Gilly, Pearl didn't win anything.
Unfortunately, it seems that us moggy exhibitors in the household pet classes are being taken for a ride by those exhibitors who come to the National and knowingly put pedigree and half-pedigree cats in the moggy open classes (kitten and adult) when they actually have their own dedicated open classes in which to enter their cats. It's just not sporting and somewhat frustrating.
Pearl was in an open class of four, in which two of the cats in the class were known half-peds. She came fourth from four, behind the two half-peds. Now I know she wouldn't have beaten the cat that won the class as Teddy Boy is an absolutely superb furbabe and there's absolutely no disgrace whatsoever being placed behind him, but I do feel somewhat shortchanged to have had my cat beaten by two cats who should not have been entered in that class in the first place. Yes, it was a tough class regardless - but if all the cats in it had been eligible, then that's just showing for you.
I'm not a bad loser, just questioning as to whether some HP exhibitors are actually following the spirit of the rules. Actually, quite a few of us moggy exhibitors were spitting tacks over this as it's left us feeling rather hard done by and I certainly won't be entering Pearl in the National again - I'd rather go somewhere where us HP exhibitors are made to feel welcome.
Madam did manage two seconds in her side classes - one a brilliant placing in her Crystal Clear heat behind Billy Bean but ahead of some other superb cats. That one result made up for the disappointment of the others. The other second was a second in a class of two, while in her third side class she was unplaced.
It is so disheartening to so look forward to going to a show and then not really enjoying it. Quite frankly, after stumping up for the entry and the travel, I'm feelling really down in the dumps about the whole thing.
Also, compared to last year the show was half the size and the atmosphere was a bit flat.
Other than that, I had fun showing off my special girl - she did a lot of meeting and greeting and was really popular with the members of the public. It was by far the most enjoyable aspect of the whole day and it made a couple of little girls soooo happy to be allowed to stroke her - and a few not-so-little girls too... And loads of folks came to take her photo too.
It was lovely to finally meet Leigh, Clare and Dawn! I'm so chuffed that they spent some time cuddling my beautiful little girl and I really have to say thank you so much for the kind comments.
Have attached a couple of photos.
