We had a lovely day at the Hereford Show today and as I didn't actually have a pre-assigned job to do, it meant I could take time to have a chat with some friends. That didn't mean that I didn't make myself useful as I judged the Pet Syrian and Other Rodents Classes. As someone who is so used to handling Chinese, it was strange to be handling Syrians again.
Meanwhile the three show Chinese did their best to wow the judges, however only Matthew C. Nobria placed:
2nd in D8 (Normal Chinese)
1st in D15 (Small Hamstery)
1st in D16 (Breeders)
1st in D18 (Members Points Class)
2nd in D19 (Grand Challenge)
Matthew was awarded Dwarf Reserve Best In Show and his first Certificate of Merit. This is a particularly special achievement to me as Matthew was bred here.
This is only the second show that James has come home empty handed and I'm hopeful that he will improve on his performance this time and can manage to bring home a couple more prize cards in the future. I am under no illusions though and I know that it's probably only a matter of months rather than years that he's got left on my show team.
Here's Matthew with his winnings:
No rosettes in this one because the MHC Trophy Manager couldn't make the show so we will pick them up at future show.