Chilli is Australia's record holder for Best in Show (All Breeds) wins (female) as well as being a multi Runner Up Best In Show and Specialty Runner Up Best in Show winner. She had the points for her Grand Champion status very early but due to unfortunate circumstances many of the actual certificates were mislaid so effectively she had to go out and do it all again - which of course she did in fine style! I was very lucky to be given the opportunity by Chilli's breeder Suzy Ryan to lease her very special girl for a year and enjoyed every moment of my time with her - of course especially enjoying her litter to Mister Ko.  This, my first litter, produced Chilpep - Ch Starridge Litl Sunshine - my first home-bred Champion.

Chilli produced nine champion progeny with multi Best in Show and multi Best in Specialty Show winners among them.  Her temperament was superb, her movement superlative, and she has passed on her quality to the next generation and beyond.  Chilli has progeny in Sweden as well as Australia where her daughter Demi (Int Nord Ch SV-97 NV-98 FinV-98-99-00 SvCh Bearstar Diamond Willow CV (ROM) has been unparalleled in the showring and the brood box forming the foundation of the fabulous Rex Ventor kennels.  The award of Most Successful Dam at the Rhodesian Ridgeback National 2000 was yet another honour to add to Chilli's already very long list of accolades.

Chilli has a remarkable 'Royal' record from one end of the country to the other having twice taken out Best of Breed at Melbourne Royal, Runner Up Best of Breed at Brisbane Royal and Best of Breed & Veteran in Group at the Perth Royal. She is also the only Ridgeback ever to win the VCA Guineas.

Chilli proudly wears her Veteran's ribbon from the RRCQ Inc Champ Show 2001.  Although ten years of age she still managed 2nd in Open Bitch class, made final runoffs for Best Gaited Bitch and was awarded Best Ridge in Show! Lurking in the background of the shot is Mr Ko. At this show Best in Show was Chilli's granddaughter Ch Riginal Patience (from Intermediate, now Gr Ch) and Runner Up in Show was her son Gr Ch Bearstar Doulen Ko ET. Baby dog was won by great grandson Starridge Wundurra and Opp Baby by granddaughter Riginal Angel Stardust; Opp Minor was granddaughter Starridge Gable; Puppy in Show was great grandaughter Kazeniah Emerald and Opp Puppy grandson Starridge Sabola; Junior in Show was granddaughter Marmatia Donala Milika and Opp Junior great grandson Odinstar Nomad Zim Chukka - an astounding rollup!

Chilli passed away surrounded by loved ones just six days shy of her 14th birthday.

She has carved a place for herself not only in the history of RRs in Australia, the legacy she has passed on through her numerous champion progeny, but most especially in the hearts of all who had the honour and pleasure to have known her.