Poldark has the looks
TEN packs were forward for judging in the beagle ring, starting with the restricted doghound class won by Glyn Celyn Aries.
The morning’s judges, Michael Cummings from the Black Combe and Nigel Bell of the Severn Vale, were quick to put up RAC Viper in the unentered — a beautifully well-balanced dog.
Looking along the line in the entered it was clear to see a definite stamp with an evenly matched final four, but it was the dark and handsome Derby, Notts and Staffs (DNS) Poldark who had everyone captivated.
The RAC’s unentered Viking and his sire Whitaker were successful in the couples, with Palmer Marlborough Dalesman and Ardingly champion Winston settling for second.
The two-couple class is always a good chance for packs to showcase the depth and substance of their kennel, and it was the turn of the Chilmark and Clifton Foot to reign victorious. It was no surprise that they won the same class with equally smart bitches, although the Park showed a beautifully uniform entry to be awarded second place.
The RAC carried on their winning streak in the stallion hound class, with their Whiskey claiming the silverware.
The championship run-off was hotly contested but DNS Poldark had the edge over RAC Whiskey.
Judge Michael Cummings was full of praise for their choice.
“Poldark was a stunning hound in the ring; his main credit was how he moved himself,” he said. “These hounds cover many miles in a day — these add up over a season so movement is always key for me. He was effortless.
“There was no noticeable difference between the standard of hounds from professional and amateur packs, which is a credit to those who put so much time and effort into hunting and hounds once they have completed a day’s work.”
The unentered class in the afternoon was stronger than in the morning, with the judges (Alun Thomas and Charles Bagot Jewitt) selecting Derby, Notts and Staffs Wishful.
The RAC’s stylish entered bitch
Mayfly fought off the opposition to add to their success, with the Glyn Celyn’s Dabchick a close second.
It was great to see the Radley College showing again; they were awarded third for Fable, who is by their popular sire Taunton.
Not to be outdone, the DNS fought back to claim the couples with Ticket and Truelove, two stunning bitches with excellent movement. The RAC’s Wheatabix stole the brood bitch class, but it was her kennel-mate RAC Mayfly who filled the eye of the judges to stroll away with the championship.
As has become customary at Builth, the grass at the far corner of the show became the battleground for the overall championship. Here the hounds can really gallop, and despite Mayfly matching the dog in every aspect, it was Poldark who captured hearts — much like his popular Sunday-night television namesake.