BLOODHOUNDS
NINE packs of bloodhounds came forward for judging on a very pleasant day. Conditions were much cooler for hounds this year and as a consequence they showed themselves well. Our judges were Mike Lane from the Atherstone Foxhounds and Jane Crease, a well-known bloodhound breeder.
The day commenced with the unentered doghound class. Sixteen young entry frolicked around the ring with the Kent & Surrey’s Larkin, a good, strong hound, taking first place.
Next up was the entered class. With stiff competition from all nine packs, the judges’ decision
was a difficult one with such a fine display of the breed regulars in the limelight. The win went to Coakham Harold, a fine stamp of hound with such presence he had to take the crown.
The unentered bitches were a less boisterous selection: the girls stood attentively with admiration for their huntsmen. It was a win for the Cranwell with Midnight, a very pretty but robust hound. Showing for the first time were the Northwest Bloodhounds, who took second place with Row. The Four Shires, who have also not shown for a few seasons, were third with the delightful Bounty.
The entered bitches were a strong class with a superb display of some excellent bloodlines.
The Coakham took first place with Harmony and second with Debra, with third going to the Highmoor’s Sybil.
The ring was crowded for the final class of the day, for couples. It was a tough job for the judges, but after much deliberation they awarded first prize to the Southdown with the twin-like Rampart & Rembrandt.
The winners of the day came forward for the championship and Coakham Harold was given the title with a well-deserved reserve for Cranwell Midnight.