Major Awards - The National Koi Show 2024
"So it begins..."
King Theoden may have said it in LOTR: The Two Towers, but I'm nicking it for the start of the UK show season. Instead of waves of angry uruk hai looking to storm Helms Deep and end the world of men, there were droves of eager attendees storming The National showground looking for a bargain - I don't know what's more dangerous!
Why the Lord of the Rings reference? Not a clue - it's been a long weekend!
The National had a lot to live up to after the roaring success of last year, but Matthew Stevens, the new Show Chairman, was eager to keep things moving forward and improving. The show had grown again, with more dealers in attendance and more koi on show. Such growth is testing as it stretches resources and unavoidably dances with the devil. How so? Well, all the work and growth in the world counts for nothing if attendee numbers are low. It can destroy the show weekend and its future because the knock-on effects can be tricky to recover from.
Luckily, the weather stayed fair, and turnout was very healthy, with approximately 3000 attendees making it through the gates. From those I spoke to, spirits were high, and people seemed to enjoy themselves and the koi! Dealers pulled out all the stops to ensure plenty of bargains, and the variety of stalls in attendance this year was particularly good.
Some 397 koi were exhibited by hobbyists all over the country, and Rob Whittell informs me this is a record in recent years. Thank you to every exhibitor who made the effort to transport and showcase their cherished koi, you're all ace!
Without further ado, let's introduce...
The Major Awards for the 2024 BKKS National Koi Show.
More awards to follow but for now... Enjoy!
*Dealer and Breeder info to be added as it comes through to me
Grand Champion
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Kohaku // 88cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Yume Koi Japan
Reserve Grand Champion
(+ FD Friendship Award)
Owner: Carl Morrison
Sanke // 80cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Queni Koi
Mature Champion
Owner: Luke Warren
Kohaku // 82cm // Dainichi // Select Nishikigoi
Adult Champion
Owner: Lee Hadfield
Kohaku // 62cm // Hoshikin // Exclusively Koi
Young Champion
Owner: Stephen & Anthony Grey
Kohaku // 53cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Baby Champion
Owner: Karen Tovey
Sanke // 35cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Absolute Koi
Best Non-Go-Sanke
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Shiro Utsuri // 84cm // Omosako // Yume Koi Japan
Jumbo Champion
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Mukashi Ogon // 98cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Best Doitsu
Owner: Vincent Goodall
Hikari Muji // Size 1 // New Forest Koi
'Special' Awards for the 2023 BKKS National Koi Show.
Shinkokai Award
"Awarded on quality alone, regardless of size or variety, the chosen koi will represent what is believed to be competitive at a Japanese level. Awarded by UK Shinkokai members; Mike Hughes (Shosha Koi), Darren Gray (Absolute Koi), Dave Tilbury (Coastal Koi), Steve Field (Avenue Fisheries), Chris Giles (Selective Koi Sales) & Tony Pitham (Koi Water Barn)."
Winner
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Kohaku // 88cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Yume Koi Japan
Shinkokai Award - Honourable Mention (in no particular order)
Owner: Carl Morrison
Sanke // 80cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Queni Koi
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Mukashi Ogon // 98cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Owner: Luke Warren
Kohaku // 60cm // Gonjiro // Select Nishikigoi
Owner: Dave Newton
Goshiki // Size 5 // Okawa // Dock Koi
Owner: Karen Tovey
Sanke // 35cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Absolute Koi
Show Chairman’s Miyabi Award
Owner: Stephen & Anthony Grey
Kohaku // 69cm // Sakai Co. // Yume Koi Japan
Society Chairman’s Sakura Award
Owner: Carl Morrison
Goshiki // Size 6 // Taniguchi // A4 Koi
The Everyman Trophy
Owner: Matthew Savage
Sanke // 36cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Koi Water Barn
Best Newcomer Award
Geoff Winn
Best Overall Exhibitor
Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Yorkshire Friendship Award
Owner: Josh Howell-Forke
Showa // size 2
K.O.I Friendship Award
Owner: Kierian Bird
Asagi //Size 3 // Queni Koi
Kiyomizu Friendship Award
Owner: Lee Hadfield
Sanke // Size 5 // NND // Exclusively Koi
*Please note: this is a picture taken last year as I was unable to capture it.
Don't Forget
- We also produce the UK's Printed Koi Magazine
If you would like to find out more regarding the BKKS or its National Koi Show:
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