What to Watch for at Westminster
The Sporting Group
The Sporting Group
While we would have liked to have seen the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, competing at Westminster, we admit that her absence opens up the competition in the Sporting Group and gives all the bookmakers something to ponder. Here are the dogs we think you should be watching.
CH Chebaco Blames It On TrabeizThe English Setter, CH Chebaco Blames It On Trabeiz, was the number two Sporting Dog in 2008, winning 15 BIS last year. However, Ross’s most prestigious win was the Bred By Exhibitor Best In Show at the 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Ross, the breed winner at last year’s show, has already logged two BIS tis year. Breeder/owner/handler Eileen Hacket’s partners include breeders Kate Hanlon, Carlos Puig, Peg Ziebart and co-owners Pat & Don Coller.
CH Lydgate Rise N' ShineThe ASCOB Cocker Spaniel, CH Lydgate Rise N' Shine, ended up as the fourth best Sporting Dog last year winning five BIS and 39 Sporting Groups. “Dylan” copped a Group 3 at the 2008 Westminster show and has one BIS on his 2009 resume. Breeder Deborah Knight co-owns with Jacquelyn Beaudoin & Mary Walker while Linda Pitt does the handling.
CH Toasty's Treasure IslandThe number seven Sporting Dog in 2008, the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty's Treasure Island, is another breeder/owner/handled dog. Breeders Jerome and Pamela Oxenberg co-own “Treasure” with Jane Bates & Carolee Douglas. Jerome Oxenburg has the lead. Treasure, the 2008 Westminster breed winner, won seven BIS in 2008, but she has already won three this year.
CH Ashton Peaceful Easy FeelingOur dark horse (and we don’t even know if she will be at the Garden) is CH Ashton Peaceful Easy Feeling , 2008’s number two Irish Setter. Easi won two BIS last year, but hasn’t won one this year…yet. However, she was very impressive at the giant Portland OR shows in mid-January. Breeders/owners Janet Jenkins Hylton & Gary Hylton co-own with N. Godbey, while Jennifer Holmgren has the handling duties.
We will be back with more Westminster picks. In the meantime, tell us who you like for the Sporting Group.
George Heitzman passed away on the 3rd. He wanted to be creamated and from what I hear they will have funeral services at a later date but Barbara was with him.
ReplyDeleteActually - the beautiful Irish Setter bitch is handled impeccably by Jennifer Holmgren of Washington State
ReplyDeleteThanks for that input. I've made the correction. Everyone connected with this pretty example of the breed needs to get credit.
ReplyDelete