The winner Stauntonvale Hardy, owned and handled by Gary Rodgers.
Guns’ Choice was awarded to: Blackgrass Bluebell, owned and handled by Kim Jinks.
The United Retriever Club held its first trial of the year, a 14 dog Novice Stake, on Saturday 14th September 2024. We were delighted to return to Black Notley Hall in Essex and be hosted by The Black Notley Syndicate, and Keeper Mr Danny Breeze, who have been so very welcoming to URC for many years.
The judges were Mrs Jo Rollinson, Mr Doug Laflin, Mr Arthur Cook and Mr Kelvin Smith. Many thanks to them, and also for their fine shooting throughout the day, grateful thanks go to The Black Notley Guns. Special thanks to Mr Mike Lawrence (our URC Essex Area Chairman and Field Trial Representative), who worked so hard organising the trial in the weeks beforehand. As Keeper Danny said, hosting field trials for URC have been some of his favourite shooting days, and this trial proved to be another day with a great atmosphere, that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended, in whatever capacity.
Members of the URC Essex Area Committee who kindly gave up their time to attend and help on the day were Cathey Elsey, Mari Jackson, Frederick Rice, Lee Harmer and Mick Elsey. Thanks also to URC Parent Body Committee members who helped: Chief Steward Mr Graham Stanley, Jennie Dimmock, Caron Chattwood and Harriet Gordon.
As had been the case for all our visits to Black Notley in recent years, the day was very warm with only a light breeze, and consequently low scent conditions. Danny and his beating team provided well presented birds for the guns, with a steady flow of game throughout two drives over fields of rough grass, thick hedgerows and deep ditches. For dogs and handlers alike, the work was incredibly challenging. Six dogs progressed as far as the third round, but at the conclusion of the trial, only one remained. The results were as follows:
The Palgrave Trophy was awarded to the winner:
Stauntonvale Hardy, owned and handled by Gary Rodgers.
Also awarded to Gary was the Braeduke Cup, for the best yellow in the awards.
The Sulby Cup for Guns’ Choice was awarded to:
Blackgrass Bluebell, owned and handled by Kim Jinks.
Both impressed the judges and Guns with their willingness to go into heavy cover and hunt; natural game finding ability; and good handling. The winner completed a particularly impressive retrieve by picking a wounded bird that was buried deep in rough cover at the foot of a hedge.
The Twilla Trophy for the best retrieve of the day was awarded to:
Flomoor Foxglove, bred, owned and handled by Rachael Pugh-Lewis.
Without hesitation, the dog punched through dense cover of thistles and nettles, hunted a mature hawthorn hedge, and after some considerable time, eventually emerged with the bird and several minor scratches to the face for her trouble. Not only had she eye wiped the preceding dog, but it was an impressive display of determination and excellent game finding ability.
It was a real pleasure for us to watch such good dogs and handlers work (and sometimes battle the conditions) throughout the day. Many congratulations to those in the awards from everyone at URC.