Results Open Walked Up Retriever Trial 6th December at Seaton Shoot, Axmouth

Today, Saturday 6th Dec 25, we held our walked up Open Trial at the fabulous Seaton Shoot near Axmouth. Thank you to the Head Keeper, Ben Nicholls for giving us permission to hold our trial at this challenging ground and to  Keeper Liam Hartnell for running the line. We were lucky with the weather, only encountering a few rain showers in the morning, which did not dampen spirits.

The day started in a small wooded plantation before moving into the cover crop. The superb team of guns lead by Kevin Phillips kept a steady flow of birds, which the dogs and handlers made the most of.

Our Judges were Mr Robert Atkinson, Mrs Judy Rainey, Mrs Sara Chichester and Mr Ken Green, providing a wealth of experience and good humour which added to the positive friendly atmosphere. With 7 dogs still in, Trial Over was finally called and we retreated to the Beaters Hut for hot food and a cup of tea.

I would like to thank the wonderful team of helpers, Clare, Harriet, Jill, Zena and Ute, you are much appreciated.

The results were as follows;

1^st place – Witchambrook Thatcher    Lab Dog     Shane King

2^nd Place – Elkshead Skye of Heatherbound  GR Bitch   Lanes Gould

also winning the Milheath Trophy for Guns Choice and the Chris Damon Trophy for Keepers Choice.

3^rd place -  FtCh. Mekoro Shot Marker of Waterford  Lab Dog   Jane Coley

COM  Blackgrass Bora  Lab Bitch   Leigh Jackson

COM  Nobsquinton Teasel of Croftferry  Lab Bitch  Steve Prosser

COM Mitforton Vava Voom  Lab Dog   Louie Robertson.

Congratulations to all the award winners.

We would like to thank Skinners Dog Food and Gamekeepers Goods for their continued valued support.

Jackie Davis - Retriever Field Trial Secretary, Wiltshire Working Gundog Society