OLYMPIAN awarded to Imperial Grand Champion CHESLO NEEDHAM ZAK (02.06.2015) British Black (BSH n) owned and bred by Mr D Denny. 

What a joy to have the opportunity to handle this splendid cat having admired him (and his forebears) many times from a spectator distance! He was my first cat of the day and easily my best exhibit of the day. (The moment brought back memories of the very first time I ever handled a cat at a show when stewarding for the first time. On that occasion the first cat in the book was a large British Black male who took exception and ‘went’ for me! The experience did not put me off but taught me how to move swiftly.) No such concern today for this outstanding Black male possesses an ideal temperament in addition to his technical prowess. An example of true Britishness. Large, strong, well-muscled with super bone and a rounded appearance this weighty cat showed all the classic features of British bodywork – compactness, balance and power - and all that goes with it. He has a magnificent broad head with correct profile and neat ears and to top it all he has deep copper eyes contrasting with an impressive jet black coat which taking into account the time of year is of excellent density and texture and is sound to the roots. He was aglow with top condition and this recipe of sound breeding, dedicated preparation plus personality (with handsome facial expression) equalled distinguished show presence. Easy to handle and just coming up to three years of age is attaining a level of maturity which surely will carry him through this title. A credit to breeder/owner Mr Denny. Good Blacks are rare and I am jealous!