Greyhound of the Year

2023 our first GOTY competition post COVID. This is an invitation only event and the judge kept secret until the day.

Sunday 11th June 2023.

I was so excited to be asked by Roisin (Howlett) and Becki (Rowe) to judge the GOTY, thank you, obviously one of the highlights of the greyhound year. All credit to the ladies for the wonderful event they had organised. Having competed and judged at the Whippet Of The Year I have experienced from both 
sides and enjoyed both. The day was a real scorcher but the dogs were looked after very well and most managed to trot around the ring with some 
enthusiasm.To have the best of the previous years dogs competing in this competition gives you an idea of what is happening in the breed and I have to say that it is not looking as bad as I had imagined it may have been. There has been some overseas blood imported in recent years by some of the exhibitors and seems to have improved what was left of the breed. Really hope that we will now see the breed grow in the right direction. I think a well deserved pat on the back for those that have stuck with it and helped one of my favourite breeds.

My BIS was Mrs E Newsham’s Ch.Europa Decuma Via Windspiel. A red, well constructed and balanced bitch who is in no way exaggerated and moved so soundly and even with some enthusiasm in the heat of the day. Congratulations! Reserve BIS was Miss C Boggia’s Eng.Ch.Ina’s Design By Boughton. Another worthy champion from this kennel. Brindle girl with the strength required in the breed but feeling the heat today. Again congratulations.

My BPIS was Miss & Mr J H Cutter & Lubin’s Ina’s Fashion Finest At Chosovi. This bitch just charmed me. She is definitely a little bit special. So well made to 
correct breed type with strength and elegence and quite mature already. Moved lightly and soundly around the ring covering the ground easily. Congratulations!
Reserve Best Puppy was Miss & Mr E & G Bogart’s Ina’s Fashion Flair Incitatus. I think I was told that this is the litter mate of the BPIS. Larger than the winner 
and needs to mature and fill still but promising.

Best Racing/Coursing was Adele Thompson’s Bridget’s Blue. A very elegant quality well made blue girl who was presented with a clean and healthy coat. Congratulations! Reserve Racing/Coursing was April Faith Russell’s Kates Me Flyers. Another blue who I would think was bred to race. Good head and good fronted but rather high over loin. Well done!

Best Veteran was Maggie Holders Ch.Boughton Blakeney. This old boy is one of my favourites. I can remember photographing him when he was very young and it was such a treat to see he is still around. Lovely stamp of a greyhound well made and still has that powerful stride going around the ring. Congratulations

Pauline Oliver