The 2011 RCS proved to be very competitive with 38 Guernseys from 11 exhibitors creating some demanding classes for Robin Jamouneau from Guernsey Island to decide.
His first class of the day found 14 calves in the ring, and the classification here would be better if amended to allow for calves of up to 9 months, rather than 12 months and the subsequent maiden heifer class altered to allow for 9-18 month maiden heifers. There was quite a range within the calves and the handlers and I was delighted to see “Grandpa” Grose back in the showring in a supervisory role, but once the calf was in the ring his services were soon dispensed with.
Robin found his winner with Greensfield Icebergs June Star from the Greenslades, who had won at Devon, with Tredinney Astronomers Idealist 5 from the Warrens in second place, with Cadbury Royal Delta Pretty 87 in third from Richard Norman who had one her class at the Bath & West with Wiltown Chiddingstone Margaret and Wiltown Mayflower from Brian and Sheila Adams in fourth and fifth places.
Class 2 for Maiden heifers had six forward and was again a very competitive class with the ringside divided, but Robin chose Trewarnevas Precious Annie, a Nomar heifer from the Grose family who whilst not the biggest was full of style and udder promise placed in front of Tredinney Astronomers Elegy 15 now owned by Chris Eddy and shown by him as the calf has outgrown his daughter Caitlin but it was obvious that she was firmly in charge in the preparation beforehand. In third place was Trewarnevas Amirs Lilian from the Grose’s and Ian Rowe was fourth with Greensfield Lucky Pippin.
Class 3 the In Calf heifer had only one forward, but she is an outstanding heifer Aber Showtime Dancer 5 and she is creating quite a stir with every “Guernsey” breeder at the show yesterday buying a “raffle” ticket and none of them ticking the “£1000 cash” option and thus showing their support for the ARC-Addington Fund.
Class 4 In Milk Heifers had four forward and again four real quality heifers and the ringside were again split, but Robin gave the first prise to Tredinney Prince Alicia 12 with the fresh calved Trewarnevas Precious Lucy in second with Tredinney Endeavours Candy 25 in third with Trewarnevas Precious May 5 in fourth place but this heifer will like those above her develop into a great cow.
Class 5 In Calf Cow had three forward but all were former Champions, but Tredinney Yogis Gabrielle 2 really overwhelmed her rivals with her width and power, with the North Somerset Champion Cadbury Hawks Pretty 86 from Richard Norman in second place and the former Devon Champion Greensfields Icy Lady in third place.
Class 6 The Junior in milk cows had seven forward and had been most eagerly awaited with the Bath & West double Champion taking on Cornwall’s best, with the 2011 Devon Champion also in the mix as well as the top priced animal from the Easby sale last autumn, and again the ringside were divided with most of the debate centering on Bickfield Rainbow 51 would “the good big one” overcome “the good little ones” on this occasion she did not but come the autumn when she has had the chance to regain some condition she may well reverse the tables.
Robin found his winner in Tredinney Jaspers Essential Essence 4 and this cow family tracing back to Trethevy Exochorda has long impressed at home but had not previously shone in the show ring, with the Devon Champion Greensfields Icy Phyllis in second, with Tredinney Andy Pandys Primrose 15 in third place, and Bickfield Rainbow 51 from Colin & Hilary Evans and the Sales Family in fourth place, they are to be applauded for taking on the “Challenge” and it needs more of such thinking if the Guernseys are to be properly appreciated in the UK. Easby Polyanthus 10 from the Grose family stood fifth but she calved twins back in December and needs to be fresher to do herself justice.
Class 7 The Senior Cow in milk had three forward and gave Robin a choice between the “ultra” dairy Tredinney Pedros Flo 3, the twin sister to last years Champion and the more traditional St Senara Annie from the Grose family who is so much like her 16 year old paternal Grandam and who herself had produced the outstanding Maiden heifer winner earlier in the day, the third contender from Tredinney was lame on her right hind leg and despite sympathetic handling from Jonathon Hosken was effectively ruled out of contention.
Flo had the advantage in udder correctness and as with all of James’s milking cattle was turned out in “Jersey” style under the influence of Helen Cox who had travelled from West Wales to held behind the scenes with both the Tredinney Guernseys and the Cardinney Jerseys and on this occasion I think it was the “udder” that won it for Flo, with Annie having to settle for second.
Class 8 Group of three provided a close win for Tredinney with Trewarnevas in second place but again there was plenty of debate on the ringside.
The Champion and Reserve came from the outstanding Class of the day with Tredinney Jaspers Essential Essence 4 standing over Greenslades Icy Phyllis and both of these cows show the worth of “true breeding” cow families with both tracing back to influential cows Trethevy Exochorda and Thicket Mead Phyllis 19 both of which were introduced to found new families in the respective herds.
Meanwhile in the Jersey ring the leading Aysrhire family the Christophers were taking on the leading Guernsey family the Warrens as TB restrictions had ruled out other regulars , but it was interesting to watch the battle play out and James and Shelley produced both Champion and Reserve with their second calvers but David had the winning in milk heifer so as ever there is always next year to look forward to.