The winner Stauntonvale Margay of Rushbrooke, owned and handled by Samantha Morley-Riches.
The URC Open Qualifying Stake for AV Retrievers was held on 26th and 27th September 2024 at Nevill Holt Estate, by kind permission of Mr David Ross.
Our judges were Mr Greig Paterson, Mr Tim Brain, Mr Peter Abbs and Miss Sharon Kitson. Many thanks to them for so generously giving up their time, and for their expertise in managing a superbly run trial, along with Head Keeper and Steward of the Beat, Mr Jim Chattaway.
Our event was supported by a great team of Guns across the two days: Martin Taylor, Phil Parkin, Ben Cosford, Phil Digby, Phil Thomas, Tommy Allen and Paul Ford. A massive thank you to them for shooting so brilliantly for us.
We were well staffed by a slick group of experienced helpers; URC Parent Body Committee, URC Midland Area Committee and Club members too: Caron Chattwood, Stuart Allmark, Nigel Spraggins, Jane Samson, Mark Morton, Rachael Pugh-Lewis, and Simone Barratt. Our Chief Steward was Mrs Jennie Dimmock. Grateful thanks to each of them for giving up their time and assisting the trial to run so efficiently.
Judges and award winners
What a wonderful trial we all enjoyed. Despite the recent atrocious rain, the weather was generally good across both days. Starting off, competitors were faced with tough retrieves walking up through three fields of tall, rough wild bird cover. Eleven dogs went out here. Then the line walked up through fields of rough grass with steep slopes down to hedges, white grass and ditches. Dogs and handlers were really tested. Those watching enjoyed seeing such excellent dogs work, particularly their hunting and game finding in such challenging conditions. Just five dogs survived the first day and went through to the second; and each of them featured in the awards, which were as follows:
The Stourhead Challenge Trophy, The Rank Challenge Trophy and The Ballyfrema Trophy were awarded to the winner:
Stauntonvale Margay of Rushbrooke, owned and handled by Samantha Morley-Riches.
Also awarded to Sam was the Jericho Trophy for Guns’ Choice.
The Lambdale Trophy was awarded to the runner-up:
FTCh Gunnerspeg Apollo; bred, owned and handled by Simon Capstick.
Also awarded to Simon was the Jorrocks Trophy for the Highest Placed Breeder, Owner and Handler.
3rd Drumgoose Olympus, owned and handled by Duane Morley.
Certificates of Merit were awarded to:
Blackgrass Dougal; bred, owned and handled by Leigh Jackson.
FTCh Burrendale Dee, owned and handled by Marlene Edvinsson.
The award winners
Many congratulations to Sam from everyone at URC. This win makes her dog up to FTCh, subject to KC confirmation. Our very best wishes for a successful Championship too. Also, congratulations to everyone in the awards: it was such a pleasure for us to watch all the dogs work so brilliantly over the two days.
The line
Some Competitors