Novice award winners
Our first Novice and Open tests of 2018 were held at Aston Farm by kind permission of Captain Mark Phillips on 15th April 2018. There was 35 competitors for the Novice and 29 for the Open. The judges were Dave England, Killy Pennell, Morton Redpath and Julia Redpath.
The weather was at times challenging for all concerned...
Four tests were set for the completion for both Novice and Open dogs- they were set to make the most of the beautiful undulating valley.
The first exercise for the Novice dogs consisted of a seen retrieve to shot in the Bluebell wood encompassing various bunkers and followed by a blind in the same area. The Open dogs were sent for a long marked retrieve to shot in a different area of the wood followed by a blind at an angle through challenging undergrowth, with no shot for the Open. The Novice test being judged by Julia and the Open by Morton.
Test two being a two dog walk up comprising of two seen retrieves to shot for each dog. The first was thrown from their own gun and the second requiring them to pick across the valley, the distance for the Open retrieves being extended as appropriate. Despite the steep sided valley terrain most dogs achieved a good level of success. The Novice walked up judging was undertaken by Morton in the morning. Julia testing the Open competitors in the afternoon.
The third challenge was judged by Killy. A blind retrieve was placed along a hedgeline the handler required to send their dog on a diagonal line to a given area to pick, no shot was given to aid the dogs various bunkers causing some competitors problems. The Novice and Open test being set at appropriate distances.
Dave England presided over our fourth tests which were set at the other end of this superb valley. Novice dogs being required to pick two seen retrieves from the bottom of the valley. Each seen to shot and being thrown out by separate dummy throwers. The dummy nearest to the judge to be picked first. A wide variety performances were seen,with some dogs being determined to go for the furthest dummy first,despite action from their handlers. Open dogs in the afternoon were expected to complete two blind retrieves on the far bank in quite close proximity the second dummy being placed in a dippy on the bank. This exercise required a good level of control to achieve the desired result.
The day was organised by Debbie Polley assisted by Aileen Jones. Ian Wilson providing the pre test admin and organising the photography together with checking scores in his usual efficient and helpful manner.
The Novice awards were made by Sue Hood a representative of the estate, prior to an excellent lunch, beautifully prepared by Julie Beattie for the Judges and helpers.
The Open awards were announced after tea and cake again provided by our fabulous caterer.
Peter Phillips and his family kindly appearing to present the prizes and chat to competitors on behalf of Captain Mark Phillips. A gift as a token of our appreciation was given for the use of this stunning venue.
Thanks were then extended to our kind, caring and good humoured judges who received gifts as appropriate.
Appreciation also shown to our fantastic group of helpers-dummy throwers/placers,stewards who are too numerous to mention but the day could not have run so successfully without your efforts.
Thanks are also extended to Debbie's husband Andrew for his help and patience.
Novice Results
| Position | Name | Breed / Sex | Name of Dog |
|---|
| 1st |
Mr H Willmott |
LD |
Stykes Boy Lightening |
| 2nd |
Mrs P Constantine |
LD |
Foxhart Red Rum |
| 3rd |
Mrs K Pinker |
LB |
Olivestone Lady Marmalade |
| 4th |
Mr J Harris |
LB |
Hollowbrook Tweed |
| COM |
Mr T Griffith |
LD |
Roxhard Teddy |
Open award winners
Open Results
| Position | Name | Breed / Sex | Name of Dog |
|---|
| 1st |
Mr K Sprattling |
LD |
Hemingtons Noggin |
| 2nd |
Mr N probert |
LD |
Stauntonvale Buckwheat of Llangynidr |
| 3rd |
Mr R Edwards |
LD |
Lord Rye of Knowle for Lovehayne |
| COM |
Mr A Phillips |
GRD |
Castlemans Soul Man |
| COM |
Mr R Colver |
LD |
Artistryn Ufin |
| COM |
Mr J Cornforth |
LB |
Mucklehart Gracie |
| COM |
Miss E Davis |
LD |
Willowyck Harry |