Stauntonvale Gundogs

The 89th Retriever Championship 2011

Held at Nevill Holt Estate, Leicestershire, Monday 5th - Wednesday 7th December 2011, by kind invitation of Mr David Ross

Judges: Mrs J Coley (1850), Mr A C M Rountree (116), Mr R D Phillips (107), Mr W G Steel (128)

Results:
Champion: Kaliture Black Spruce Owner/Handler Mr K Broomfield

2nd: F.T.Ch Cherwood Ace of Spades Owner Mrs C Finlan. Handler Mr J W Halsted
3rd: Fernshot Optimist of Driftway Owner/Handler Mrs S Rowe
4th: F.T.Ch. Braidenvale Spinnaker Owner/Handler Mrs L Partridge

Diploma of Merits:
F.T.Ch Emmanygan Rocket of Chatsworth Owner Lady Celina Carter. Handler Mr J W Halsted
F.T.Ch. Whitesmiths Widgeon Owner/Handler Mr J M Bettinson
F.T.Ch. Jagdens Gander Owner/Handler Mrs T Lawrence
F.T.Ch. Adoraden Izzy of Greenbriar Owner/Handler Mrs C Clarke
Tweedshot Thistle of LevenghylOwner/Handler Mrs P Williams

This years IGL Retriever Championship was tinged with sadness for Laura, who qualified Jobeshill Lotta of Stauntonvale (Bea). Sadly, Laura had to withdraw as Bea was injured earlier in the season and still needed time to recover.

It was the first time that the Retriever Championship had come to Neville Holt, Leicestershire, a fairly local ground. There were only 44 dogs competing this year, a big reduction from the 58 of last year.

Head Keeper, Jim Chattaway, did a great job of producing some lovely birds on the first day, and there was some superb shooting. The dogs walked in line, mainly in mixed fodder rape, beet and white grass. The weather was clear and sunny for the first two days, but very cold, with a biting wind.

Unfortunately, scenting conditions were poor at times for the dogs, and several dogs went out in the first round. 27 dogs were taken through to the second day, which started on drill and then moved into sugar beet.

The final day started with 16 dogs, which had more challenging retrieves, and 9 dogs were then taken through to the final drive.