Boatman sails to victory

The Albrighton and Woodland take both championships at the first of the summer's major hound shows

- By ANDREW SALLIS and MATTHEW HIGGS

South of England, South of England Showground, W Sussex

FOXHOUNDS

IF hunting's fortune mirrors this year's South of England Hound Show, then we are in for a cracking season. Some of the country's finest hounds filled the ring to capacity, keeping both the avid aficionado and constant stream of passing spectators entertained all day.

Fourteen packs declared and, although both championships were deservedly won by the Albrighton and Woodland (A&W), rosettes were spread far and wide.

The morning started with a win for Thurlow Devon 24 in the restricted doghound class, which began a good day for the Suffolk hunt. The Puckeridge and The Essex took second with Blacksmith 23.

Their hounds showed well, chipping away at the ribbons with their old English crosses, noticeably different to the mainstream modern hounds, but notable, nonetheless. The Fitzwilliam were often in the prizes too, demonstrating their continuous improvements over recent years.

Rolo and Rockwood began the charge for the A&W, belying their age to show so beautifully to take the unentered couple class ahead of local hopes, Aero and Anvil from the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent (OSBWK).

As the judges ran off Aero and Rolo for the unentered championship, Robin Vestey, master of the Thurlow, beamed with pride.

"I don't mind who wins, they're both by my Ramsgate," he said.

Aero duly won to cheers around the ring.

“He's a beautifully balanced dog who moves really well,” said Harry Gosling, master and huntsman of the Dartmoor who judged with Charles Carter, recently retired from the Royal Artillery mastership.

The A&W's Boatman 23 then made the first of several winning appearances to claim the entered couple class with his litter brother Bowler, by Wheatland Archer 21.