Jack Be Nimble.
POST GRADUATE DOG (3,0) 1st Long’s Blandings Captain Scarlet. Looked a lot older than his 3 years . Good straight front and neat feet. Prefer more strength in pastern. Shorter in loin than I prefer. Moved steadily. 2nd Bunney’s Bunehug Wizard Charm. Scores in depth of chest and clean, straight front. Movd close behind today and needs tighter feet.
LIMIT DOG (6,1) 1st Jones’ Welstar With Strauss. A picture of health and beautiful overall shape. A classic head and so very handsome. Loved the balance of his front construction and his low let down hocks. Very sound moving away and presents flowing outline in profile. 2nd Clarke’s Bluestreak Bright Side among Sunwalkers . Upstanding hound – all length. Overall impression is very positive and close decision. Slightly higher on hock and moved a little closer behind than winner. Very good in profile showing good extension.
OPEN DOG (6,0) 1st Stock & Gilmour’s Courthill Come Fly With Me. Best Dog & Best in Show. 2nd Keenan & Smith’s Stormburst Sparkling Water at Citycroft. Fully mature dog and a favourite of mine. Love his head and eye. Still admire his overall construction and his length. The best rib, deep brisket and perfect top line. He is a real profile mover. It was down to minor points in final assessment of principal places. Would have definitely been my 3rd Best Dog today – I am still a fan.
Racing/Lure Coursing – (3,0) Whisterfield Jack The Lad among Silkdance. An absolute power house. In hard, muscular condition and excellent short clean coat. Neat nails and well knuckled feet. Very good in pastern. Broader in head than I prefer and moved closer behind today. 2nd Jarmane Blue Topaz. Very alert expression – looks like would excel on the lure coursing field or the race track. Very long all over – high on hock and flatter in top line. Insisted on pacing today – protest that he would rather be in the field than the show ring ?
VETERAN DOG (3,1) 1st Brown’s Courthill Chain Reaction over Hazeacre. Excellent neck and shoulders on this mature gent. Still has flowing profile movement and very neat feet for age. A quality hound. 2nd Home & Fisher-Home’s Jasarat Just Gold. Balanced picture overall and in super body condition. Winner scored higher in the feet department.
VETERAN BITCH (6,0) 1st Howgate’s Palmik Princess. 2nd Baxter’s Hernevalley Mazurka. Beautiful head and eye with ‘heart tugging’ expression – very similar to our first whippet in colour, head and overall shape . Very good lay of shoulder and defined fore chest. Very good depth of brisket. Correct top line with rise over well defined loin. Winner just more positive driving from behind. Two won derful bitches for their age – a real credit to their owners and breeders.
MINOR PUPPY BITCH (3,0) 1stPrice’s Ashvillebur Jacks Jewel. Very similar to her sire in many respects but a better top line and finer head. Once again, presented in perfect condition. Despite obvious immaturity she is showing great promise. Very well constructed shoulders and angled upper arm. Low, strong hocks. Moved with purpose. 2nd Gantides’ Thesperia Arete. Well constructed bitch showing lots of promise. Very good extension in front once settled and has many virtues. Both pup and handler need more practice to ensure her qualities are shown to best advantage.
PUPPY BITCH (2,0) 1st Keenan’s Citycroft What’s The Story. Very good head, neck and top line creating a balanced picture stood and on the move. Well angulated forequarters with elbows in close and good lay of shoulder. Very free flowing movement when viewed in profile. Easy winner of Best Puppy Bitch. 2nd Bunney’s Bunehug Mythology. Looking immature today and needs another inch of loin to balance. Tended to fall off over croup. Steep in pastern.
JUNIOR BITCH (8,2) 1st Palmik Magical Whispers JW. Beautiful headed bitch with dark expressive eye and neat ears. Elegant neck into well constructed shoulders and flowing top line with desired rise over the loin. Really extended on the move and drove from powerful, low hocks. Sound coming and going and only beaten for Best Bitch by her kennel mate on such top form. Loved her. 2nd Oliver’s Spyanfly Saphire Stone. I liked her as much as her ‘twin’ brother and many of the same comments apply. Another beautiful head with melting expression. Could have quite easily put her in the car. All length – top line on winner just gave her the knod today but it was by a whisker. Two gorgeous bitches.
YEARLING BITCH (4,0) 1st Becket & Darby’s Bescott Snowdrop Lady. A typey bitch overall with an elegant outline. Better length of loin than 2nd which created good top line. Sound going away and drives from low hocks. 2nd Spencer’s Chelridge Charlies Angel. Very pretty bitch with lovely head. Perfect eyes and neatest ears. No exaggeration at all although would prefer slightly longer in loin. Moved soundly in all directions.
NOVICE BITCH (5,1) 1st Keenan’s Citycroft What The Story. 2nd Price’s Ashvillebur Jacks Jewel.
GRADUATE BITCH (10,1) 1st Burgess’ Monelli Maid In Manhatten. A very elegant bitch who could easily be missed as she is built on smaller lines (and handler got boxed in). An easy winner in this class with perfect top line, beautiful head and sound on the move. Really good shoulders, neat feet and low hocks. 2nd Home & Fisher Homes’ Jasarat Texas Rose. Deserved her 2nd place on profile movement. Nice head and long neck. Deep chest. A little narrow through especially coming towards.
POST GRADUATE BITCH (3,0) 1st Reed & Spooners Dejare Ma Petite Amie. Very good pigmentation and dark eye. Liked her top lineand rise over loin. Good neck and lay of shoulder with complimentary return of upper arm. Neat feet and pasterns. Moving a little close behind today. 2nd Burton’s Khandibah Khorriandah. Unplaced in Graduate class. Top line dipping at withers and too narrow in front.
LIMIT BITCH (9,0) 1st Howgate & Hull’s Barnesmore Red Rose at Palmik JW. Best Bitch and RBIS. 2nd Bird’s Blandings Poetry In Motion. Another beautiful bitch with exquisite head and eye. Made a great pair with my winner in terms of profile movement – such free flowing action fore and aft as her name suggests. Bit too much breakfast meant loin lacked definition today. Nevertheless a top quality bitch with many virtues.
OPEN BITCH (8,1) Two very nice litter sisters heading this good Open class. 1st Keenan & Smith’s Stormburst Winter Sparkles for Citycroft JW. Pretty headed bitch with dark eye and neat ears. Excellent shoulders and balanced perfectly with very good bend of stifle and low hocks. Not a big bitch but can really move. Good depth of chest and length of rib for her size. For perfection would like more defined rise over loin. 2nd Bennett’s Stormburst Winter Berry. So similarly made to her sister and can give her a run in the movement department. Both caught my eye in profile – balanced flowing movement. Can look a bit ‘short’ when stood especially her neck but really opens up on the move and displays a good top line. A lovely pair in excellent condition – a credit to their breeder and owners.
Racing/Lure Coursing (4,1) 1st Jarmane Jackie’s Song. A clear winner by virtue of her correct top line and overall length and balance. Straight front but a little steeper in shoulder than ideal. Very well conditioned. 2nd Thesperia Antigone of Merimde. Very pretty smaller bitch but shorter all through. Narrower in front and lacked drive today.
Nick Gourley
Best Dog & Best in Show – Stock & Gilmour’s Courthill Come Fly With Me. A mature, stallion hound absolutely at his prime and ‘foot perfect’ on the day. Very handsome head with good under jaw and a strong yet elegant neck. His forequarters are so very well constructed which you can appreciate when he is stood and knew he would not disappoint on the move. His overall balance when moving in profile is an absolute joy to watch and so true going away and coming towards. He just flows effortlessly and with speed. A real test with his colour too - he loses an inch in his loin when stood on the floor (not so on the table) and gains an inch on the move when he holds his top line to perfection. In excellent condition and expertly handled.
Best Bitch & Reserve Best in Show – Howgate & Hull’s Barnesmore Red Rose at Palmik JW. A beautiful young bitch again in peak condition. I loved her head and eye – exquisite. Her construction is absolutely correct –my notes say forequarters ‘bang on’ and perfect overall shape which about says it all. She has powerful hocks and a bend of stifle to match her well laid shoulders. The very closest of decisions for Best in Show and another 6 months maturity on her side and she could have easily turned the tables.
Best Puppy in Show – Smeath’s Willingwisp Moon Walker. First class of the day certainly set the standard with this promising young chap. Very much a minor pup but everything is in the right place. Lovely head with soft gentle eye and neat ears. Well laid shoulders and complimentary return of upper arm. Already showing correct top line due to length of rib and loin. When not testing Mum’s patience he really excels on the move.
Best Veteran in Show – Howgate’s Palmik Princess. I was surprise this ‘young’ veteran was not a Champion. So elegant and refined with flowing lines. Beautiful head and eye. Scored in top line and strength of hocks. In first class condition. Really comes to life on the move driving from behind and with superb reach in front. Close decision for Reserve Best Bitch. A credit to her owner/breeder.
MINOR PUPPY DOG (3,0) 1st Smeath’s Willingwisp Moon Walker BPIS. 2nd Kupica’s Deljorhea River Runner. Promising pup lacking maturity of winner despite same age. Liked his head and elegant neck. Higher on the hock than the winner.
PUPPY DOG (4,1) 1st Price’s Whisterfield Jack Be Nimble. Absolutely ‘fit for function’ as were all the dogs owned by Mrs Price. In pristine and hard condition. Very well muscled with extremely powerful hindquarters for his age. Broader head and strong neck. Very deep chest. The neatest ‘walnut feet’ with short nails. Would prefer more definition of loin – big breakfast?. A worthy winner. 2nd Long’s Blandings Keeping The Faith. Liked his head and neck and scored in top line with correct rise over loin. Little unsettled on the move.
JUNIOR DOGS (6,0) 1st Oliver’s Spyanfly Set In Stone. Handsome young man; just out of puppy and maturing very well. In superb condition. Loved his head and eye. Neat ears. He is very well balanced with forequarter angulation matching hind quarters. Very deep chest and length of rib. Low hocks which he used to create quite effortless flowing movement. He is my ideal length (rib and loin) and perfect over the croup. His top line just flattened slightly today. Will look out for him once fully mature. Absolutely no hesitation in making him my Reserve Best Dog. 2nd Clarke’s Yialousa Frisco Bay at Sunwalkers. Another well muscled dog with good bone and typical overall shape. Moved well with good extension and drive from behind. Preferred overall balance of the winner.
YEARLING DOG (6,0) 1st Smith’s Courthill Chorister at Steveila. Most accurate mover in this class both in profile and ‘away and back’. Fine head and good neck with very good pigmentation. Would ideally like another inch in his loin as he can tend to fall off a bit over the croup when stood. Presents much more balanced picture on the move. Loved his powerful hind quarters and low hocks. 2nd Rishworth’s Daleko Democrat. Another handsome dog who scores in correct top line and angulated forequarters. Very good return of upper arm. A real power house in excellent condition. Can come towards a little wide if moving too fast.
NOVICE DOG (7,0) 1st Welsh’s Mulranney Lionheart. Dark eye and handsome head with neat ears. Elegant neck into good shoulders. Deep chest. Would prefer better definition over the loin. Low set tail and let down hocks. 2nd Kupica’s Deljorhea River Runner
GRADUATE DOG (3,0) 1st Clilverd’s Monelli Mississippi. Won here due to his front assembly with super extension on the move. Good depth of chest. Very well let down hocks and good bend of stifle. Moving closer behind today. 2nd Price’s Whisterfield Jack Be Nimble.
POST GRADUATE DOG (3,0) 1st Long’s Blandings Captain Scarlet. Looked a lot older than his 3 years . Good straight front and neat feet. Prefer more strength in pastern. Shorter in loin than I prefer. Moved steadily. 2nd Bunney’s Bunehug Wizard Charm. Scores in depth of chest and clean, straight front. Movd close behind today and needs tighter feet.
LIMIT DOG (6,1) 1st Jones’ Welstar With Strauss. A picture of health and beautiful overall shape. A classic head and so very handsome. Loved the balance of his front construction and his low let down hocks. Very sound moving away and presents flowing outline in profile. 2nd Clarke’s Bluestreak Bright Side among Sunwalkers . Upstanding hound – all length. Overall impression is very positive and close decision. Slightly higher on hock and moved a little closer behind than winner. Very good in profile showing good extension.
OPEN DOG (6,0) 1st Stock & Gilmour’s Courthill Come Fly With Me. Best Dog & Best in Show. 2nd Keenan & Smith’s Stormburst Sparkling Water at Citycroft. Fully mature dog and a favourite of mine. Love his head and eye. Still admire his overall construction and his length. The best rib, deep brisket and perfect top line. He is a real profile mover. It was down to minor points in final assessment of principal places. Would have definitely been my 3rd Best Dog today – I am still a fan.
Racing/Lure Coursing – (3,0) Whisterfield Jack The Lad among Silkdance. An absolute power house. In hard, muscular condition and excellent short clean coat. Neat nails and well knuckled feet. Very good in pastern. Broader in head than I prefer and moved closer behind today. 2nd Jarmane Blue Topaz. Very alert expression – looks like would excel on the lure coursing field or the race track. Very long all over – high on hock and flatter in top line. Insisted on pacing today – protest that he would rather be in the field than the show ring ?
VETERAN DOG (3,1) 1st Brown’s Courthill Chain Reaction over Hazeacre. Excellent neck and shoulders on this mature gent. Still has flowing profile movement and very neat feet for age. A quality hound. 2nd Home & Fisher-Home’s Jasarat Just Gold. Balanced picture overall and in super body condition. Winner scored higher in the feet department.
VETERAN BITCH (6,0) 1st Howgate’s Palmik Princess. 2nd Baxter’s Hernevalley Mazurka. Beautiful head and eye with ‘heart tugging’ expression – very similar to our first whippet in colour, head and overall shape . Very good lay of shoulder and defined fore chest. Very good depth of brisket. Correct top line with rise over well defined loin. Winner just more positive driving from behind. Two won derful bitches for their age – a real credit to their owners and breeders.
MINOR PUPPY BITCH (3,0) 1stPrice’s Ashvillebur Jacks Jewel. Very similar to her sire in many respects but a better top line and finer head. Once again, presented in perfect condition. Despite obvious immaturity she is showing great promise. Very well constructed shoulders and angled upper arm. Low, strong hocks. Moved with purpose. 2nd Gantides’ Thesperia Arete. Well constructed bitch showing lots of promise. Very good extension in front once settled and has many virtues. Both pup and handler need more practice to ensure her qualities are shown to best advantage.
PUPPY BITCH (2,0) 1st Keenan’s Citycroft What’s The Story. Very good head, neck and top line creating a balanced picture stood and on the move. Well angulated forequarters with elbows in close and good lay of shoulder. Very free flowing movement when viewed in profile. Easy winner of Best Puppy Bitch. 2nd Bunney’s Bunehug Mythology. Looking immature today and needs another inch of loin to balance. Tended to fall off over croup. Steep in pastern.
JUNIOR BITCH (8,2) 1st Palmik Magical Whispers JW. Beautiful headed bitch with dark expressive eye and neat ears. Elegant neck into well constructed shoulders and flowing top line with desired rise over the loin. Really extended on the move and drove from powerful, low hocks. Sound coming and going and only beaten for Best Bitch by her kennel mate on such top form. Loved her. 2nd Oliver’s Spyanfly Saphire Stone. I liked her as much as her ‘twin’ brother and many of the same comments apply. Another beautiful head with melting expression. Could have quite easily put her in the car. All length – top line on winner just gave her the knod today but it was by a whisker. Two gorgeous bitches.
YEARLING BITCH (4,0) 1st Becket & Darby’s Bescott Snowdrop Lady. A typey bitch overall with an elegant outline. Better length of loin than 2nd which created good top line. Sound going away and drives from low hocks. 2nd Spencer’s Chelridge Charlies Angel. Very pretty bitch with lovely head. Perfect eyes and neatest ears. No exaggeration at all although would prefer slightly longer in loin. Moved soundly in all directions.
NOVICE BITCH (5,1) 1st Keenan’s Citycroft What The Story. 2nd Price’s Ashvillebur Jacks Jewel.
GRADUATE BITCH (10,1) 1st Burgess’ Monelli Maid In Manhatten. A very elegant bitch who could easily be missed as she is built on smaller lines (and handler got boxed in). An easy winner in this class with perfect top line, beautiful head and sound on the move. Really good shoulders, neat feet and low hocks. 2nd Home & Fisher Homes’ Jasarat Texas Rose. Deserved her 2nd place on profile movement. Nice head and long neck. Deep chest. A little narrow through especially coming towards.
POST GRADUATE BITCH (3,0) 1st Reed & Spooners Dejare Ma Petite Amie. Very good pigmentation and dark eye. Liked her top lineand rise over loin. Good neck and lay of shoulder with complimentary return of upper arm. Neat feet and pasterns. Moving a little close behind today. 2nd Burton’s Khandibah Khorriandah. Unplaced in Graduate class. Top line dipping at withers and too narrow in front.
LIMIT BITCH (9,0) 1st Howgate & Hull’s Barnesmore Red Rose at Palmik JW. Best Bitch and RBIS. 2nd Bird’s Blandings Poetry In Motion. Another beautiful bitch with exquisite head and eye. Made a great pair with my winner in terms of profile movement – such free flowing action fore and aft as her name suggests. Bit too much breakfast meant loin lacked definition today. Nevertheless a top quality bitch with many virtues.
OPEN BITCH (8,1) Two very nice litter sisters heading this good Open class. 1st Keenan & Smith’s Stormburst Winter Sparkles for Citycroft JW. Pretty headed bitch with dark eye and neat ears. Excellent shoulders and balanced perfectly with very good bend of stifle and low hocks. Not a big bitch but can really move. Good depth of chest and length of rib for her size. For perfection would like more defined rise over loin. 2nd Bennett’s Stormburst Winter Berry. So similarly made to her sister and can give her a run in the movement department. Both caught my eye in profile – balanced flowing movement. Can look a bit ‘short’ when stood especially her neck but really opens up on the move and displays a good top line. A lovely pair in excellent condition – a credit to their breeder and owners.
Racing/Lure Coursing (4,1) 1st Jarmane Jackie’s Song. A clear winner by virtue of her correct top line and overall length and balance. Straight front but a little steeper in shoulder than ideal. Very well conditioned. 2nd Thesperia Antigone of Merimde. Very pretty smaller bitch but shorter all through. Narrower in front and lacked drive today.
Nick Gourley