Peggy Rae, who died at the age of 90 in 2010, had been breeding, showing and judging Labradors for more than 60 years. She was brought up on a farm in Essex. When she was thirteen years old, she got her first Labrador Mick. This wonderful black friend accompanied her wherever she went on the farm.
When she set up as a labrador breeder after the War, her father suggested the prefix Cornlands as East Anglia is known for the growing of grains. Her first champion was CH. Cornlands Peter So Gay. Many of her dogs were also award-winning competitors at Field Trials. Cornlands Lady Be Good alone won eight awards.
Champion Cornlands My Fair Lady, her favourite bitch, was a keen worker and a successful show dog, who won 17 CCs in her life. She won Best of Breed at Crufts in 1968. Her kennel compagnion CH. Cornlands Nokeener Highlight was best dog at the same show. It was Peggy’s greatest achievement in showing. Never before had a Labrador breeder won the double at Crufts. Her record stood for 21 years. Another favourite dog of hers had been full Champion Cornlands Westhelm Flight, the sire of Ch. Cornlands Landy..
