Satin is superb

A Blencathra hound is supreme at this “iconic” Lakeland show

- FRANK HOUGHTON BROWN

Rydal, Cumbria

THE Blencathra huntsman Barry Todhunter and his four-year-old tri-coloured bitch Satin 19 took the top honour at what is a Mecca for hunting enthusiasts from across the UK.

It was a stroke of genius from show chairman Claire Logan-Stephens to ask Eildon Letts to judge the last class of the day, namely the champion of the show. Claire, who succeeded her father Bruce as show chairman, knows the huge part that the late Martin Letts MFH played in the recent history of the show and his wife Eildon is hugely respected in hunting circles.

Martin was part of the scenery at this iconic Lakeland event, tweed flat cap in place and leaning on his walking stick. Tynedale joint-master and huntsman Charlie ShirleyBeavan seems to have taken over his mantle, though still rather young to be leaning on quite such a big stick while judging the fell hounds.

His co-judge, joint-master of the VWH Susie Goess-Saurau, was quick to get her eye in to a different type of hound.

“Satin caught our eye as soon as she came in the ring and we thought she was quite outstanding,” she said. “She covered a lot of ground and was full of quality: faultless.”

Barry Todhunter is a hunting legend in these parts. The last time he won at Rydal was with Satin’s sire, Blencathra Sergent 13, who won it twice consecutively.

“Satin is one of a litter of six,” says Barry, “and they are all such natural hunters. As soon as one hound speaks they are away. It’s in the genes and just comes naturally to them all.”