Result of the Novice stake for 14 A.V. Retrievers

On Friday 6^th January 2012 at The Bereleigh Estate

The Arun & Downland Gundog Society held a Novice Stake for 14 Any Variety Retrievers on Friday 6^th January 2012 at The Bereleigh Estate, Hampshire by kind invitation of Bill and Philippa Tyrwhitt-Drake. The mild sunny weather held off most of the day. Scenting conditions were poor despite a stiffening breeze. All dogs stood in line for the first Drive organized by Steward of the Beat Nick Canter, under judges Helena Sully, Keith Broomfield, Gwen Butcher and Gary Vidler. The game, mixed Partridge and Pheasant flew superbly, and Guns shot phenomenally well. Only one dog went out during the Drive, however several dogs were lost in the first round. By the second Drive only six were left in, and these held their ground well into the third round and the final Drive, where birds flew high and fast under looming cloudbank. Three dogs failed to make the grade over long retrieves in rapeseed crop and we finished with a result between the remaining three dogs. The judges decided the standard of experience to be not quite up to awarding a first place and gave a Third to Tom Walsh’s Quarnford Woodcock. Guns’ Choice was decided after lengthy debate and finally given to Wendy Neville’s Solstice Coxford.

Result:

3^rd      Mr Tom Walsh’s yellow Labrador dog Quarnford Woodcock

CoM   Mr Bill Gardiner’s yellow Labrador dog Cacklebury Next in Line

CoM   Mr John Boyle’s Labrador dog Countryways Nightshade