VETERAN Pat Bell, Janet Allsop, Simon Tucker, Cherry Wood, Marlene Dobson, Brian Holmes, Anne Crookes, Ray Read.
The United Retriever Club (North Midland Area) held a Cold Game Test on 16th June 2013 at Carlton Towers by permission of the estate. The judges were Brian Holmes, Simon Tucker and Cherry Wood. A supply of pigeons and other game meant the dogs could be thoroughly tested on cold game. The tests were based on natural shooting situations. The weather was dry and not too hot for good dog work. There were 10 entries for the Veteran test, and 34 for the Intermediate/Novice section, with Labradors, Goldens and Flatcoated Retrievers competing.
In the morning there were three retrieves, one under each judge. Brian judged a mark in long grass. Another mark was judged by Simon, but this time handlers were warned not to pick a diversionary bird lying the other side of the gun. Meanwhile Cherry set a picking up test, with handlers opting to send for one of two birds down, one near a hedge and the other in tall cover. Many succeeded on all three retrieves, but only a few dogs scored highly throughout.
After lunch Cherry and Simon conducted a walk-up in a meadow of tall grass with buttercups. Four dogs in line were tested for heeling and steadiness and given a diagonal mark in front in their turn. Brian had planned a novel and interesting test. A shot saluted a blind. Handlers were told a rabbit had been shot a short distance away and run a short way into cover alongside a hedge. The best dogs found the rabbit independently by acknowledging the scent established by a drag. Others found only by relying on heir handlers. Many ran past the fall at speed expecting a much longer retrieve.
The afternoon tests greatly helped to discriminate amongst the dogs, though some run-offs were still required to fine tune the places. Three Retriever breeds featured in the awards. The prizes and dog food donated by Alpha were presented by the Head Keeper David Gay.
Veteran
| Position | Name | Breed/sex | Handler |
|---|
1st
|
Blackharn Duffy of Anstonstones (8yo) |
LR B |
Janet Allsop |
| 2nd |
not awarded. |
|
|
| 3rd |
Delta’s Night (8) |
LR B |
Marlene Dobson |
4th
|
Dark Samurai of Pallingforth (8) |
FCR D |
Pat Bell |
| COM |
Wydcombe Daniel of Moscargrange (11) |
GR D |
Anne Crookes |
| COM |
My Bashful Lady (8) |
LR B |
Terry Dobson |
| COM |
Hesketh Bank Holly (11) |
LR B |
Ray Reed |
Intermediate/Novice
NTERMEDIATE/Novice Alan Richardson, Anna Wagland, Mandy Minshall, Simon Tucker, Anne Crookes, Cherry Wood, Brian Holmes, Phil Wagland, Daryl Boarder, Shaun Eadson, Paul Birkbeck
| Position | Name | Breed/sex | Handler |
|---|
1st
|
Moscargrange Brisk |
GR B |
Anne Crookes |
| 2nd |
Pebbletoft Pepper |
GR D |
Phil Wagland |
| 3rd |
Hoarfrost Hollyhock |
LR B |
Daryl Boarder |
4th
|
Burlington Bert of Belvedere |
LR D |
Amanda Minshall |
| COM |
Pebbletoft Primrose |
GR B |
Anna Wagland |
| COM |
Gortons Roaring Thunder |
GR D |
Alan Richardson |
| COM |
Warrenbank Fen |
LR D |
Paul Birkbeck |
| COM |
Lowsommer Dark Sika |
LR D |
Shaun Eadson |
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