I was honoured to be asked to be part of the judges’ panel for the 2021 SCOTY contest.

This year it was held at a new venue, in very challenging Covid conditions and with the threat of rain so a huge well done to the committee who ensured that the contest ran so smoothly and with everyone appearing to have an enjoyable time.

Although there were absentees, my co-judges Val Geddes, Graham Hill, and I had 18 top quality dogs to go over. Despite the dogs having endured an enforced break due to the pandemic conditions, none appeared to be fazed by the event and all dogs and handlers put on an excellent performance.

Topping the lot and Smooth Collie of the Year was Jo Denton’s upstanding sable boy Ch Brackenhaye Fields of Gold – shown in super condition and always attentive to his handler, he covered the somewhat bumpy ground with ease and demonstrated why he is a worthy champion. Reserve to him was Nick and Ann Smith’s Multi CH Winter is Coming to Tentola. Now starting to mature, he too put up a good performance but was a bit over enthusiastic on the move today. Runner up to him was Gill and Alan Loader’s Ch Coneypark Countdown for Allangill – another in great condition and showing as if he’s never been away.

In bitches, a quality entry awaited. Best bitch was Bob Naulls Ch Foxearth Fudge Wynele – what an outstanding mover she is, so balanced and feminine, a dream. Reserve to her was Blamorder Ice Cream Dream owned by the partnership of Lusty, Hutchings and Williams. Put up a great performance but just pipped at the post by Fudge. Runner up was the evergreen Ch Clingstone’s Hot Shot at Foxearth. Despite her advancing years, she retains all her qualities and moved out well.

Bev White