Well have entered one of mine into the Bannerdown stakes class at Blackpool for the first time.Having got the passes through  theres 95 entries!!!!!!!!! Anyone whos done these sort of classes....how any absentees are there likely to be and how long are we looking at for the class to take? I'm just a bit concerned that if its hot and a long class he'll be knackered for his breed class(he really doesn't do 'hot' very well)
Archer

I have never entered one Archer, but when I have seen them being judged at summer champ shows they have always been undercover of an open type tent.  Often in the BIS ring which is undercover too.

There has been a lot in the class but it looked harder for the owners then the dogs, they were laying down relaxing while the others where being judged :)

There are usually quite a few absentees so don' worry and have a go.  Its also interesting to see other breeds in your class too.

Blackpool stakes were done outside last year as we entered.  The thing to remember is not to go in straight away!  I made that mistake once and ended up there for over 2 hours.  My Thomas got shortlisted but by the time we got to our turn to show again he had lost the will to live while the late arrivers dogs were as fresh as daisys

Can you go in after the class has started?
Archer

depends on the stewards and it is really unfair on the others.

I wouldn't worry Nikki.  Sarah Thomas won the class at Bath, and she only sarted showing her Malenibo boy last year. 

I was once in one of these classes at South Wales about 8 years ago that took two hours to judge, and I had been shortlisted 3 times with Tula, and it did affect her performance in the breed, but these days the classes on the day are not that big. 

Have  a look at any of the Higham press show results and see how many were in the classes and how many absentees.

Hi Barbara,
I'm sure it will effect Kaspers performance in the breed class...he is a real heat hater!However as you say the breed class should be nice and small so we'll give it a go.If we get there and its REALLY hot can we with draw from the stakes class ?
Nikki

You can withdra or evn ask to withdraw once the class has started if you think he will go off showing by the breed classes, which take precedence anyway.  I would go for it, I find that they are much more interested in the mixed classes than boring old breed classes.  I am sure yours like mine like all the different breeds.

Did one of the stakes classes with one of my Pom's once and there were about 120 entered and they were nearly all there and total shock to me he came 4th!!  

Then I did Mella last month at her first show it said I think 70 odd only 6 turned up and guess who got chucked out :d