Open Test at Waterhatch Farm, Winchcombe, 9th May
Open test award winners
The URC Border Counties and Cotswold Area held their first test of 2021 at Waterhatch Farm, Winchcombe on 9th May, by kind permission of landowners Tristan and Edwin Bailey, and keeper Will Whitehouse.
On fabulous ground, Adrian Phillips and Andy Doyle set four challenging tests for the 22 Open dogs, which included a testing water retrieve with a mark on the water, followed by a blind across the water and further up a bank. Dogs were keen to hunt the cover rather than push back up the bank.
Judges Mike Brown and Martin Bagg both enjoyed the day and commented on the high standard and gave high praise for both the super ground provided by our hosts and the incredible effort that had gone into putting the event on by Adrian and Andy, & Working Test Secretary, Jo Horton.
The day ran very smoothly, all competitors respected all the Covid related precautions that were in place, and the sun shone!
Results
1st. Rob Smallman, Lab, Nobsquinton Nettle.
2nd. Paul Green, Lab, Fordbank Oaksey
3rd. Nessa Gilham, Lab, Fletchingly Anndraidh
4th. Adrian Moody, Lab, Bellaroyal Class Act
COM, Jayne Coley, Lab, Mekoro Shot Marker of Waterford
COM, Victoria Pritchard, Golden Retriever, Vamp Jiaogulan.
Rob received the winners Lonelinar Shield and also a trophy for the highest placed Labrador retriever. Victoria also received the trophy for the highest placed Golden Retriever.
Congratulations to everyone in the awards and thank you to all competitors for supporting us. Special thanks go to our wonderful helpers and dummy throwers Louise, Mel, Megan, Natalie, Ethan, David, Alex, Helen and Aileen.
At the water
Headquaters