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SALUKI (GAZELLE HOUND) BREED NOTES

SALUKI NOTES WEEK ENDING 13 AUGUST 1999

The Hound Show'99, last Saturday was a special day for Neil and Elaine Stanmore. The judge for Salukis was Mrs D Allan and her BCC, BOB was the Stanmore's Ch Altaya Jaida-Maria who also went on to RBIS under judge. Mr G.I. Johnson The RBCC was Mr & Mrs E. W. Stansfield's Ishieya Khayaally. DCC, for his first CC was Mr S & Mrs J Macro's Nefisa Samr. He was born on 26th May 1997 and his breeder is his owner. His sire is Peblu Priam of Fargaze and dam, Jasra Mahboobah . RDCC was awarded to Mrs M Bryce-Smith's Ch Mumtaz Moon Magic. Best Puppy was Mr A Rawson's Mumtaz Desdemona. Desdemona, as reported a few weeks ago, won the Puppy Bitch Stakes at Bournemouth Championship Show. At East Of England she won the entire Puppy Stakes and qualifies to attend the competition for Pup of the Year. As I am but a mortal and do not have knowledge of all things, I would appreciate knowing any other Saluki puppies that have qualified for this event, so that I can put it on record through this column.

In response to our on going discussion on referees, Philip Browning has sent me the following note and I quote:

'Further to Dr. John Hudson's letter may I point out that it is precisely because the SGHC rules are silent, on the question of referees, that problems arise. The Kennel Club classifies a referee as a judge and has I understood already confirmed that in this context. Therefore in the absence of any contrary or qualifying Club Rule(s) our referees are bound by the judges rule. That is to say, to refrain from judging, for two years previously and one year after that appointment. That alone might account for the situation that has already occurred of descending to the forth, fifth and sixth place in what is really the ballot for judges, when trying to appoint a referee. John Hudson now points to the situation of running out of nominees, which again points to the failure of the Committees "Custom and Practice". It could be construed that the Committee appointment of the same referee twice in one year was Ultra-Vires!

I had, and have, no desire to involve individuals merely to draw attention to, at least, an anomalous, if not ludicrous, situation and seek to have it regularised. Also the present system ill befits the spirit of the recent judging reforms initiated by the Kennel Club. Here John appears to agree with my contention that the office of referee is very important and I have found similar agreement from some half a dozen A1 list judges and two other judges with whom I have discussed this matter. The consensus seems to be that an even greater length of breed experience than for judges is desirable and something of the order of twenty years has not been contested. I cannot see that whether you claim that the referees decision is made totally independently or after consultation with the two judges, and I have seen both cases over the years, it is not a judgement on the respective judgements, especially when, hopefully, a critique is subsequently written and published. After all the referee is only called if the two judges cannot agree after examining and judging the others nominee. However, we perceive this process as individuals surely it would be sensible to place this whole matter in the Clubs rules including any qualification of experience to be brought to our refereeship. I am delighted to hear that the subject is on the Committee Agenda and await the outcome with interest.'

David Graham has just returned from basking in the sunshine on holiday but took the time to advise about the annual Saluki Rally which is organised by Rosie and Chris Lewis as well as Helen Graham and David himself. The princely sum of £1170 was raised. The day itself was beautiful with excellent weather and a great atmosphere among those attending. Thanks go to those that couldn't attend but sent cheques in support of the welfare fund as well as those who attended and gave so generously.

Michael Williams (101547.503@compuserve.com)

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