Hound hero
The Usain Bolt of the hound world with a blue-blooded pedigree
The North Cotswold’s Rallywood 16
IT isn’t always the hound collecting ribbons which covers itself in glory on the hunting field. However, once in a while, something special arrives on the scene — a hound with looks, courage and instinct.
Rallywood oozes athleticism. He is the Usain Bolt of the hound world. “He moves like an India rubber ball. He jumps wire for fun,” says Nigel Peel, joint-master and huntsman of the North Cotswold (NCH). “He has great courage, is brave, has a terrific voice, stands his ground and has no qualms about getting into the bushes.” Breeding is key.
“I like everything in his sire Saxon’s pedigree. His sire was an extremely good dog called VWH Rancher 09, as was his great, great, great-grandfather VWH Butler 94 — a blue mottled dog I used a lot,” explains Nigel. “I might describe Saxon as a little bit stuffy, perhaps, and Martin Scott — who breeds the VWH hounds — was surprised I chose him.
“But he is very good in his work — an all-rounder. And I often think that is what we need; great stars can produce great problems. A rock-solid hound will often get you out of trouble.”
And Saxon far from disappointed on sabbatical at the North Cotswold. At the end of the season, Nigel suggested the VWH should keep the hound and hunt him. In fact, he went to the South Dorset, where Dominic Jones was equally delighted. It is telling that Saxon is now back hunting the VWH country, where he will also be used for stud duties — as will Rallywood.
Rallywood’s dam, Raindrop, is from an exceptional breeding line. Nigel was lucky enough to be gifted her mother, Heythrop Rainbow
11, when Richard Sumner left the Heythrop. She is still in work, but was soon bred to NCH Bodmin 10 — a doghound Nigel rated highly. Raindrop had three litter sisters, which have all bred and won on the flags. Their pedigree also boasts Duke Of Beaufort Galahad 10, and can be traced all the way back to 1800 to Sir Thomas Mostyn’s favourite hound, Lady.
“I gifted Rallywood’s brother, Ranksborough 16, to Andrew Sallis when he was at the East Sussex and Romney Marsh,” says Nigel. “We never showed him as he damaged a toe at walk. I have been told on good authority, he is better-looking than Rallywood, so I shall be visiting their kennels very soon!”