The Second National Whippet Show
Judge: Pauline Oliver, U.K.
A Huge Success and a wonderful week for all!
The Second National Whippet Show was a three-day celebration of Whippets held on January 5/6/7, 2007 at the NZKC Auckland Exhibition Centre.
The Weekend commenced on Friday with a huge set-up for the weekend - the theme being New Zealand and the colours of course, black and silver. Friday night saw a gala event and dinner with an Invitational Challenge Match sponsored by Pet Pac The Whippets had to qualify to take part and were then invited to attend. The judging system was a round robin match with three judges who gave their opinion by lifting a baton for the dog they had chosen. The judges were Owen Wright - an early Whippet breeder and exhibitor in New Zealand, Jackie Newton - Kana Ka Whippets, NZ and Danielle Dryburgh, Tezer Whippets, Australia.
The Winner of the Match was Ch. Ronndal Copycat, bred, owned ad exhibited by Eva Ekstam
Reserve in Match was Ch. Saramar Sweet Ellemay, bred, owned and exhibited by Deborah Pullan
Saturday morning, Championship Show day dawned gloomy and overcast but spirits were high as the Championship Show was being held inside in the NZKC Auckland Exhibition Centre of Excellence, a purpose-built Dog Arena. Pauline Oliver of Spyanfly Whippets UK was the judge for the Championship Show and she was excited to be in New Zealand for her first appointment in the Southern Hemisphere. Like most of us, Pauline has been a dog over since time began and a Whippet owner, exhibitor and breeder shortly after that. Pauline is also a horse breeder and judge and started the only way you can - on the end of a shovel! Pauline has judged in the UK, Scandinavia, Europe and the US, but this was her first time down under.
We started the day with a traditional Maori welcome. This consisted of a challenge and a powhiri. Our guests from both England and Australia were impressed and found the hongi (greeting by pressing noses) to be quite moving. After perusing the trading tables to see what Whippet memorabilia and bargains were on offer we then commenced judging the 60 whippets entered. Pauline Oliver enjoyed the quality of the dogs she handled and was very happy with her winners.
Dog CC Winner and Open in Show
Aust Ch. Sheberghan The Pilgrim (Imp Aus), owned by P. Edbrooke.
Bitch CC Winner, Best in Show and Best NZ Bred in Show was Ch. Ronndal Yes Indeed
bred and owned by E. Ekstam, living with and handled by J. Howell
More info, including photos of our Race meet held at the National on day three will soon appear in our Newsletter - watch for it soon!
by Shirley Rolfe