IGL Retriever Championship 2013 Working Gundog Certificate

The Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship Report by Jon Kean Photos by Andy Biggar

The Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship recorded the biggest ever number of entries in the history of the event, with 40 Cockers bidding for top honours. This year’s Championship, in association with sponsors Eukanuba, was staged on prolific ground at the Queensberry Estate by gracious permission of His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch.

Since 2005, the Queensberry Estate has hosted a Retriever Championship, two Springer Spaniel Championships and two Cocker Spaniel Championships. This represents an exceptional commitment by the estate to the world of field trials. The Kennel Club Working Party consisting of

Chief Steward John Dickson, Davy Dunn, Jon Bailey and myself as Chairman worked closely with Kennel Club staff Nigel Dear, Debbie Deuchar and Cheryl Maguire to ensure the infrastructure was in place for the 2014 Championship.

Continued on page 4

The Field TrialsNewsletterSpring 2014

In successive years, the International Gundog League has held the Retriever Championship in Scotland, over 25, 26 and 27 November 2013, on this occasion in the Borders Region. The venue was Thirlstane Castle Estate and Tollishill Estate near Lauder; the Hosts were Mr Wilson Young Sr. and Mr Wilson Young Jr., of Eskdale Shooting Services.

As in 2012, the Scottish weather was generally kind and combined with the thorough preparation of the Hosts and staff, this allowed for most of the competitors to experience a steady flow of well-presented Game, following the traditional walking-up style, in the company of an extremely capable team of Guns.

Continued on page 3

Gundog day was held on Sunday at Crufts this year. Thousands of owners, competitors and the general public attended the event to see the variety of gundog breeds. Working gundogs were a feature throughout the event and notably in the BASC Gamekeepers classes. The Gamekeepers’ Classes are made up of two categories. The first is ‘The Gamekeepers’ Classes’ which are confined to gundog owners who are employed as head, single-handed, beat or under-keepers, river keepers or stalkers, or those retired. The second is ‘The Working Gundog Classes’ which are for dogs who have regularly worked in the shooting field. The overall winner of this year’s Gamekeepers’ Classes was Mrs Fiona Johnson with German Wirehaired Pointer Trudvang Gyldenborste at Gyldearn.

Representatives from gundog clubs were in attendance each day of the event as part of the Discover Dogs stand. As well as this, Phillipa Williams and her team of gundog experts including Bob Aldenton, Sally Richardson and Maxine Furnandiz demonstrated displays of gundog work for the duration of the event. An enthusiastic audience surrounded the display each day at the Dog Activities Ring and doubled in size over the weekend. Another popular event was the awarding of the Working Gundog Certificates by Paul Rawlings.

REPORTS AND RESULTS Working Gundogs at Crufts 2014

English Springer Spaniel ChampionshipCocker Spaniel Championship

The IGL Retriever Championship 2013Report by Mr J CastlePhotos by David Hudson

Winning owner Mr N Partiss with handler Mr I Openshaw & FTCh Brook Furlong of Tiptopjack

Winner - Mr L Jackson with FTCh Ellijas Danny

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Another Field Trials season has flown by and we are now well into the new one. Naturally there is a lot to look forward to in the coming year but first we must reflect on some of the exciting events that have taken place over the last couple of months.

Congratulations is given to Mr A Bennett and his English Springer Spaniel (Dog) FTCh Helmsway Heath for his win at the English Springer Spaniel Championship. A big thank you is extended to the Engaard Family, Headkeeper Doug Stewart and all the estate staff, along with the Spaniel Club who kindly organised the Championship on behalf of the Kennel Club.

Ian Openshaw enjoyed another successful year, achieving his 100th Field Trial Champion with Cocker Spaniel, Mallowdale Music of Tiptopjack. Ian also secured the title of Cocker Spaniel Championship winner 2013/14 with Nigel Partiss’ Bitch FTCh Brook Furlong of Tiptopjack. The Kennel Club would like to thank the lead sponsors of the Cocker Spaniel Championship, Eukanuba, and also extend its gratitude to the Duke of Buccleuch, Headkeeper Rab Clark and the estate staff that made a special effort to allow for the conclusion of the Championship.

For those not aware, the Cocker Spaniel Championship had to be suspended on the second day when a spectator was taken ill and subsequently died of natural causes, despite the best efforts of nurses and the Scottish Air and land ambulance team. The Kennel Club would like to express its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.

A huge amount of time, effort and investment is put into the Championships which is evident at each event. The Championships would not be possible without the generosity and preparation of the estates, where much time is spent creating ideal environments for the dogs to show off their skills in the field as well as providing suitable infrastructure for the organisers, competitors and spectators. The Kennel Club is grateful to everyone who contributes to the smooth running of the Field Trial Championships.

This issue features reports from each of the aforementioned Championships, along with the IGL Retriever Championship which took place in November. Also covered in this edition are the latest updates from the General Committee, including Regulation changes, reminders for judges, applications to hold Field Trials and much more.

If you have any questions, comments or there is something you would like featured in the next edition of the Field Trials newsletter, please feel free to get in touch via the email listed below.

From all of us in the Field Trials Department, we wish you a successful season.

Josephine GosneyEditorEmail: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

Meet the team

Debbie DeucharManager, Working Dog Activities Team

Tel: 0844 463 3980 Ext 314Direct line: 020 7518 1059Email: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

Tel: 01691 662069Mobile: 07801755122Email: nigel.dear@thekennelclub.org.uk

Nigel DearThe Kennel Club Field Trials Secretary

Cheryl MaguireWorking Dog Activities Specialist

Kathryn Symns Canine Activities Executive

Vivienne BuckwellWorking Dog Activities Specialist

Tel: 0844 463 3980 Ext 260Direct line: 020 7518 1059Email: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

A round-up from the Editor

SuBSCriBE To ThE FiElD TrialS NEwSlETTErIf you didn’t receive this copy of the Field Trials Newsletter yourself, you might wish to consider taking out a subscription to ensure you see each issue as soon as it is published and to allow you to keep your own copies for future reference. The cost is just £5.00 (post paid) per annum (three issues) – you can order a subscription using the Field Trials Publications Order Form. To request an order form email: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk. Alternatively individual copies can be purchased from the Kennel Club’s Online Shop: http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/asp/shop/index.asp

/KCworkinggundogs

see, the line moved from the end of the kale/stubble turnip field a short distance uphill to a field of tall canary grass. By comparison with the earlier roots, this area proved difficult in terms of height of cover and the rising ground. The judges were correspondingly sympathetic to the circumstances of each retrieve.

Day 2 took a field of 29 competitors, from the original 54, to Tollishill where in 2008 the IGL Retriever Championship had again enjoyed a second day, but this time the weather was less dramatic, with milder damp conditions. Kennel Club Chairman, Prof. Steve Dean, joined the line of competing dogs, to witness the action at close proximity.

Again, in cover of fodder, rape and stubble turnip, the second day dogs were tested on a mix of pheasant and partridge retrieves. A single woodcock proved to be the undoing of one handler, whose dog made the retrieve only to drop the bird to hunt on for other game.

The line emerged from the roots late morning to an area of steep bracken slopes where, intermittently, sky high Game was driven over the Guns. This afforded both the handlers and Gallery a chance to mark the fall of most retrieves. Although rain was setting in, this did not deter Billy Steel Jnr.‘s FTCh Leadburn Mist from securing a 3rd dog eye wipe in a valley, where handlers and judges had an aerial view of the dog work on a pheasant which had run and tucked in. At the end of a demanding day, in steady rain, the Judges looked at the books and 14 dogs were called through to day 3.

Returning to Lylestane for the final day, the temperature was a mild 10 degrees or so and the winter sun maintained its presence to the close. The line again started in the productive root field which offered up such impressive sport on Day 1, with the Judges now intent on

Continues overleaf

Reports and Results

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The line was managed by Eskdale Shooting Services Shoot Manager, Bob Clark, in a quietly efficient fashion.

The judges were Messrs. Guy Bennett, Mark Bettinson, Nigel Carville and John Castle. Mark Bettinson and Nigel Carville were paired on the right side of the line and John Castle with Guy Bennett took position on the left side.

A total of 54 qualified dogs took to the field, with a further three dogs qualifying but not competing, which included Judge Nigel Carville’s dog. Other than three Golden Retrievers, the rest of the field comprised Labradors. Of these, some 34 dogs had attained their FTCh title. The ratio was 24 Bitches and 30 Dogs.

Day 1 commenced on Thirlstane in an untouched, dedicated 20 acre field of gently sloping crop mix of stubble turnip and kale, which was a short walk from the Meet on Lylestane Farm. The favourable contours facilitated a relatively long line, calling for the essentials of keen marking and good nose. Excellent viewing was available from the Gallery. Weather was sharp frost initially, with some sun warming the latter part of the proceedings. From the outset, opportunities for eye wipes arose, some successfully taken in the frosted cover.

Richard King’s FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds dismissed FTCh Waterford Falcon in the early stages with a clinical eye wipe. Sandra Halstead’s FTCh Drakeshead Vodka similarly impressed with polished, swift work which eliminated International FTCh The Newcam Boss. An impressive quality of work was being stamped on the Championship, which would be sustained in some cases and fall away in others.

On two occasions, several dogs were lost with an eye wipe by the judges. With the remaining few 1st Round dogs to

IGL Retriever Championship - continued from front page

All Award winners at Retriever Championship 2013

Billy Steel Jr with FTCh Leadburn Mist & Judge John Castle

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stretching the surviving dogs to test the mettle of both Dog and Handler.

The Gallery was rewarded again and again with true Championship standard work, including distance retrieves by Keith Bedford’s FTCh Kayteens Cruise, Laura Hill’s Stauntonvale Fastnet, Leigh Jackson’s FTCh Ellijas Danny and Nathan Laffy’s FTCh Abbotsleigh Emu. The Judges called forward 9 Labradors, 5 black and 4 yellow, for a final drive which in most Championships is a formality, requiring steadiness of nerve in both dog and handler. As no water was available, the Guns positioned themselves in a horseshoe formation beside a small block of pine trees, some 180 yards from the competing dogs and handlers. Dogs, Handlers and Judges benefited from a clear, panoramic view down a steep slope of short grass. A steady flow of pheasants emerged from the wood and these were greeted with accurate shooting, which produced a satisfactory quantity of well distributed retrieves. Dogs were sent in numerical order by Judge, John Castle and the initial dog work was speedy and faultless. Alas, three Handlers were eliminated for picking the wrong bird, switching retrieves and standing over bird respectively. So, the concluding stages of the Championship had, sadly, shown up several weaknesses in the otherwise impressive armour of the partnership of three competitors. The dogs featuring in the awards had each finished their work on nine retrieves.

The Judges were obliged to scrutinise their books in an extremely thorough manner, as the degree of separation between the top ranking dogs was wafer thin, reflecting positively of their three days’ performance. In the end the Judges were unanimous in that the Winner had produced a display of quiet, confident and effective gundog work, as befits his maturity.

The presentation and concluding speeches were undertaken in the bright, Scottish sunshine, against the scenic backdrop of the Borders Hills.

ResultsWinner: Leigh Jackson’s Labrador Dog FTCh Ellijas Danny

2nd: Nathan Laffy’s Labrador Bitch FTCh Abbotsleigh

Emu

3rd: Sandra Halstead’s Labrador Dog

FTCh Drakeshead Vodka

4th: Richard King’s Labrador Dog FTCh Saxaphone

Express of Lincswolds

Diplomas of Merit:• David Latham’s Labrador Dog FTCh Delfleet Neon of

Fendawood

• Billy Steel Jnr.’s Labrador Dog FTCh Leadburn Mist

Cocker Spaniel Championship - continued from front page

With Drumlanrig Castle, the ancient Douglas stronghold and Dumfriesshire seat of the Duke of Buccleuch at its heart, the estate sweeps across awe-inspiring countryside covering 90,000 acres of some of Dumfriesshire’s most dramatic scenery. The Castle was the main focal point for this year’s Championship and indeed it was a great honour to conduct this prestigious event at such a wonderful location.

Sadly, the second day of the Championship had to be postponed at lunchtime following the tragic death of a spectator, who collapsed in the field. Paramedics, nurses and the Scottish Ambulance Service fought for an hour to save the gentleman’s life but to no avail. After discussions involving His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch, Headkeeper Rab Clark, the Championship Judges and senior Kennel Club officials, it was decided to continue with the event on Friday 17 January 2014. We extend our gratitude to His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch and his Estate staff, that despite extensive shooting commitments of their own, a special effort was made to allow us to conclude the Championship.

Increasing numbers of Open Qualifying Cocker stakes are being held these days which accounted for the subsequent increase in entries. The Championship judges, Steve Bolton of Malvern, Worcestershire, Andrew Cunningham of St Andrews in Fife, David Rayner of Somerset, and Steve Russell of Birmingham, had a tough task on their hands because the standard was of the highest order.

The outstanding team of guns

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Headkeeper Rab Clark has been at Queensberry Estate since 2005 and he summed up his thoughts when he said: “All those Cockers had big hearts, really attacking the ground. I think the retrieving has been incredibly good. Some of the ground on the Farm Strip and Gilmour Whalan beats on Day 1 was pretty demanding but those little Cockers were impressive.”

The Guns on Day 1 consisted of Rab Clark, Ray Casey, John Palmer, Bobby Renwick and Billy Steel Junior. On Day 2 Rab shot along with David Lisett, Jon Bailey, Russell Cano and Billy Steel Junior at the Laird’s Rigg beat.

As the Championship progressed, it became obvious that there were a number of serious contenders for the top award. After considerable deliberation, it was clear that the judges didn’t have an outright winner and three dogs were called forward for a run off - Nigel Partiss’ FTCh Brook Furlong of Tiptopjack, handled by Ian Openshaw, Ian English’s Broadmeafarm Beau and Will Clulee’s FTCh Rowston Snooty.

FTCh Brook Furlong of Tiptopjack demonstrated an excellent pattern over both bracken and bramble with drive and determination in the thickest of bramble. She made easy work of two birds that were shot loose from the dog and consolidated her run with a positive find and a long retrieve down a steep bank where the bird lay just short of the fence line in bracken. The judges noted how well this dog delivered its game to hand. Ian English’s Cocker bitch had a lively start with real drive in the laid brashings and fallen trees. A very positive find and multiple flush resulted in a bird being clipped a long way out the other side of a fallen tree which obscured the dog’s view. She had two further nice finds and retrieves, which completed her run. Will Clulee’s FTCh Rowston Snooty is a very well trained dog with plenty of drive and needed little assistance to make good its ground.

She had to withstand a lot of temptation during her run from both a multiple flush and the dog from the other side being asked to retrieve a bird that had fallen very close to Snooty. To loud applause, Nigel Partiss’ six year old cocker bitch, FTCh Brook Furlong of Tiptopjack, was announced the winner.

An elated Nigel told me: “Her pet name is Midge and I knew she was very special right from the word go. She’s a very special Cocker indeed. She has competed in 5 Championships on the trot. Three of her daughters were also competing in this year’s Championship as well.” Winning handler Ian said: “She likes a lot of fuss and always has to be fed first in the kennel. She’s a real character. It’s a great feeling to win the championship. Nigel has supported me through thick and thin.” The winning bitch’s four year old daughter FTCh Tiptopjack Sixpence, handled by Wendy Openshaw, was placed fourth in the Championship and was voted the Guns’ Choice. Sixpence had good ground treatment in brambles. She made a good retrieve on a loose bird and then went on to have a positive find and retrieve on a cock pheasant that was shot well out. She had to contend with lots of stops and starts due to events happening on the other side of the beat.

Championship Judge Steve Bolton said: “This was superb ground with Headkeeper Rab Clark knowing exactly what was required to show the Cockers at their best. The top dogs were a pleasure to watch with ground treatment and drive in abundance. In the run off, with no game being flushed or shot, the placings were awarded on their ground treatment and drive with all being equal in the main body of the stake. The standard of retrieving and delivery was top class from the vast majority of the dogs hence the number of diplomas awarded.”

Results overleaf

Mr G Stubbings’ Cocker Bitch Tiptopjack Swirl Day 2: All the judges. L-R David Rayner, Steve Russell, Steve Bolton & Andrew Cunningham

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FACTFILEThe Jack Windle trophy, awarded annually to 2nd place in the Cocker Spaniel Championship, was presented to the Kennel Club in honour of Mr Windle, by Mr & Mrs Vance Van Laanen in 1994. Mr Windle won the Spaniel Championship in 1957 with his bitch FTCh Jordieland Bunty and continued a successful line under the affix Jordieland. Mr Windle’s daughter Ina Gordon was a welcome spectator at this year’s Cocker Spaniel Championship and was keen to see the trophy. After viewing the trophy Mrs Gordon said, “I am sure it will always be won by a very smart little Cocker.” Well done to Mr English who was the worthy recipient of the trophy at this year’s Championship.

Results:Winner: Mr N Partiss’ FTCh Brook Furlong of Tiptopjack

handled by Mr I Openshaw

2nd: Mr I English’s Broadmeafarm Beau

3rd: Mr W Clulee’s FTCh Rowston Snooty

4th: Mr I Openshaw’s FTCh Tiptopjack Sixpence

handled by Mrs W Openshaw

Diplomas of Merit:• Mr C Colclough’s Chyknell Eagle

• Mr N Gregory’s FTCh Tudorbriar Moonstar

• Miss K Ward’s Glenugie’s Heather of Murrayeden

handled by Mr A Skinner

• Mr R Preest’s FTCh Centrewalk Moonshell

• Mr N Thomas’ FTCh Jess of Misty Valley

• Mr R James’ Rowston Spikey Aderyngi

• Mr B Randall’s FTCh Heolywich Fatty

• Mr N Partiss’ Mallowdale Music of Tiptopjack handled

by Mr I Openshaw

• Mr O Phillips’ FTCh Voodoo Black Widow handled by

Mr N Gregory

• Mr N Partiss’ FTCh Winhocklin Single Star of Tiptopjack

handled by Mr I Openshaw

• Mr J Atkinson’s Naxshivan’s Honesty

• Mr J Davies’ FTCh Nantsannan Calpurnia of Dolbrenin

• Mr I Openshaw’s Chyknell Dove handled by

Mrs W Openshaw

Day 2: Front of Drumlanrig Castle

Day 2: FTCh Voodoo Black Widow Day 2: The run off

Mr J H Windle with FTCh Jordieland Bunty

Mr R James with Rowston Spikey Aderyngi and Judge Dave Rayner

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ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Dunira Estate is set in a valley surrounded by mountains with fantastic scenery; apparently this setting gives the estate its own micro climate and so it did not suffer as much from snow in previous winters, as faced by other areas of Scotland. The Dunira Estate has been owned by the Enggaard family for five years and Doug Stewart has been head gamekeeper for the duration. Prior to this the Estate was used for shooting but on a much smaller scale, hence the Estate is relatively unknown.

Vast amounts of money have been spent on improvements to the property: an extensive road building programme, habitat creation, including many ponds, felled areas and the planting of game cover areas. The Estate also completely refurbished a large barn especially for the Championship’s use as a headquarters and meeting place. Some hard standing for cars was also undertaken by the estate. The Estate gave a commitment to an unlimited bag and also supplied all stops, picking up dogs, and a Scottish piper on the opening and closing days.

The area set aside for the Championship was approximately 200 acres of rough, rolling hills with bracken, rushes and coarse grass. The area had also been randomly planted with a variety of trees (soft and hard wood) which would eventually create a game holding woodland. Three thousand birds were established within this area and it took nine and a half tonnes of food to feed them! The Enggaard family also supplied an additional keeper from their Danish Estate for six months to assist with the increased workload. I think this level of commitment is unique but demonstrates

and highlights the difficulty in sourcing suitable ground which is required to run such a successful Championship, particularly for a three day event.

Clearly a great amount of time, effort and money had been invested in preparation for the Championship and we would like to thank the Enggaard family, along with Doug Stewart and his team for all their hard work and crucial preparation for this prestigious event. Once again, the event was well organised by the Spaniel Club.The judges were Jim Clark, Bill Leonard, Simon Tyers and Gary Veasey. The Guns were Jon Bailey, Richard Claydon, Martin O’Riordan, Matt Armstrong and James Grainger.

Day 1 started with 53 dogs competing and the objective was to see all 53 dogs on that first day. Game was well distributed over the ground with all dogs getting multiple finds and retrieves. The shooting was excellent with game being shot at a sensible range. The nature of the ground meant that the gallery for the most part had an excellent view of the dog work. I had requested that the hunting line be kept as clean as possible so the gallery

Diploma winner: FTCh Cowarnecourt Gaffer of Edgegrove retrieves through the rushes

Report by Malcolm TaylorPhotos by Paul Rawlings

1st Place: Andy Bennett with FTCh Helmsway Heath Phil Gill piped at the event in and out at Dunira Estate

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ResultsWinner: Andy Bennett’s FTCh Helmsway Heath

2nd: Eddie Scott’s FTCh Broomfield Annie

3rd: Richard Wells’ FTCh Dawsonlee Domino

4th: Ian English’s FTCh Helmsway Hope

Diplomas of Merit: • The Duke of Buccleuch’s FTCh Buccleuch Jazz,

handled by David Lisset

• Eddie Scott’s FTCh Broomfield Rosetta

• Ian Openshaw’s FTCh Hollydrive Kurt

• William Edgar’s Int FTCh McGwyn Dealus

• Jim O’Neil’s FTCh Wyndhill Lena

• Peter Avery’s Moonreed Bandit

• Tom Phillips’ FTCh Cowarnecourt Gaffer of Edgegrove

had an uninterrupted view so there was no excuse for people to push forward. Although there was still plenty of time, ground and game, the day was called to a halt with three odd numbered dogs still to see, this was due to an imbalance with the even side as they were well into their second round dogs.

As the judges were so well ahead on the first day it was known that the second day would be a short day as dogs were also needed for the Saturday. Birds were just as plentiful so the day finished at 12 noon. Approximately 30 head of game was shot, 16 dogs were carried into the third day, 3 on the left and 13 on the right.

The third day started just as the first two, with dogs immediately into birds and this continued with all dogs being fully tested. All remaining dogs were seen before lunchtime and two handlers were called forward for a run off for first and second place. Andy Bennett won the run off with his dog FTCh Helmsway Heath, securing the win over Eddie Scott and his bitch FTCh Broomfield Annie who came a respectable second. Approximately 35 head of game were shot, making the total bag approximately 140 head.

3rd place: FTCh Dawsonlee Domino retrieves a wounded bird from a derelict building

Expert Guns: L - R Jon Bailey, Matt Armstrong Richard Claydon, Jim Grainger & Martin O’Riordan

Ian English gained 4th with FTCh Helmsway HopeInt FTCh McGwyn Dealus from Ireland waits for orders

Reference

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Working Gundog CertificateCongratulations to the following handlers and their dogs who have achieved the Working Gundog Certificate.

On Game

Mr Scott Bendikas with English Springer Spaniel Swainsleys Sophina

Mrs Anne Kitching with Flatcoated Retriever Selloana Angels Dream

Mr Oliver Curran with Labrador Retriever Captain Valentine

Mr Shaun Moore with German Wirehaired Pointer Castlegarnstone Coranbong

Miss Vanessa Le Luan with Labrador Retriever Castlegarnstone Cava

Mr Chris Rose with Labrador Retriever Hurstmeon Wild Bill Hockok at Leospring

Mr Richard Hewison with Flatcoated Retriever Kywidde Mally Trevisky From Casblaidd

Mrs Suzi Price with Flatcoated Retriever Casblaidd Queen of the Sky Over Ruppleberry

Mrs Mary Reeve with Golden Retriever Besotted Beeko

Mr Kevin Norfolk with Clumber Spaniel Macgiriaght Milly

Ms Emma Page with Cocker Spaniel Syerswebb Kitty

Mr Graham Constable with Clumber Spaniel Macgiriaght Vindicator

Mr Graham Wallace with English Springer Spaniel Woodlandeave Mathiola

Mr Graham Constable with Clumber Spaniel Sedgehurst Alma

Guidance on the order of sending a dog at Retriever Trials – Amended VersionBy Graham Cox

Clarification has been requested regarding the practice in walked-up Retriever Trials of not sending a dog for a retrieve until all the dogs in line, when the bird was shot, have been tried. Regulation J (B)7.d.(5) is explicit on this matter and, when taken together with Regulation J (B)7.d.(4), it is clear what the order of sending should be.

Regulation J (B) 7.d.(4) begins by stating that “A Judge should be most careful to see that each dog gets its chance in the correct order, starting with the lowest number on the right.” So, a new dog coming into line and being placed on the left hand side of the Judge

would not generally be asked to go first on the next retrieve.

There are two elements to Regulation J (B)7.d.(5). Firstly, it begins by making clear which dog should be sent next when a Judge has tried his dogs behind other dogs and his lowest numbered dog has been successful. It then emphasises that when dogs fail, new dogs should not be called into line until those already in line have been tried.

This principle applies with equal force when we consider driven trials. If all the dogs in a stake are put into the drive at the start, for instance, as soon as the drive is over those not actually under the Judges should put their leads on and return to the Dog Steward. They should then be fed into the line in numerical order as required, but Judges should not call fresh dogs into line until all the dogs already in line have been tried.

Panel Judges – recent changes to the Official Lists

The following judges have been added to the official panels of Field Trial Judges:

Retrievers “A”

Mr Glyn Coupar

Spaniels “A”

Mr M Deacon

Spaniels “B”

Mr Pat Brennan, Mr Gareth Davies, Mr Jeremy Davies,

Mr Paul Mathews, Mr Martyn Ryan, Mr David Wilson, Mr Stephen Winspear.

HPR’s “B”

Mr Lee Loveridge

Pointer & Setter “A”

Mrs Elizabeth Kirk

We regret to report the deaths of “A” Panel Retriever Judge Mr David Brown and “A” Panel Pointer & Setter Judge Mr J C Woodburn.

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Reminder for SecretariesSecretaries are reminded that they can only issue a schedule without judges in exceptional circumstances as highlighted in Regulation J5b(1)(v).

Reminder for Competitors – The Gavosie TrophyFor lady handlers wishing to be considered for the Gavosie Gundog Trophy for the 2014-15 season, please write to the Field Trials Department at the Kennel Club and provide details of awards achieved. All awards achieved by the handler are valid including Certificate of Merit. Results will need to be with the office before 1 August 2014 and should be emailed to gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

Reminder for JudgesAs part of its commitment to improving quality and standards, the Kennel Club has recently updated the Guide for Field Trial Judges. This guide is intended as a useful reference for those embarking on a judging career in Field Trials and to assist established Judges to understand their obligations to Competitors, Field Trial Societies and the Kennel Club. It is important that the information in the guide is read in conjunction with the Kennel Club ‘J’ Regulations.

To download a copy of the guide, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/field-trials-working-gundogs/field-trials-judges/

© Andy Biggar

Permission to hold Field TrialsSocieties wishing to register their views on the following applications should do so in writing, stating reasons for supporting or objecting to the applications by 16th May. The applications will be considered at the Field Trials Sub-Committee on 18th June 2014.

Application

Hampshire Gundog Society

One day Open Cocker Spaniel Stake

Worcestershire Gundog Society

One day Novice Cocker Spaniel Stake

Shropshire Gundog Society

One day Novice Cocker Spaniel Stake

Hungarian Vizsla Society

One day Open AV HPR Stake

Wye Valley Retriever Club

One day All Aged AV Retriever Stake

Permission to hold Show Gundog Working DaysPermission given

The following society has received permission to hold a Show Gundog Working Certificate Day

United Spaniel Association

A Show Gundog Working Certificate Day for Spaniels

© Andy Biggar

Field Trial Societies - Registration of TitleThe Field Trials Sub-Committee has recommended an application for registration of title for the Caledonian Retriever Club.

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Reference

Headkeeper retires from prestigious Championship venueChris Green, Headkeeper at Conholt Estate, Hampshire has recently retired from the role. Chris’ love of working Spaniels has spanned over 30 years and he and his wife Karen own a number of working Springer and Cocker Spaniels. After game-keeping at Crowood, Wiltshire Chris became underkeeper at Conholt, soon after he was made headkeeper, where he remained for 22 years.

A total of five Kennel Club Spaniel Championships have been held at Conholt Estate and for each one Chris created the perfect environment for the dogs, ensuring game was plentiful and that the tough cover was transformed into suitable ground to test that season’s best Spaniels. Championship competitor Jon Bailey stated, “I have been lucky to run in all the Championships Chris has put on and from the first to the last the organisation has been second to none. Chris really knows what is required to produce a top class Championship. We are indebted to Chris and wish him all the best in this retirement.”

Field Trials Diary 2014Pointing Breeds Training Day Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire 13 April 2014

Novice, All Aged & Open Pointer & AV Setter

Gundog Training Day for Novice Handlers

Training Day for Retrievers, Spaniels & HPRs

International Retriever Team Event

Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire

Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire

Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire

Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire

18 - 19 April 2014

28 May 2014

28 May 2014

29 – 30 May 2014

Gundog Working Tests Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire 31 May - 1 June 2014

Field Trials Liaison Council Meeting The Kennel Club, Clarges Street 10 June 2014

Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, Northern Ireland 14 June 2014

Canine Sports Science Seminar The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

8 November 2014

Gundog Training Day for Novice Handlers Evesham, Worcestershire 21 June 2014

Field Trials Secretaries’ Seminar

Gundog Training Day for Novice Handlers Drumlanrig, Dumfriesshire 15 June 2014

Gundog Training Day for Novice Handlers Popes Oak, West Sussex 5 July 2014

Chris Green

Fines imposed by the Field Trials Sub-CommitteeAt its meeting on 12 February 2014, the Field Trials Sub-Committee imposed the following fine:

The Committee considered that a breach of Regulation J7.a. – Entry to a Trial had taken place, and agreed that a fine of £50 should be imposed on Mrs Pillinger, and that the award should be removed.

Field Trials Secretaries’ Seminar Littlebury Hotel, Bicester, Oxfordshire 21 June 2014

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The Kennel Club is pleased to announce exciting new training days for Novice Handlers of any age wishing to progress their training with Retrievers and Spaniels. The best possible ground has been secured with tuition by experienced, well-known Retriever and Spaniel trainers. These days have been organised as an introduction for beginners of any age.

To receive an entry form and for further information:Call: 020 7518 1059 Or Email: cat@thekennelclub.org.ukVisit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/3646

Wednesday 28 May Chatsworth, DerbyshireSunday 15 June Drumlanrig, Dumfriesshire Saturday 21 June Evesham, WorcestershireSaturday 5 JulyPopes Oak, West Sussex

Gundog Training Days for Novice Handlers

All photo credits: Paul Rawlings ©

The Kennel Club is pleased to announce exciting new training days for Novice Handlers of any age wishing to progress their training with Retrievers and Spaniels. The best possible ground has been secured with tuition by experienced, well-known Retriever and Spaniel trainers. These days have been organised as an introduction for beginners of any age.To receive an entry form and for further information:Call: 020 7518 1059 Or Email: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.ukVisit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/3646

Field Trials - A3 Crufts Poster 2014_ec.indd 1 08/04/2014 16:19:39