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9 – Purebred PIGEON
judged next and then announcing the winners of each breed. And throughout
the whole two days she had this wonderful smile! She worked very hard and
had the show running like clockwork and also helped with some translating
when required.
Some breeds had large numbers and they judged them all in one class. I
think we have persuaded them to split classes next year.
The birds I was most impressed with were the Croppers and Pouters. In
the Reversewings there were excellent birds in all four colours. Most had excel-
lent type, good colour and muffs. Markings were also very good. I decided on a
Black cock as champion, belonging to Krishnakumar, kaipamangalam-Thrissur.
Reserve champion to Jose Vazhikadavu and first runner-up to Najumudheen.
Pomeranian Pouters were also large classes, again with all colours com-
peting against each other. I suggested next year they have separate classes
for Whites, Pieds and AOC. Some absolutely super birds here once again and
I was looking for the smallest detail to eliminate birds as there were so many
excellent birds. This time I chose a beautiful Black Self hen as champion.
This bird was shown in wonderful condition and performed all the time. The
owner was Firos Babu Valanchery. Reserve champion to Mahesh and first
runner-up to Saravanan.
Next up were the Norwich. A few were a bit moulty, but given the tem-
perature there (32C or 90F) most birds were in good enough feather. We did
make allowances for the moult in some of the birds. My choice for champion
was again a hen, this time a Khaki owned by Saravanan. She had nice legs,
good body and a nice globe. Reserve champion to Ejal and first runner-up
also went to Saravanan.
There were not many Old German Croppers, but what quality! It is many
years since I have seen OGCs as good as this. There was a very nice Black, but
I went for a Yellow owned by Saravanan as champion. The same owner also
took reserve champion, with first runner-up Abdhulla Rahman (Babu).
Next up were the Gaditanos. Once again the quality was very high. The
birds at the top end of the class were full of action, in good feather and very
typey. I decided on a lovely Black Splash hen as Champion belonging to Yoosuf
Ali Maanu. Reserve Champion to Prasad GVR; first runner-up to Gokul Palakkad.
Not too many English Pouters, but the birds present were quite good in
quality.
Reversewing Grand Champion - Exhibitor Krishnakumar
Grand Champion Pomeranian Pouter and Grand
Champion Large Breed - exhibitor Firos Babu
Grand Champion Norwich Cropper - exhibitor Saravanan
Grand Champion and Grand Champion Toy Breed - Gaditano Pouter
- Exhibitor Yoosuf Ali Maanu-Malappuram