Award winners and judges
Novice Stake, Black Notley Hall, Essex
The first URC Novice trial of the season was held on Saturday, 11th September at Black Notley Hall, Essex by kind permission of the Notley Hall Shoot.
Steward of the Beat was Danny Breeze; the judges were Jim Collins, Peter Fulcher, Lee Hayman and Roy Tomlinson.
The first two rounds followed a busy partridge drive over long grass and hedgerow cover. Weather conditions were not ideal: early morning cloud cover soon evaporated away to leave a very warm day with the lightest of winds. Therefore, both dogs and handlers were well tested in their abilities to hold an area and hunt game in low scent conditions. A further drive took place for the third and final rounds, with four dogs progressing through. Again, testing conditions meant that the best dogs remained at the end of the trial and were placed in the awards:
The Taurgo Quaich for 1st place; The Sulby Cup for Guns’ Choice; and The Twilla Trophy for Best Retrieve to Shane King with Mekoro Fast Pursuit
2nd - Karen Vere-Hodge with Balbirnie Morgan
COM - Casper Jonsen with Jogolo Echo at Gypsy Bridge
Congratulations to all in the awards - particularly Shane King, a worthy winner!
Many thanks to our hosts for their warm welcome and providing a wonderful shoot day for the trial. And thanks also to members of the Essex Committee for their hard work in organising the day both beforehand, and such busy and efficient helpers on the trial day too.