2005 Show Report by Kate Stephen

John Anderson’s Redcastle Clydesdales have been enjoying multiple success this year in the Turnout classes and clearly determined not to be out-shone by the geldings, Redcastle Alena John’s seven year old show mare swept all before her to lift a fourth title at this Show, having been awarded the coveted Champion of Champions Title on an amazing three occasions. This year, however, the Champion of Champions title was not up for award, as the management of the Show had been transferred from the officials of Aberdeen City Council to a 7 strong committee made up of local Clydesdale enthusiasts and they had decided not to have a class solely for Champions. Accordingly all the Champions from across Scotland had to contest their appropriate sections, giving strength and depth to the whole Show. Alena, by Collessie Cut Above and out of Carnfinton Apple Blossom had been Reserve Champion at the Royal Highland back in June – it is to everyone’s credit concerned with bringing her out that they had kept her in such tip top condition. The yeld mare class won by Alena was the last to be decided, the schedule having started with mares with foal at foot. This was won by a five year old half sister to Alena, Arradoul Sweet Melody (out of Arradoul Bryony) herself a previous Champion of Champions at this event and shown for her breeder Ian Young by his niece Philippa Stephen who was later to judge the young handlers and young judges. The filly foal class was won by Jock Wilson who, lucky man, has yet another filly from his mare Ploughlands Mignionette, following no doubt in the hugely consistent footsteps of her Blueton sisters Daisy and Pride, both now owned and shown by John Adamson, who won the yearling filly class with Barlauchlan Claire’s Delight, this one being bred by the Douglas Brothers out of their Craighead Deborah mare and by Doura Express. Another consistent performer took the two year old class – Jenny Henderson travelled from north of Inverness for the first time to compete at the Show with her home bred Udale Jasmine, a Greendykes Northern Star daughter that had won Champion at Keith Show some 60 miles distant a couple of weeks before. And her journey proved worthwhile, as Jenny was pulled in by Judge Charles Carrick to stand Reserve to Alena in the Female section and also as Overall Reserve.

The male section was lighter in numbers, with the largest class being the first, comprising aged geldings. This was won by Angus McPherson with another Greendykes Northern Star offspring, this having been bred by G Craig, this horse going through to be awarded the Championship from judge Hugh Ramsay. The colt foal class was won by Jim Aitken, a gentleman who is no stranger to the top honours at this Show in his time as stud groom to the late Michael Thomson of the Phesdo Stud. Jim’s foal, an orphan, out of Phesdo Michelle was sired by Bogton Flying Scot. The yearling class was won by Glanside Prince Harry, bred by John Adamson, by Doura Above All and out of Fairnington Lady Helen. Mirroring the female section, the Reserve Champion was forward for the two year old class, this being another with classic Phesdo bloodlines, being out of Phesdo Heather by Phesdo Noble Scot, bred by Vic Peterkin but now in the ownership of Jim Young from Ayr.

Tom Brewster was another with judging duties to perform during the day. His Decorated Harness winner was David Proctor. A fresh enterprise for Tom was the judging of the Ridden Class. In this he found as his winner one of George Skinner’s driving geldings, Jake, ridden by usual jockey Teresa Whewell. This pairing has enjoyed considerable success in ridden classes in the north east of Scotland this summer, in both the heavy section and in Hunter and Side Saddle classes. Their main rival came second in this class, this being Ian Young’s Arradoul Sabrina, a full sister to Arradoul Sweet Melody, with wins at Turriff and Lourin Fair to her credit. Tom says that he is now fully won over to supporting the concept of ridden heavies.

The nine strong class of Young Handlers had an enthusiastic spectator crowd – at least until the rain came lashing down. None daunted, however, the kids all stuck to their task, adjudicated over by the extremely eagle eye of Philly Stephen (a multiple winner of Young Handler and Stockmen finals) who continually assessed the handlers, even when they did not expect to be being watched! Kevin Wilson (15), grandson of Jock, impressed Philly most with his handling abilities, followed by Steven Noble and then Laura Young. The judge took the time to go all the way down the line giving suggestions to the handlers as to where they could improve, and all of them will remember those pointers for another day. The Young Judges class seemed to involve a lot of pencil and fingernail chewing (from the judge as well as the competitors!). Mark Noble (now too old to be a young handler) won this class with another ‘oldie’ Carolynne Crawford in equal second with Leanne Tulloch (14) tie-ing.

The main ring was full to overflowing at the end of the day for the Parade. The guid folk of Aberdeen had welcomed the Clydesdales with open arms once more and had turned up in large numbers to see them. Under the direction of Chairman Bill Noble, Treasurer Anne Brown and Honorary Secretary Niki Stephen and with the sound support of several new Sponsors this event is certain to continue in the Calendar. It was good as well to note that there were several totally new names to the breed in the exhibitors list, as all of our native breeds require some fresh blood to save them from becoming static.