We were lucky that the weather stayed dry, albeit not very warm, with some sunshine and a breeze most of the day, conditions which were ideal for the dogs.

In the morning, the three Veterans and nineteen Intermediates completed four tests, including a pick up, water test, blind and a double mark. The double mark proved tricky with only one dog achieving full marks and 4 dogs failing.  After lunch all the Veterans and top 5 Intermediates took part in a walk up, which finished in good time to allow the awards to be presented by 4.00pm.

Judges and award winners at the Veteran and Intermediate test

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Photo by kind permission of Sharon Rogers

Click on http://www.pbase.com/woodmist/urc_18_05_2008   to visit her site

The winner prepares for the run off watched by judges Annie Wales and Frank Wright

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We were delighted to be able to hold our Novice Test in the wonderful surroundings of Lydney Park., thanks to our host Lord Bledisloe and the Head Keeper Josh Theobold.   The day was generally fine with only one short sharp shower at lunch time.  The only people who got wet were the organizers and judges - all the competitors were able to hop into their cars for shelter.

The tests proved challenging for some of the 30 runners, especially a double mark, judged by Hilary Smith, as inexperienced dogs and handlers found it difficult to cope with the first retrieve which landed on the far side of a track.  Frank Wright judged a single mark  with the dogs having to pass through cover to achieve success.  Meanwhile Annie Wales judged a blind just off one side of a track into bracken, here handling skills were of the essence. A walk up with four dogs in line, a pick up in a reed bed and a double consisting of a blind and a mark completed the day.  Both first and second had run consistently well throughout the day and at the end a run off was needed to separate them.

Mary Valentine made an excellent job of organizing a very successful day.  The judges were friendly and put nervous competitors at their ease, they were ably assisted by an excellent team of dummy throwers and stewards.  The catering team was first class, providing a tasty lunch and tea and cakes at the end of the day. 

The Open Test Award winners photos by kind permission of Blairshots

please visit www.blairshots.co.uk

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Judges - Annie Wales, Basil Smith and Mike Brown

Award winners of the Special Puppy & Puppy

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The Puppy, Special Puppy and Novice Dog/Novice Handler Tests were held at Glewstone by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Andrew Jackson and judged very sympathetically by Tony Griffiths and Johnnie Morris. The forecast had been for rain but the rain held off most of the day, so handlers were not battling the elements. There were 4 tests organised for each class of dog, the Puppies and Special Puppies were run in the morning with the Novice Dog/Novice Handlers being run after lunch. The tests were designed to test all aspects of the requirements for retrievers, hunting, heelwork, marking, retrieving from water and steadiness. At the end of the 4 tests the 3 top Puppies had to be run off to determine the first 3 places. No run off was required for the Special Puppies.

Award winners of the Novice Dog/Novice Handler

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After lunch we ran a further 4 tests for the Novice Dog/Novice Handlers. Again the exercises were designed to test most of the requirements for a good retriever. Some of the handlers were a little nervous and guidance was provided, if required, by the judges. At the end of the 4 tests no run off was needed,  the Flatcoated Retriever was a clear winner.

Puppy at Glewstone