GSCS CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW TWO CRITIQUE - HELEN UPTON

The Gordon Setter Club of Scotland

Championship Show

Sunday 3rd May 2026

Judge - Miss H A Upton

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the club members for the honour of being

elected to judge this Championship Show. It is always a significant privilege to be

invited by fellow enthusiasts to preside over a breed show.

I was afforded a most gracious welcome by the committee and found the experience

thoroughly rewarding. My thanks are also due to my exceptional stewards, whose

professionalism and efficiency ensured the ring remained both organised and

welcoming throughout the day.

Finally, I would like to thank all the exhibitors for presenting their dogs; I was

immensely impressed by the quality of the entry and truly enjoyed the opportunity to

judge your dogs.

Baby Puppy (1-0)

1st, GREENS, BALNAKEIL CREAG NAN DAMH

Although I was told this was the youngster's debut in the ring, she displayed

remarkable confidence and poise. A feminine and well-balanced bitch, she possesses

a lovely head with dark eyes and a gentle expression. She has correct colour and

markings, a neck of good length, well-laid shoulders, a level topline, and sound rear

angulation on tight feet. She moved with elegance and drive, covering the ground

effortlessly. I look forward to watching her progress.

Minor Puppy (0)

Puppy Bitch (1-1)

Junior Bitch (0)

Yearling Bitch (2-0)

1st, BELL, MILLAR & BELL, LAURELHACH MERCEDES AT BLAIRBELLES JW

Two beautiful females stood out in this class; the winner edged ahead on maturity,

balance, and ring presence.

Presented in excellent coat and condition, this young lady possesses a natural,

moderate build. She has a beautiful head with long ears, dark eyes, and a lovely

expression. Her clean neck leads into well-laid-back shoulders, and for her age, she

shows ample spring of rib and good depth from withers to brisket. She maintains a

firm, level topline with a correct tail set. Her rear angulation is strong, featuring good

muscle and well-bent stifles. On the move, she was effortless, maintaining her topline

while carrying her tail with purpose. With such a confident "look at me" attitude, I

could not deny her the Reserve Challenge Certificate.

2nd, YATES, GAILIECH DAMONA

Slightly larger in frame than the winner and not yet as mature. A pretty-headed bitch

with a gentle expression and dark eyes, she features a clean neck and well-laidshoulders. She is deep in the chest with good spring of rib, and possesses sound front

and rear angulation, which she utilised on the move to cover ground with ease while

maintaining a level topline.

Novice Bitch (2-0)

1st, RPT - 2ND IN JUNIOR

2nd, PALLINI, KRISADA ELIXIR FOR MIDNIGHT

At nine years old, it was unexpected to see this entrant in the Novice class. She is

well-coated and presented in excellent condition for her age. She possesses a

feminine head with dark eyes, a kind expression, and well-set ears that frame her face.

While not as clean in the neck and shoulders as the winner, she moved well.

Undergraduate Bitch (1-0)

1st, RPT - 1ST IN YEARLING

Graduate Bitch (3-1)

1st, HARDY, CAFOTALIENA ALL EYES ON ME

A compact bitch with a slightly longer frame, well presented in good coat and

condition, possessing correct colour, good muscle, and ample bone. She has a pretty

head, dark eyes, and a lovely expression, with an ample neck length. She stands on

straight forelegs with tight, well-arched feet, and displays good chest depth and spring

of rib. Her topline is strong and level, with correct tail carriage on the move. She

moves soundly, though she tends to throw her front slightly, which her handler should

note.

2nd, NAGATY, MARLBECK MADDALENA

A more substantial bitch than the winner. While I have seen her show more confidently

in the past, she was clearly unsettled by the cold and windy conditions today, which

affected her outline. That said, she possesses a beautiful head and expression, and is

a well-bodied bitch with good bone and well-sprung ribs. Once she settled, she moved

with noticeable drive and enthusiasm.

Post Graduate Bitch (6-0)

1st, FREW, GAILIECH BYBECK KATIE OF DUNFIONN

An upstanding bitch who is well-balanced and presented in good coat and condition,

showing good bone and muscle. She has a classic, feminine head with dark eyes and

a soft expression, a clean neck of good length leading into well-placed shoulders, a

deep forechest, well-sprung ribs, a level topline with good tail set, and well-muscled

hindquarters with a good bend of stifle and well-let-down hocks. She moved with

good reach and drive, covering the ground with ease.

2nd, GREEN, BALNAKEIL CREAG RAINICH JW

A different type to the winner, she is well-boned and well-muscled. She possesses a

pretty head with lovely eyes, a clean neck, and good depth of chest with well-sprung

ribs. Although she has a firm topline, she falls off slightly over the croup. Her rear

angulation is stronger than her front, yet she moved well with plenty of drive and

enthusiasm.

Mid Limit Bitch (2-0)

1st, CUTHBERTSON, LAINNIREACH MADE IN HEAVEN

A mature bitch in excellent coat and condition, displaying substantial bone and muscle

development. Her head is feminine, with dark eyes and a soft expression. While her

neck is not as refined as I would prefer, this does not detract from her correct front

angulation, straight forelegs with strong pasterns, and tight feet. She has well-sprung

ribs, a firm topline, and sound rear angulation with a good bend of stifle. She moved

with purpose and exhibited a confident attitude.

2nd, HALL, CLOHASS DIAMOND BY MELVIEW

An upstanding bitch, slightly longer in frame than the winner. She features a pretty

head and lovely expression through dark eyes. While not as balanced as I would

prefer, she possesses a good body with nice spring of rib, a level topline, good bend

of stifle, and well-let-down hocks. She was simply lacking enthusiasm in the ring

today.

Limit Bitch (5-1)

1st, HARDY, CAFOTALIENA HELLO MY LOVE

Having admired this bitch from the ringside, it was a pleasure to finally go over her.

She is beautifully elegant and presented in excellent condition, with a gleaming coat

that shone even on this cold day. Her build is balanced and moderate; however, the

handler should be careful not to stand her too short in the frame, as it detracts from

her natural lines. She possesses a classic, feminine head with dark eyes and a lovely

ear set. Her neck is clean and flows into well-laid-back shoulders. She shows good

forechest depth and well-sprung ribs, while maintaining a firm topline. Her rear

angulation is well-toned, with good stifles and well-let-down hocks. On the move, she

came alive, gliding around the ring with effortless footfall and moving in perfect

harmony with her handler. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that this was her

crowning CC&BOS.

2nd, SMITH, MYRESIDE NIAMH WITH CLACORICK SGWC

A balanced and compact bitch, though lacking the overall substance of the winner.

She has a pretty head, though I would prefer a little more fill in the muzzle. She

possesses a clean neck of good length, well-placed shoulders, and a level topline.

With sufficient spring of rib for her frame, well-bent stifles, and sound hocks, she

covered the ground soundly with an effortless, fluid gait.

Open Bitch (3-1)

1st, ROBERTS, SH CH MOONGLADE LILY MAE MAGIC

A compact and well-balanced bitch, presented in immaculate coat and condition, with

ample bone and muscle throughout. She features a beautiful head with dark eyes and

a gentle expression, a good neck and shoulders, and stands on straight forelegs with

good pasterns and tight, well-arched feet. She shows good chest depth and

well-sprung ribs, a firm topline, and sound rear angulation with a good bend of stifle.

She was close to top honours, though she lacked some enthusiasm on the move

today.2nd, RPT - 2ND IN MID LIMIT

Champion Bitch (1-1)

Veteran Bitch (4-2) Someone needed to remind me this was a veteran class, these two

veterans were absolutely full of it today, showing the youngsters just how to have fun

in the ring.

1st, CUTHBERTSON, SH CH LAINNIREACH ANGELS SHARE

A beautiful-headed bitch with excellent proportions, featuring low-set ears that frame

her face and dark eyes reflecting a mischievous expression. She is well-balanced,

possessing ample bone and muscle, and is presented in lovely coat. Although she is

carrying a bit of extra weight, this did not hinder her performance; she moved with

effortless footfall, storming around the ring and truly showing the younger competitors

how it's done.

2nd, HARDY, COTTONSTONES EVERGREEN WITH CAFOTALIENA

A different type to the winner and lacking her overall substance. However, her finer,

more refined frame is clearly visible, unmasked by a heavy coat, which highlights her

excellent balance. She possesses a pretty head, clean neck and shoulders, straight

forelegs, and good feet, coupled with well-angulated rear quarters. She moved with

great drive and enthusiasm.

I truly enjoyed judging this veteran class.

Special Vintage Bitch (7-2) - I was delighted that this was my largest class of the day.

It truly highlights the wonderful longevity of the Gordon Setter, and many of these

exhibits looked better than I have ever seen them. This is a credit to their owners for

keeping them in such superb condition.

1st, HARRISON, PARADISE FINAL FLING

I have judged this bitch previously and it is clear she is currently in her prime. She truly

stood out in this class; at 10 years of age, she remains in beautiful condition with

excellent bone and muscle. Her coat is in wonderful order, showing very little greying.

Elegant throughout with balanced proportions, she possesses a feminine head, dark

eyes, and a lovely, soft expression. She moved effortlessly across the ring—a pleasure

to watch—and was considered for top honours.

2nd, SMITH, CLACORICK SCOTTISH LILT

An 11-year-old bitch who defies her age. She possesses a pretty head with dark eyes,

a clean neck flowing into well-laid-back shoulders, ample spring of rib, a firm topline,

and strong rear angulation. She moved with drive and enthusiasm, gliding effortlessly

around the ring while maintaining her topline and carrying her tail with purpose.

Field Trial Bitch (3-1)

1st, THOMAS, CHARTAN TRECLE TART

At 11 ½ years old, this lovely bitch appeared more balanced and composed than her

younger kennel mate. She features a beautiful, well-proportioned head with dark eyes

and a charmingly cheeky expression. While she is carrying a little extra weight, this is

acceptable for her age and she remains well-ribbed. Ultimately, she surpassed her

kennel mate due to her superior poise and togetherness on the move.2nd, THOMAS, CHARTAN LITTLE BLACK DRESS

A strong-headed female with a clean neck and straight forelegs, she stands on good

pasterns and tight feet. While she maintains a firm topline and is well-ribbed, she lacks

the overall balance of the winner and unfortunately moved erratically today.

Special Beginners (0)

Baby Puppy Dog (0)

Minor Puppy Dog (0)

Puppy Dog (0)

Junior Dog (1-0)

1st, HALL, RHIWGERRIG CARACTACUS BY MELVIEW

A masculine young male, presented in excellent coat and condition with pleasing

colour, he appears well-balanced and full of personality. He has a handsome,

well-proportioned head; while his eye colour is slightly lighter than preferred, he

possesses a kind and cheeky expression. He features a clean neck of ample length

leading to well-laid shoulders, deep chest, and good spring of rib for his age. He

maintains a firm topline with correct tail set, and shows good muscling in the rear with

well-bent stifles and well-let-down hocks. He moved with true reach and drive, though

I would like to see him move with more speed and greater harmony with his handler.

He was strongly considered for top awards.

Yearling Dog (2-0)

1st, SINCLAIR, LAURELACH BUGATTI AT SIOCHAIL

Presented in a good coat, this handsome dog features a striking head with beautiful

dark, soft-expressioned eyes and long, low-set ears that frame his face. He possesses

a clean neck of good length, straight forelegs with tight well-arched feet. With ample

depth from withers to brisket and a generous spring of rib, he moves with ease and

purpose.

2nd, HOGG, GAILIECH WIRNPA

While not as balanced as the winner, this masculine dog possesses a handsome head

with pleasing eyes and a gentle expression. He is well-boned and well-ribbed with a

level topline, though he is slightly longer in the loin than the winner. He moved well,

covering the ground with purposeful strides.

Novice Dog (1-0)

1st, SMETHURST & HAYHURST, HERNWOOD BLEU JELLY BABY

I was very taken with this youngster. Although he currently lacks maturity, he showed

great promise alongside his novice handler. He is a balanced male with no

exaggerations, full of character. He possesses a handsome, masculine head of good

proportions, a clean neck and shoulders, is well-ribbed, and maintains a firm, level

topline with sound front and rear angulation. Once settled, he moved with ease,

enthusiasm, and a joyful tail carriage. I hope they continue to show him, as he is one I

will watch with interest.

Undergraduate Dog (3-0)

1st, RPT - 1ST IN JUNIOR

2nd, RPT - 1ST IN YEARLING

Graduate Dog (3-0)

1st, RPT - 1ST IN JUNIOR & UNDERGRADUATE

2nd, HALLIDAY, HERO MAJESTIC MANON LESCAUT YENNADON (IMP CZE)

This male struggled to settle with his handler in the ring and lacked the confidence and

balance displayed by the winner. He is well-boned and muscular, presented in good

coat condition. He features a handsome head, a clean neck of good length, and

well-placed shoulders. He stands on straight forelegs with tight feet, and shows good

chest depth and spring of rib. While his topline falls off slightly over the croup, he

moved well once he had settled.

Post Graduate Dog (3-0)

1st, CUTHBERTSON, LAINNIREACH STAR GAZER JW

I have admired this dog’s progress from the ringside since he was a youngster, and I

was certainly not disappointed when I finally had the opportunity to go over him today.

He possesses a confident 'look-at-me' attitude and is expertly handled, presented in

beautiful, gleaming coat condition.

He features a beautiful masculine head with dark eyes and a soft expression, a long,

well-arched neck, and well-laid-back shoulders with good angulation. He stands on

straight forelegs with sound pasterns and tight, well-arched feet. He has good chest

depth with well-sprung ribs and excellent rear angulation, including well-bent stifles.

On the move, he is effortless, showing plenty of drive and enthusiasm while working in

perfect harmony with his handler. Awarded CC, BOB (BIS).

2nd, RPT - 2ND IN GRADUATE

Mid Limit Dog (3-0)

1st, MILLER, CAFOTALIENA HEART OF A HERO JW

A compact male who proved to be the most balanced in the class. He displays good

bone and nice colour, and while his muzzle is slightly longer than I prefer, he

possesses a strong, handsome head. He has a clean, well-lengthed neck, a deep

chest with well-sprung ribs, and a firm, level topline that he maintains on the move. He

traveled with drive and enthusiasm.

2nd, NAGATY, MARLBECK MALDINI

I held this male in high regard, though he was not settled in the ring today. He

possesses a masculine head, dark eye, and pleasing expression, with a deep chest

and well-sprung ribs. As he was unsettled with his handler, his topline and rear

angulation were occasionally compromised, yet he still moved well.

Limit Dog (3-0)

1st, HARRISON-STREET, PARADISE PICKING PARSLEY AT BRIDGEMERE

A well-presented male who possesses a beautiful head and lovely expression. He has

a long, clean neck flowing into good front angulation, deep chest with ample spring ofrib, and a level topline. With strong rear angulation, he moved effortlessly, covering the

ground with ease. His overall balance earned him the win in this class.

2nd, YATES, GAILIECH BARMSTONSON

I admire this dog for his personality and type, though today he lacked the overall

condition of the winner. He is an upstanding and well-balanced male, possessing a

beautiful head with a gentle expression. With a clean neck, sound front and rear

angulation, and a firm, level topline, he moved well with purposeful footfall.

Open Dog (2-0)

1st, TAIT, ROM/SRB/BIH/FEB/BIH CH/SRB/BIH GCHFORESTERS NORTHERN LIGHT OF

DARKMOOR JW (IMP DEU)

A male with excellent bone and muscle, presented in beautiful coat condition. He

possesses a masculine, well-proportioned head featuring dark eyes, a soft expression,

and a lovely low ear set. He has a long, well-arched neck, a deep body with

well-sprung ribs, and correct angulation. On the move, he displayed plenty of drive.

2nd, HOGG, GAILIECH NGALYOD

A smaller-framed dog than the winner, yet well-muscled with good bone. He

possesses a handsome head with kind eyes and a sturdy body with a firm topline. On

the move, he displayed great drive and enthusiasm, covering the ground with ease.

Champion Dog (2-0)

1st, MILLAR, MILLAR, MILLAR & SCOBIE, SH CH YENNADON CALVAY JW SHCEX OSW

Presented to perfection by his handler, masculine from head to toe. He features a

well-proportioned head with a soft expression; although his eyes are slightly lighter

than my personal preference, he remains very handsome. He boasts a clean, long

neck flowing into a firm, level topline, complemented by a deep chest and well-sprung

ribs. He moved with grace and purpose.

2nd, BUTLER, SH CH RED ADMIRAL BY RUBYMOON JW

Heavier in build than the winner and presented in good coat condition, with plenty of

bone and muscle. Unfortunately, he was carrying excess weight, which hindered his

movement. He has a masculine head with a gentlemanly expression, good front and

rear angulation, and a firm topline; once settled, his movement was ok.

Veteran Dog (3-0)

1st, BAIN, SH CH PALANGOR MOONLIGHT ECHO AT PANGARAK

This lovely 7-year-old male is a fantastic example of the breed, exhibiting excellent

balance, substance, and a wonderful temperament.

He possesses a handsome head with pleasing proportions, complemented by dark

eyes and a gentle expression. He is well-constructed, featuring a clean neck,

well-placed shoulders, a deep chest, and good ribbing. His topline is firm, his tail set is

correct, and he stands on strong rear angulation with tight feet. On the move, he was

sound and enthusiastic, demonstrating excellent drive. Considered for top honors.

2nd, BELL, MILLAR & BELL, BALNAKEIL BEINN CORRADAIL OF BLAIRBELLES

An upstanding, balanced dog, though he lacks the strength and attitude of the winner.

He features a masculine head, dark eyes with a beautiful expression, good forelegs,pasterns, and feet. He displays a level topline, deep chest, and well-sprung ribs. While

he moved well, I would have liked to see more drive and enthusiasm.

Special Vintage Dog (4-0)

Seeing four males entered in the Vintage class is a testament to the dedication of their

owners and truly highlights the remarkable longevity of the breed.

1st, HALLIDAY, YENNADON REISS SGWC

This male won the class on his movement, proving to be the most balanced and true

mover present. At 12½, he retains impressive muscle tone, good bone, and a

substantial frame.

While his head is now distinguished by grey, his attitude remains youthful and vibrant.

He possesses a masculine head, clean neck and shoulders, and is well-ribbed. He

moved with impressive drive and enthusiasm, showing absolutely no signs of his age.

2nd, MILLER, RHUM NIGHT LEGEND SHCM VW

While he lacks the balance and strength of the winner, he is presented in good coat

and possesses a handsome head with dark eyes and a soft expression. He is

well-bodied with good chest depth and ample spring of rib. Although he moved

acceptably, he struggled to cover the ring with ease.

Field Trial Dog (2-0)

1st, HALLIDAY, CH YENNADON BARRA JW SGWC

Having admired this dog from the ringside, it was a pleasure to see him in top form

today. He is presented in a beautiful coat and condition, possessing excellent bone

and muscle tone throughout.

He has a captivating, masculine head with dark eyes and a gentle, cheeky expression,

complemented by lovely low-set ears that frame his face. He is clean in neck and

shoulders, standing on straight forelegs with well-arched feet. With a deep chest,

well-sprung ribs, and a level topline, he shows strong rear angulation with well-bent

stifles and well-let-down hocks. He came alive on the move, flowing effortlessly

around the ring with perfect footfall. I was pleased to award him the RCC, RBIS, and

BVIS.

2nd, NESS, CHARTON MONKEY PUZZLE

A different type to the winner, this upstanding male is well-balanced, though he lacks

the maturity and confidence of the first-place exhibit. I particularly admired his

handsome head, which features a lovely expression and dark eyes. He possesses a

long, well-arched neck flowing into well-placed shoulders, a firm topline, deep chest,

and well-sprung ribs. With well-bent stifles, he moved soundly, covering the ground

with ease.

Special Beginners Dog (0)

Progeny

1st - GAILIECH

Lovely to see so many generations of this kennel in the ring. Lovely to see the sound

temperament in the ring.

Brace

1st, HARDY, CAFOTALIENA

2nd, YATES, GAILIECH

Team

1st, MILLER

2nd, YATES, GAILIECH