We’ve received a big thank you for sponsoring the Ammerdown Test. Here’s a report of the day with all the results.

Sponsored by CSJ and Working Dog Company

Saturday 13th April 2013 at Ammerdown Estate, Judges: Andy Fisher & Richard Biggs. See more great photos of the day here

Report from Helen Clarke at Copperspring Gundogs

Yet again the Ammerdown Test had another good amount of handlers and dogs, 26 in the novice and 13 in the open.

The novice test used dummies kindly supplied by ‘The Working Dog Company’, which were a refreshing change to the bog standard dummies and certainly tested a few dogs.  The test consisted of a ‘hunt up’ with a blind and a seen retrieve.

The ever increasing popularity of this test brought more new faces along, which was good to see. Then the heavens opened! But even though everyone was drenched by the rain, spirits remained high.

The Open Test used cold game, lovely pheasant cock birds, kindly supplied by Glynn Smith – a different scenario as the test is generally uses pigeons.  The test consisted of a ‘hunt up’ and crossover retrieves followed by a blind.

Results

Novice

1st – Richard Preest with Wonder of Wiltshire at Centrewalk

2^nd – Jo Yates with Fallowhill Fern

3rd – Paul Smith with Warrior of Shortwood

COM – Gill Chapman with Kenmilix Sonia

COM – Andy Faulkner with Samsir Fechan

COM – Robin Sims with Copperspring Landcruiser

COM – Jo Yates with Beanhill Ladybird

COM – Paul Smith with Burnett Lane Bramble

COM – John Dunn with Wild Liquorice

COM – Barry Hayne with Our Del Boy

COM – Kim Barnes with Moonfield Mist

COM – Helen Clarke with Copperspring Purdy

COM – Jim Weetch with Countryways Ambitious Amy

Open

1st – Roger Wooldridge with Gola Storm Star

2nd – Phil Dicks with Centrewalk Roberto

3rd Andy Faulkner with Dancing Freddie

COM Kim Barnes with Dovesflight Elgar

COM Mike Smith with Cwnhelabach Tegwyn

COM Les Jefferies with Kenmileven Moonsilver of Valleykeeper

Thank you from Copperspring Gundogs

A special thank you to all the helpers and here,  to name a few:  Ian & Wayne, Martin, Brian & Ken.

The test isn’t possible without such help, and it is much appreciated by us all, so a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who joined in.

More gundog news on our website

The Welsh Gundog team held a two day selection test on 30th of March and 13th of April, with 24 entries from all over Wales. However, due to the snow, only 17 dogs could run on the 1st day. 13 dogs went through to the 2nd day with their scores carried over from the 1st day. Finally, the top dogs from the two days’ tests were selected to represent Wales. The events have been a huge success and feedback from both competitors and spectators has been  great.

• Huw Jones – Captain
• Vickey Pritchard
• Andy Fisher
• Nigel Probert
• Paul Hobbs

We hear from Alan Rees that training and selection is going very well for this year’s CLA Game Fair, Gundog International, at Ragley Hall on the 20^th 21^st July 2013. Read his latest report here.

Training and selection for this year’s CLA Game Fair

Over the next few months I will be going through the process of selecting the Spaniels and Retrievers team to represent Wales at this year’s CLA Game Fair, Gundog International, at Ragley Hall on 20 ^– 21 July 2013. I am inviting handlers whose dogs have the proven ability to compete successfully at top level. Selection tests will be held at:

DELFRYD

CAPEL SEION

DREFACH

LLANELLI

SA 14 7 BS

RETRIVERS – SATURDAY 4 MAY  2013

SPANIELS – SUNDAY 12 MAY  2013

BOTH DAYS START AT 10.30 a.m.

Dogs will be put through a series of exercises which I feel will simulate what is to be expected at the Game Fair, this will be done under the watchful eye of experienced judges who are used to running and have considerable experience at this level of competition.

I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you have a dog that you feel could be a possible candidate. Also, if you know of any other person with the right calibre of dog who may be an asset to the team

Dogs put forward must be capable of competing at the highest of levels and must have had an award in a field trial, preferably of open standard.

The selection test is by Invitation, anyone wishing to try for the team must apply to a recent team member or myself, my contact details are above. I will rely on past experience of team members, their experience and knowledge when putting forward candidates. Please only put forward dogs and handlers you know to be capable of competing at this highest of levels.

PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THE PRESSURE THAT BOTH DOG AND HANDLER WILL BE UNDER WHEN RUNNING AT THE CLA.

NOTICE TO SPANIEL HANDLERS – Wesley Thomas is an intricate part of this venture. You can contact ‘Wes’ on  07976 775564. He will have all the details and will be able to help you. Or again you can contact  me, Alan Rees here:

01269 841281

 07966 772402

 dsalanrees@gmail.com

Grampian Gundog Club

Working Gundog Test

Sunday 14^th April 2013

The Grampian Gundog Clubs Annual (A.V. Retriever) Gundog Working Test, sponsored by CSJ,  was held at Phones Estate, By Newtonmore, Inverness-shire on Sunday 14^th April 2013.

It was a great day with an excellent range of tests, set up by judges Les McLean, Mike Rolland, John MacColl and Ally Kennedy.  The morning started off with heavy rain that luckily cleared up before the show was underway and turned into a good day.

This year again, we had  an excellent turnout for the event with a total of 87 retrievers competing in the various Stakes. All the handlers appeared to enjoy the event and the feedback from our competitors has been excellent. Here are the results:

Prize Winners and Judges

Puppy 

1st       Glenpatrick                                                     Gordon Smith

2nd      Harperig Rose                                                 Charles Court

3rd       Glasgreen Tawny Owl                                    Clare Hotchin

 Novice

1st       Rimouski Ross of Braalcastle                         Stan Payne

2nd      Gentlemens Diva                                           Leo Macari

3rd       Sadie Green Shadow                                       Heather Mercer

Open

1st       Rimouski Caley Oakstan                                Stan Payne

2nd      Cymhin fa Hazel                                             Charles Court

3rd       Laddie o’ The Mill                                          Richard Swift