Cocker Spaniel Championship Working Gundog Certificate

The Field TrialsNewsletterSpring 2015

In a year of sustained remembrance a dull sky and chilly wind greeted the 56 dogs, 16 of them bitches, who had qualified for the 2014 IGL Retriever Championship. 3 were Golden Retrievers and, of the Labradors, 34 were black and 19 yellow. 37 had already gained their working titles and 8 had qualified twice over. 8 previous winners were running.

IGL Secretary Philip Wainwright, as Chief Steward, had, in Headkeeper Peter Clayton, a Steward of the Beat seemingly able to ‘knock out’ a few birds almost to order. Teams of stops and beaters, meanwhile, orchestrated a superb flow of game and their contribution was massive. The Judges did everything they could to ensure dogs could show what they were capable of.Continued on page 6

Continued on page 4

The IGL Retriever Championship 2014 held on 1, 2 and 3 December 2014 in The Great Park, Windsor, Berkshire by gracious permission of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Crown Commissioners.Report by Graham Cox

English Springer Spaniel Championship IGL Retriever Championship

Online Entry for Field Trials and Gundog Working Tests

Graham Cox ©

In 2014 the Kennel Club and Fosse Data Systems Ltd launched a new online system for field trial and gundog working test entries and management. The online system has been designed to streamline the process when entering and managing field trials and gundog working tests, and features include secure online entry, automatic draws and online payments by credit or debit card, as well as comprehensive and secure management tools for field trial secretaries.

The system has been designed and

developed by Fosse Data to Kennel Club specifications and reflects the previous paper-based process to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible, with users being presented with a familiar format for the electronic system. For electronic payments, an administration fee will be processed by Fosse Data Systems Ltd for card payments and full payment taken for those competitors who are selected in the draw for a run at a trial or gundog working test.

To find out more about the online system, visit: www.ft.fossedata.co.uk

Record numbers of Cocker Spaniels compete in the 85th ChampionshipReport by John KeanThe 85th Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel

Championship, in association with Eukanuba,

attracted the biggest entry in the history of

this prestigious event. A total of 43 Cockers

qualified for this year’s Championship,

including Her Majesty The Queen’s two year

old Cocker bitch Mallowdale Diamond,

handled by Ian Openshaw. However,

Diamond had to be withdrawn

because she was in season. On the

day, 35 Cocker Spaniels took to the

field.

It is an indisputable fact that Cocker

Spaniels are incredibly popular in

this country and the competition

is becoming tougher each year as

more field trial societies are granted

Kennel Club Open Stake status. A

total of 47 field trial societies are now

recognised by the Kennel Club for the

purpose of qualification to the Cocker Spaniel

Championship. The current standard is equal

to the top teams in the English Premiership

football league!

Continued on pages 4 & 5

Andy Biggar Photography © Winner Ian Openshaw with FTCh Mallowdale Xfactor

Richard King with the 2014 Retriever Champion FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds

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While the 2014 Field Trial Season might be over there is still lots to report on from the last few months. For those secretaries who are still catching up on administration, why not reduce paperwork and time by using the new online system for entries which was launched last year. The Kennel Club Field Trial secretary Nigel Dear has worked closely with Fosse Data to create a system that will alleviate administration time for both competitors and secretaries. For more information about entering Field Trials and Gundog Working Tests online, visit: www.ft.fossedata.co.uk

Once again each of the Championships held in 2014 and 2015 proved to be a resounding success and saw skilled handlers and talented dogs showing the best in gundog work. A big thank you to the hosts, judges, guns and all those who work tirelessly to make these Championships so successful.Despite the mud and drizzly rain, conditions at Harvington Shoot in Worcestershire were ideal for the 85th Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship. The Kennel Club would like to extend its gratitude to hosts Bob and Sandra Byrd, Head Keeper Steve Smith and Gun Captain Ben Randall for their hard work in making this Championship a resounding success, as well as sponsors Eukanuba. A big congratulations goes to Ian Openshaw and his Cocker Spaniel, FTCh Mallowdale Xfactor. Ian secured the top spot on the podium for a second year in a row.

Jon Bailey was celebrating his first Championship win with his English Springer Spaniel, FTCh Rheastmooar Fizzy at Thirlestane Estate, Lauder. Jon also secured a 4th place at the Cocker Spaniel Championship. In December, Richard King and his Retriever FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds took the top spot at the IGL Retriever Championship, in a performance that Graham Cox described as “stylish and splendidly consistent.” The Retriever Championship was held at The Great Park, Windsor, by gracious invitation of Her Majesty the Queen and Crown Commissioners.

Moving forward, Crufts welcomed lots of working gundogs in the Gamekeepers Classes. Handlers and dogs that had obtained the Working Gundog Certificate were also welcomed onto the Dog Activities stand on the Thursday to be presented with their certificate by Paul Rawlings. It is great to see so many people demonstrating competent partnerships with their dogs. There will be more opportunities to qualify for a Working Gundog Certificate at this year’s Chatsworth weekend in May. While we hope you find this edition helpful and informative, we would love to hear from you should you have any suggestions of features that could be included in the newsletter. Email us your ideas to: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

Josephine GosneyEditorEmail: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

Meet the team

Debbie DeucharCanine Activities Manager

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

Nigel DearThe Kennel Club Field Trials Secretary

Kathryn Symns Canine Activities Executive

Vivienne BuckwellWorking Dog Activities Specialist

Tel: 01296 318540 Ext 260Direct line: 020 7518 1059Email: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

A round-up from the Editor

Subscribe to the online version of the Field Trials Newsletter

To receive a copy of the Kennel Club Field Trials newsletter straight to your inbox, sign up today on the Kennel Club website via the following link: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/field-trials-working-gundogs/

/KCworkinggundogs

Kate Broers Working Dog Activities Specialist

Tel: 01296 318540 Ext 330Direct line: 020 7518 1013Email: gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk

Reports and Results

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2014/15 English Springer Spaniel ChampionshipReport by Ben RandallI was very honoured to be asked to judge the 85th English Springer Spaniel Championship which was held at the beautiful Thirlestane Castle Estate, Lauder, Scotland, by kind permission of Eskdale Shooting Services Ltd.

The Spaniel Club’s organisation was first class and made it a real pleasure to be a part of the event. My co-judges William Megaughin, Andrew Cunningham and Graham West are all top Spaniel men which made judging with them very easy. The weather was cold and windy but dry for the first two days, but the third saw strong winds and snow blizzards - the joys of Scotland!

Head Keeper, Gavin Hannam, was a true professional and he and his team had everything planned and ready for us. The ground was spectacular with game sitting tight in the frozen bracken and the guns shooting superbly well over all 3 days.

The standard of dog work was first class, with all dogs a real credit to the breed. We lost some top dogs to missing game which was really upsetting, not only for the handlers but for us as judges.

Some of these dogs were really excellent but with high back winds, rabbits and hens sitting so tight this was always going to happen.

The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th dogs and many of the DOM dogs really performed to the highest of standards and are a credit to the time and dedication the handlers put into the sport. The winner, Jon Bailey, was truly outstanding and his dog just had the real X factor. As soon as he cast it off under Willy and myself our heads turned straight away to each other and we both gave a nod, this is what we had been waiting for! On the final day we had finished on our side and were able to watch the winner’s run under our co-judges, and what a great run it was.

To finish, for me personally it was a great championship and a great honour to judge, especially alongside great co-judges. The event was well run by the Spaniel Club but the biggest thing for me was seeing the standard of spaniels in the UK yet again rising. We are, in my mind, the leading country in the world and the dogs have the whole package to be tested to the highest level.

Full Results

• WINNER - Jon Bailey with b FTCh Rheastmooar Fizzy• 2nd Place - Ian Openshaw with d Int FTCh Hollydrive Theo• 3rd Place - Ian English with b FTCh Helmsway Hope• 4th Place - Ben Watkins with b FTCh Simonside Doris of Laysan

Diploma of Merit:-• Mr J Howden with b Caulliechat Primrose• Mr E J M Smith with b FTCh Nederscot Eirwen• Mr I J T Openshaw with d Int FTCh Hollydrive Kurt• Mr R Allum with b Wrenmarsh Melody• Mr A Bennett with d FTCh Helmsway Henry• Mr B Faley with d Goodspeed Warrior• Mr L Rice with b Int FTCh Sliabh Treasure• Mr A Coutts with d FTCh Wyndhill Brett of Stagsden• Mr E Scott with b FTCh Broomfield Dee• Mr M Huitson with d FTCh Balmuir Skylark• Mr M Armstrong with b Vysjkan Jae• Mr S Morgan with b Bishwell Beebop• Mr D C Templar with b FTCh Brynfedi Adel of Countryways• Mr E J M & Mrs J A Smith with d Murrayeden Apollo of Nederscot Handler: Mr E J M Smith

Winner - FT Ch Rheastmooar Fizzy© Sharon Harding

Winner Jon Bailey with Will Delamore © Sharon Harding

Winner - FT Ch Rheastmooar Fizzy© Sharon Harding

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Record numbers of Cocker Spaniels compete in the 85th Championship – continued...

All roads led to the Harvington Shoot, Byrds Retreat, in Worcestershire for this year’s Championship on January 14/15, by kind permission of Estate owner Mr Bob Byrd and his wife Sonia. The Harvington Shoot is prolific in a number of respects. Established in its present form in 1988, the Estate offers some fine sporting opportunities on its mixture of ancient natural woodland, young hardwood plantations, copses, farmland growing a wide variety of agricultural and horticultural crops and a two mile frontage to the Warwickshire Avon with some fine wetland habitats. Partridge, pheasant and wildfowl are all managed to a high standard to provide some classic sporting opportunities.

Estate owner Bob Byrd has been involved with country sports and pursuits all his life. He believes passionately in the sustainability of country sports and to try to enhance the environment for the benefit of all. From the moment I arrived at Harvington it was self-evident that the Estate owners and staff felt honoured to be hosting the 85th Cocker Championship. An army of helpers from Worcester Gundog Society worked tirelessly to ensure the event would be one to remember for many years. Headkeeper Steve Smith, himself a keen Spaniel man, worked night and day to ensure the Cocker Championship would be a resounding success. This he achieved with flying colours. The game supply was nothing short of phenomenal.

Championship Judge Peter Jones, of Carmarthen in Wales, said: “The ground here at Harvington is magnificent along with the game supply. I thought the Guns shot well in the woodland areas. There was no difference of opinion between the 4 Judges. I thought the dogs were well up to the task. The dogs that were awarded Diplomas, would have won an Open Stake on any other day.”There were dire predictions that the recent bad weather would have a big impact on the Championship. Yes, there was the occasional heavy shower of rain, but the Spaniel people are a tough breed. Over both days we had clear blue skies.

The competition was of such a high standard that the Judges – Peter Jones, Nick Gregory from Wiltshire, David Lisett from Thornhill in Dumfriesshire and Stuart Morgan of Swansea, awarded 13 Diplomas of Merit. The Judges made efficient use of the ground and the overall management of the Championship was impressive.

The team of 5 Guns – Captain Ben Randall, Keith Randall, Derek Lloyd, Gareth Davies and Jeremy Organ – shot

consistently well. At the end of the day, the bag was 81 pheasants, 2 brown hares and 1 woodcock, for 188 shots. Kennel Club Chairman Professor Steve Dean said: “The Harvington Shoot has been a wonderful venue for the Championship and the variety of terrain provided excellent hunting ground for the Cockers.”

In the end, very little separated the top 4 Cockers – Ian Openshaw’s three year old dog FT Ch Mallowdale Xfactor, Eddie Scott’s two year old dog Chyknell Golden Eagle, Mr & Mrs Ian English’s three year old bitch FT Ch Broadmeafarm Beau, and Ms Janet Menzies’ six year old dog FT Ch Gournaycourt Ginger, handled by Jon Bailey.

Championship Judge Nick Gregory explained: “The overall standard was very good which seems to be improving every year with very little between the majority of the dogs. The first four dogs were very close with all of them showing fantastic game finding ability, drive and style with very little guidance needed by the handlers. The winning dog picked two exceptional long retrieves of wounded birds Andy Biggar Photography ©

Andy Biggar Photography ©

Judges from L – R: Mr Peter Jones, Mr David Lisett, Stuart Morgan and Nick Gregory

Mallowdale XFactor Winner of Cocker Championship 2015 competing on Day 2 Andy Biggar Photography ©

Reports and Results

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Cocker with the most points in 2014.Spaniel man Ian Openshaw has, to date, now made up 103 Field Trial Champions, Mallowdale Xfactor being the latest champion.

The increasing popularity in working Cockers could be due to a number of reasons including the improved breeding, trainability, mixing in Royal circles etc. Judge Nick Gregory neatly sums it up this way: “Personally for me and I would imagine anyone else who owns and works Cockers, it is because they are Fun! They seem to be the appealing wild child of the gundog world – or street urchin who would pick your pocket whilst smiling at you! You often hear the quote ‘it’s a Cocker, what do you expect’ when some hideous crime has been committed on a shoot day.”

amongstlive game with no direction from the handler. Both birds had the potential to run but the dog got to the area and picked them before they had the opportunity to do so.

“I speak for myself and my co-Judges when I say that the dog we were looking for was the one who we would most like to take home and walk behind on a shoot day.” Gun’s Choice was awarded to Natalie Cannon from Buckinghamshire. Her 2 year old red bitch FT CH Countryways Alice of Craiwarn had a cracking run on the first day. Demonstrating electric pace, this bitch went through the cover like a bullet.

Interestingly, the Championship winner is sired by the 2006 winner, FT CH Danderw Druid. The 2015 Championship winner is the sire of this year’s runner up, Chyknell Golden Eagle. Eagle also won the Peter Hall Trophy, presented by the Cocker Spaniel Club for the

Full Results

• Winner: Mr I Openshaw with d FTCh Mallowdale Xfactor• 2nd: Mr E Scott with d Chyknell Golden Eagle • 3rd: Mr I English with b FTCh Broadmeafarm Beau • 4th: Ms J Menzies with d FTCh Gournaycourt Ginger handled by Mr J Bailey

Diploma of Merit:-• Mr D Rayner with b FTCh Woodash Quaver • Mr & Mrs O’Neill with b Drumnascamp Abbey of Keredean handled by Mr J Bailey• Mr J McAndrew with b Tynywaun Mint • Mr J R Heely with FTCh b Mallowdale Georgi handled by Mr I Openshaw• Mr R James with d Rowston Spikey Aderyngi • Mr I Wilson with b FTCh Ribbleshead Alex • Mr P Avery with b Langafel Summertime of Deepfleet • Miss K Ward with b FTCh Glenugie’s Heather of Murrayeden handled by Mr A Skinner• Mr R Preest with d FTCh Centrewalk Sweep • Mr A Shotton with b FTCh Rowston Snooty handled by Mr W Clulee• Mr R Preest with b Centrewalk Piccolo • Mr G West with b FTCh Wetlands Spice of Leeglen • Mr A Kirk with b Pinsark Roberta

Andy Biggar Photography ©Andy Biggar Photography ©Mallowdale XFactor Winnier of Cocker Championships 2015

competing on Day 2 General View Cocker Championship 2015

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Keith Bedford and John Stubbs were paired on the left and Jamie Bettinson and Ian Openshaw on the right: though, in truth, the latter was up and down the line like a shuttlecock and his constant communication with Peter Clayton did much to make the trial flow whilst accommodating necessary interruptions. They were able to make nine awards, matching 2010 and 2011 (only Holkham in 2004, with ten, furnished more), and they found their Champion in a dog that has excelled in every sphere.

Richard King’s five year old Yellow Labrador FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds was in the England team at Blenheim Palace in 2011 as a two year old, won the Kennel Club test at Chatsworth earlier this year, was fourth in the Scottish Borders in last year’s Championship and now took the Captain A Glen Kidston Challenge Trophy with nine retrieves which included classic retriever work: not least when, in the third round, he eyewiped two dogs and followed that with the brisk collection of a partridge eighty yards out, disregarding live game which flushed as he powered to his mark. Ian Openshaw confirmed, at the close, that no dog had been absolutely clean over the three days: but Richard King’s yellow had only the merest blemish in an otherwise stylish and splendidly consistent performance.

Sandpit Lodge

Cameron Hart’s beat at the start of the first day presented tufted grass, bracken and mare’s tails. A chilly breeze which gusted occasionally, meanwhile, made for fairly standard conditions. David and Andy Latham were soon together on the left and it was the latter’s FTCh Rimrock

The IGL Retriever Championship 2014 continued

Hurricane who put down an early marker with the fine collection of a woodcock shot earlier which had tucked up in a tree. Taken forward to handle Andy Latham relied on his dog’s gamefinding initiative and his second retrieve of a cock which was moving in the white grass underlined his quality. After a small ‘drive’ Richard King secured an eyewipe with his second retrieve and Laura Hill drew applause with the retrieve of a cock in view of the large gallery.

Her Majesty’s commitment to gundogs and their Championships has been a lifetime one. Her involvement is anything but token and now, as the line moved into topped mustard and into a stronger wind, she joined the line and walked the soggy and holding ground for well over an hour. She saw, at midday, the defending champion make nothing of a bird shot close which would elude four dogs and the judges. Not so fortunate a little later, he joined Phil Highfield and Sarah Gadd in being eyewiped on a live partridge by Derek Hill’s FTCh Stauntonvale Fastnet. Jayne Coley had a good first round, making easy work of an eyewipe and her next retrieve: both long birds in front. On the right Terry Prentice was applauded for a bird which ran through a fence before it could be recovered.

The Judges were making every effort to take birds shot by their own guns, but now the line stood as the ground sloped upwards for a duck drive. Here Billy Steel and Bob Smallman did tidy work and Damien Newman had a good first round as well. Then as the final numbers came into line a bird marked down in a wide depression in the ground above and to the left provided a dramatic climax to the day. Tim Brain with Flypatch Alfa secured a third down eyewipe and the day closed at 2.00 with 37 dogs still required by the Judges.

Graham Cox ©

Graham Cox ©

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4th Place - Andy Latham with FTCh Rimrock Hurricane, takes a bird,

watched by Judge Jamie Bettinson

Terry Prentice, awarded a Diploma of Merit with Hitowngreen Diamond Joe of Findpoint, receives his certificate from Her Majesty The Queen

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Shaws Farm

Peter Clayton’s keepering operation is necessarily a peri-urban one. The flow of game was superb, though, and work into the wind was often impressive. Andy Latham did smart work after a flurry of five shots and Richard King managed to pick a long bird despite another being dropped in the area while he was hunting. Others were not so fortunate. Derek Hill was first on a bird that three more dogs were tried on and the Judges drew a blank as well: as they were to do on each of their many searches.

In fact when, with 29 dogs still left, the line turned to walk a field of stubble turnips with the often blustery wind behind, grief was a frequent visitor. Three previous winners, Mike Tallamy, John Halsted and David Latham, each succumbed to first dog failures despite their dogs doing impressively controlled work. Partridges were up and well out before being shot and, if they moved from the fall, seemed always elusive. Andy Latham was efficient again, though, and Daniel Marx secured an eyewipe on a partridge close behind the line. Richard King picked third down after being taken to the other end and then consolidated with a good mark on a bird 80 yards in front. Work became easier towards the end of the field as the crop thinned and Sandra Halstead, Alan Rees and Terry Prentice did clean work.

The move to Ross Moreland’s Longwalk Beat was onto very different grassy ground with game less regular. There were blocks of tall dried out game crop as well and Sean McGrath with FTCh Waterford Hallmark made light of two unsighted retrieves which could have presented difficulties. Challenges, generally, were less demanding though and dogs succeeded with a minimum of fuss. Andy Latham closed the day at 3.45 with an eyewipe on a partridge lying under a hedge which demanded close ground holding work. With dusk already falling 15 dogs, with five retrieves completed, were required for the final day.

On a final day blessed later in the morning by an autumnal sun and good scent as the air warmed, dogs already prominent confirmed their precedence. A good

sequence of work in the mustard, with Judges quick to help if it became momentarily over tall, culminated in the line standing as Sandpit Pond Wood was driven towards them. Andy Latham and Daniel Marx again did convincing work.

Heronry Bank

The arrival of Her Majesty was the signal for a move into the white grass, bracken and blasted oaks of Heronry Bank. Again FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswold impressed with fast clean work, from the left, on a cock near the line on the right and, later, on a very long partridge. Sean McGrath, meanwhile, quickly found a cock bird which was well out after initially being given a wrong mark. The final drama was surprising, but emphatic. Tim Brain was again presented with the chance of a third down eyewipe which he did not spurn. His eyewipe and final retrieve were each assured and the Judges could close their books.

Graham Cox ©

Reports and Results

Full Results

• Winner - Mr R S King's FTCh SAXAPHONE BROWN ALE of LINCSWOLDS• 2nd Place - Mr S McGrath's FTCh WATERFORD HALLMARK• 3rd Place - Mr T N Brain's FLYPATCH ALFA• 4th Place - Mr A Latham's FTCh RIMROCK HURRICANE

Diploma of Merit• Mr & Mrs D Marx's FTCh LOCKTHORN TARA Handler: Mr D Marx• Mr & Mrs D A Rees's FTCh JOBESHILL RAGNAR of FLYPATCH Handler: Mr D A Rees• Mr T J Prentice's HITOWNGREEN DIAMOND JOE of FINDPOINT • Miss K Cousins's FTCh LEVENGHYL MALUSI• Mr W L Steel's DENBRIG ACE of SPADES

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Richard King with the 2014 Retriever Champion FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds, his hand firmly on the Capt. Glen Kidston Challenge Trophy

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On Dummies

Miss Jill Thompson with Flatcoated Retriever Acestar Mischief Maker

Ms Fiona MacLean with Labrador Retriever Afinmore Azora

On Game

Mrs Mary Trotter with Flatcoated Retriever Downstream Friar Tuck

Mr Josef Honsel with Flatcoated Retriever Percuil Vandervell

Mrs Sally Vowels with Sussex Spaniel ShCh Jubilwell Beast of Bodwin at Vobrook

Miss Katherine Edge with Sussex Spaniel Tawnyka Totally Nutmeg

Mrs Ann Moon with Sussex Spaniel Trevallisse Eye of the Storm

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

English SetterGORTINREAGH EXCEL (IKC)

GORTINREAGH FLYER (IKC)

UPPERWOOD HERA

UPPERWOOD VA VA VOOM

German Longhaired PointerWAMILANGHAAR TASH

German Shorthaired Pointer AYTEE ISADORA

SIGOURNEY SUNBEAM

STUBBLEMERE CAWDOR

German Wirehaired Pointer BIRKEMOSEN’S PETRA AT TRUDVANG (IMPDNK)

Gordon Setter BOYERS SCARLATTI

Retriever (Labrador) FERBURY LANCELOT OF SMITHSTEADS

FLYPATCH ALFA

GARRETHALL QUILL OF BRINDLEBAY

LAMLODGE MATADOR

LEVENGHYL JACANA OF ABBOTTSHALL

LEVENGHYL MALUSI (A.I.)

NEVILLEBRIAR GOLDEN PLOVER

OAKVALLEY BLACK JACK

SHADOWBRAE RIGG

STAUNTONVALE FASTNET

THORNY TIM OF KILNBECK

WATERFORD FEATHERMAN

WATERFORD HALLMARK

WATERFORD HARRIS OF FEATHERFLY

WAYSGREEN BARRACUDA

Spaniel (Cocker)CENTREWALK SWEEP

COUNTRYWAYS ALICE OF CRAIWARN

FFYNONLAS EBONY OF OMACHIE

GLENUGIE’S HEATHER OF MURRAYEDEN

MAESYDDERWEN SCAMP

MALLOWDALE GEORGI

MALLOWDALE XFACTOR

RIBBLESHEAD ALEX

ROLLAFIELDS REDBUD AT NAXSHIVAN

ROWSTON SAMSON

ROWSTON SPIKEY ADERYNGI

TIPTOPJACK TWIRL

WOODASH QUAVER

WRENMARSH SWEET LADY

Spaniel (English Springer) BALMUIR SKYLARK

BARCUDWEN BOUNTY

BRYNFEDI ADEL OF COUNTRYWAYS

CHINACHGOOK GENEROUS

DUNNBRIGG BELLA

FINNO SAM OF ROWANSBOURNE

HELMSWAY HELLRAISER

HOLLYDRIVE SALLY (IKC)

HOLLYDRIVE THEO (IKC)

KILHOPEMOSS MAFIOSO

Spaniel (English Springer) LISGARVAGH VERDE

RHEASTMOOAR FIZZY

ROTHIEVALE MAPLE OF EDGEGROVE

Irish Setter

BALLYDAVID STARJET OF THE KINGDOM (IKC)

COLDCOATS CORBALLY BOY

ERINVALE ICE FLARE

Pointer

GERENSARY CUPID

GERENSARY MINERVA

Retriever (Golden)

HOLWAY CIDER

Retriever (Labrador)

BEILEYS AGUZANNIS OF FENDAWOOD (IMPSVK)

BRANXHOLME BAILEY OF HIGHDUNSCOTT

BROCKWEIR BARLEY

BROCKWEIR FLEURIE

CYNHINFA JOHN

CYNHINFA LABAN ROTHIEVALE MEDLAR OF EDGEGROVE

SIMONSIDE DORIS OF LAYSAN

SLIABH TREASURE

TASCROFT HEATHER OF NITHVALLEY

Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla

KERRIDE HENRY

Field Trial ChampionCongratulations to the following who achieved the prestigious title of Field Trial Champion during the 2014/15 season.

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ReferenceGuidelines for Pointing Tests for Hunt, Point & Retrieve BreedsAn updated version of the Guideline for Pointing Tests is now available on the Kennel Club website. The emphasis of Pointing Tests is on the natural working ability of the dog on open ground, assessing its ground treatment, hunting and pointing. The tests are an evaluation of the potential in a pointing dog. Click here to access the latest version of the document.

The following Regulation amendment came into effect on 1 January 2015.

J 5.e Kennel Club Incident Book

At every event held under Field Trial Regulations a Kennel Club Incident Book must be available. Should an incident occur all details must be recorded within it and a copy must be submitted to the Kennel Club within 14 days.(Insertion underlined)

Regulation Changes

Andy Biggar Photography ©

Reminder for Secretaries

Field Trial Secretaries are reminded that a completed Licence application with appropriate payment must be submitted to the office a minimum of 30 days before the date of the proposed trial. Regulation J5a(1) applies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted in exceptional circumstances.

ObituaryDr Gareth Davies8 July 1939 – 9 December 2014With the death of Dr Gareth Davies the gundog world has lost one of its most assiduous chroniclers and the fourteen Appendices in The Best of the Best: a History of the IGL Retriever Championship1909- 2011 (Pernice Press 2013), which he wrote with Graham Cox, are a fitting tribute to the obsession with accuracy that he brought to the mammoth task of compiling that record.

I first met Gareth in 1991 when, as a civil engineer, he became a colleague and I quickly came to appreciate his loyalty, fairness, and unrelenting passion for everything he turned his hand to, writes Alan Rees. His enthusiasm for working labradors was stoked when I lent him a dog for our picking-up on the Mynachdu Estate and later when I introduced him to a dog called Greenbriar Gail with which he won an Open Qualifying Stake on the Estate.

Further success followed, notably with FTCh Ropehall Star (Breeze) who won two 24 dog Open Stakes, the second an especially emotional occasion because it was at the Carmarthenshire Working Gundog Society’s trial. Breeze was a member of the two successful Welsh teams at the Skinners International in 2003 and 2005, when he was top dog, and he also represented Wales at the CLA Game Fair. More than that, he gained a Diploma of Merit in successive Championships: at Drumlanrig in 2005 and at Great Livermere in 2006.

As an A Panel Judge for Retrievers he judged all over the British Isles and on the continent and, with his background in training supervisors for the Forestry Commission it was hardly surprising that he played a very active part in promoting the Kennel Club’s Judges Education Programme. Indeed, he pursued education throughout his life because, from beginnings in a mining community and work in the collieries of South Wales, he moved into building, engineering and quarry management which he pursued here and abroad. Later, whilst with the Forestry Commission, he gained a PhD as a mature student at Cambridge with a study of the mining communities around Maesteg.

Before dogs took over Gareth had a great love of climbing and, if his ill health had not prevented it, he would have been judging the Irish Retriever Championship in December 2014. The tributes paid by the Irish Kennel Club and by Roger Phillips, who would have been his co-Judge, both before and after that event were testament to his generosity of spirit. Tina, his wife, and family have enormously appreciated the many messages of sympathy they have received and we can only reflect on our sense of loss.

Refe

renc

ePanel Judges – recent changes to the official panels of Field Trial judges The following judges have been added to the official panels of Field Trials Judges:

RETRIEVERS “B”Mr M Allen (2944) Mr K Barnes (3419) Mr S McGrath (3010)Mrs P Williams (2800)Mr G Youngson (2874)

SPANIELS “A”Mrs M Cox (3130) Mr G Devine-Jones (3180)

SPANIELS “B”Mr N J Davie (3481) Mr J Reid (3402)

HPRs “B”Mr N Dear (3263)

POINTERS & SETTERS “A”Mr D Hall (2272)Mrs H Smith (2723)

POINTERS & SETTERS “B”Mrs J Collins-Pitman (3373)Mr B Morris (3014)

A Panel Spaniel judge Mr W Leonard (2461) has retired from judging.

A Panel Retriever judge Dr Gareth Davies (2240) has passed away.

B Panel Retriever Judge Mr V Mitchell (2633) has been removed from the Judges list due to a criminal conviction.

Permission to hold Field TrialsSocieties wishing to register their views on the following application should do so in writing, stating reasons for supporting or objecting to the application by 22nd May 2015.

EXMOOR GUNDOG CLUB One day Novice AV Retriever Stake

The following application was approved at the General Committee meeting on 14 January 2015

HUNGARIAN WIREHAIRED VIZSLA ASSOCIATIONOne day All Aged HPR Stake

Fines imposed by the Field Trials Sub-CommitteeAt its meeting on 11 February 2015, the Field Trials Sub-Committee imposed the following fines:

Mr M Houston - Ulster Irish Red Setter Club – Open (Irish Red Setter) Stake – 13 September 2014

Dog not registered with the Kennel Club (Breach of Regulation J7. – Entries): Fine £50.00 and award removed from dog.

Mr I Flint - Wiltshire Working Gundog Society - Novice AV Spaniel Stake - 1 December 2014

Entered a dog not in his ownership.(Breach of Regulation J7a. – Entries): Fine £50.00 and award removed from dog.

Saturday 9 May Field Trial Secretaries Seminar Bicester, Oxfordshire

Novice Handlers Training day Saturday 27 JuneHy Fly, Lancashire

Wednesday 3 JuneChatsworth Estate, Derbyshire Novice Handlers Training day

Kennel Club Gundog Working Test Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire Thursday 4 June – Sunday 7 June

Field Trials Diary 2015

Novice Handlers Training day Badminton, Gloucestershire Saturday 30 May

Wednesday 29 July & Thursday 30 July

Scottish Game Fair Scone Palace, Perth Friday 3 July - Sunday 5 July

Pointer & Setter Champion Stake

Bollihope Moor, County Durham

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

Monday 2 November 2015

CLA Game Fair Harewood House, Leeds Friday 31 July, Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August

Novice Handlers Training day Popes Oak, West Sussex Saturday 11 July

10

Trust. Care. Excellence.

The Kennel Club and Dick White Referrals

First Aid Certificate for Field Trial Events Saturday 11

th July 2015

Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom, CB8 0UH

The Kennel Club and Dick White Referrals are pleased to be able to introduce a course to be held by Prof. D. White and

collegues on First Aid Certificate for Field Trial events. The aim of the course is to provide participants with the abilities

to administer first aid to gundogs in the field.

The course fee is £40 which includes lunch and refreshments and will be run at Dick White Referrals, Professor White’s

state of the art veterinary surgery. The course will cover the following topics:

Aetiology, Complications and Management

of Common Orthopaedic Injuries

o Joint injuries

� Sprains

� Dislocations

� Fractures

o Nail injuries

o Muscle and tendon injuries

o Long bone and vertebral fractures

Presented By: John HOULTON

MA VetMB DSAO DVR MRCVS Diplomate,ECVS

European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

Specialist in Veterinary Orthopaedics

Aetiology, Complications and Management

of Common soft tissue wounds

o Incisional wounds

o Avulsion wounds

o Penetration wounds

� Bites

� Stick injuries

o Abrasive wounds

o Firearm wounds

o Snake bites

o Boar wounds

Presented By: Prof. Dick WHITE

BVetMed PhD DSAS DVR FRCVS Diplomate,ACVS Diplomate,ECVS

ACVS, European & RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

Specialist in Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery

The Collapsing Dog

o Heat stroke

o Seizures and muscular causes

o Cardiovascular causes

Common eye injuries

o Corneal lacerations / penetration

o Corneal foreign bodies

o Blunt trauma

o Proptosis

o Eyelid lacerations

Presented By: Claudia BUSSE

Dr. med. vet., CertVOphthal, DipECVO

European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Analgesia for First Aiders

o Managing pain

Presented By: Enzo VETTORATO DVM PhD CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS

European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia

Practical Session

o First Aid for fractures.

o Bandaging for common wounds.

o Preventing self-trauma

Presented By: Tessa CROUCHER

FdSc VN cert ECC RVN

Nurse Training Coordinator

Assessment

o 20 multiple choice questions

o Practical bandaging assessment

Presented By: Simon TAPPIN MA VetMB DipECVIM-Ca CertSAM MRCVS

European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine

Specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine

To apply to attend the course please post your contact details and payment cheque made out to Dick White Referrals to:

Dick White Referrals, Station Farm, London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Suffolk, CB8 0UH by Monday 6 July 2015.

http://www.eukanuba.co.uk/index