I am looking at entering Blackpool and the schedule shows the puppy stakes and the Junior stakes as both being judged at 1:00pm in different rings.  I would have liked to enter my dog in both. Is this likely to be an error? will it be sorted out on the day so people can go in both or do I have to choose which one to enter?

If I remember rightly, there are two stakes classes going on side by side at Blackpool, so it's not likely to be an error.  You won't be able to go in both, unless anyone else on here can tell us that they have been able to exhibit in one and then been allowed to join the other half way through...?

I don't really see why anyone would WANT to put a puppy in the Junior stakes. The stakes classes at champshows are usually huge so it seems unnecessary to a) go through it twice with a pup (it's such a long time in the ring), and b) compete against older dogs when there is no need. :)

Also presumably you will be going in a breed puppy class, two classes will be ample for a puppy in my opinion...stakes classes, as already said, can get alot of exhbits and take time & again in my opinion is a big ask for a puppy.

Maybe a case of picking which judge you prefer the puppy or junior judge? Then fingers crossed it doesnt clash with your breed class otherwise you will have to miss it. 1pm is usually when puppy bitches are in the breed rings.

1pm is usually when puppy bitches are in the breed rings.

That would rather depend on the breed! ;) For a numerous one with two judges, puppy bitch could be the first class of the day for one judge, others share a ring so could be anytime. I've known my breed to start anywhere from 9 am to 8 pm -although that last one was the infamous year at Crufts when they even switched the lights out above us......

I often enter in the puppy stakes but am always prepared to miss the judging for that as it usually coincides with the breed judging.  I enter on the off chance that I'll get lucky with judging times.

I've entered my new pup in the puppy stakes, hope she's OK as she's not impressed at being gone over at the moment LOL, she just tolerates it! 

Entered my other girl in the Special Beginner's stakes, missed them at the last show as i didn't hear them being called and I think I was showing in the breed classes anyway.  Though saying that she showed me up big time by bouncing around the ring so think I was better off not going in any way. 

Really annoyed with Blackpool, anywhere else in life the disabled get free parking, but not at Blackpool, you are charged £3.00 the same as everyone else.  Rather cheeky, especially when they own the field!

Going to risk being attacked and say that although it's fair enough for the disabled to get spaces closer to the entrance, I don't see why they shouldn't pay the same as anyone else!

Again a lot depends on breed and the individual.

In my breed the young classes are very low in numbers, often less than three, so for your pup to gain any experience with being in the ring and moving with other dogs (avoiding them chasing the other exhibits when they move up or get into the challenge) then you need to enter higher classes and/or stakes.

I would enter both Puppy and Junior stakes with an older pup, to test them in the class they will be in next.  the stakes on paper can be huge, but there is often a high absentee rate.

Manchester was a case in point with my young champion bitch doing poorly in the breed class, as we had not had time to settle her.  She was much better in the stakes later, if we had not entered we would have had a poor day, stakes gives you anther bite of the cherry, different judges opinion.  they also stand you in good stead for Group competition, with the dog being well used to being in the ring with different kinds of dogs.

Paid full price for Windsor, didn't see any concession?

Thanks for your input Brainless but after getting so told off for  thinking of entering both I have just entered the puppy stakes. I have not been to a show for a long time and as he was eligable for both I thought I would try him in both as his breed puppy class is likely to be small.