OLD ENGLISH
LADY VICTORIA PERCY MFH (Percy), president of the show this year, made a valuable comment in her introduction in the schedule. She praised the introduction of old English classes a decade ago, which has encouraged breeders with the challenging task of improving the breed within the limited gene pool. The fact that an old English hound can win in the main ring here — albeit a restricted class — is surely a great credit to all involved.
Wynnstay kennel-huntsman Chris Woodward had his work cut out rushing his charges between the two rings. His efforts were well rewarded as the unentered doghound Chairman won his class in both arenas.
Throughout the day, judges John Lockwood MFH, longserving master of the Burton, and Charles Clark MFH, master and huntsman of the Holderness, had an array of quality hounds before them and the entered couples was no exception. Ultimately they chose Hurworth Teacher and Tempter 14 (the latter was also reserve champion), wellmatched sons of the influential Percy Spitfire 08, ahead of some smart-looking hounds from the Warwickshire and Wynnstay.
The Wynnstay were again to the fore in the stallion hound class, which they won with their widely used Dangar 14.
In the championship, the judges were faced with a difficult choice but felt that Wynnstay Champion 15 just had the edge, a perfect example of the quality, athletic hound that this kennel produces, yet still retaining their traditional markings and demeanour.
The quality continued to flow in the afternoon and with cool, overcast conditions hounds showed themselves far better than in the oppressive heat that had hampered last year’s show. The York and Ainsty South produced a stunning young bitch, Tasty, to win the unentered. She even outclassed Wynnstay Charity, sister to the pack’s doghound winners.
Couples victory went to the Warwickshire with a very level entry, Luxury 16 and Prudent 16 (by Belvoir Principal 07), with the Percy’s Alibi 13 and Liberty 12 in close contention. There was further success for the Wynnstay with the brood bitches, winning first and third with sisters Drastic and Drizzle 14, by Flint and Denbigh Driver 09.
Another tense championship contest followed with the York and Ainsty South’s Tasty widely tipped as the winner. However, she had to settle for reserve, the judges opting for Hurworth Tendril 14, another progeny of Percy Spitfire 08, with the judges saying, “Tendril had lovely balance and lots of quality but it was a close run with the unentered bitch.”
John Lockwood added: “It’s a privilege to judge so many fine old English hounds; the quality we see year on year continues to impress.”
Summing up the day, Percy joint-master Michael Hutchinson MFH said: “In recent years we have won six of the eight championships, but we have to accept that the other packs have now caught us up.”