On Wednesday 30th November the Vale of York held their All Aged Stake, at Carlton Near Helmsley by the kind permission of Mr Richard Tonks and Nawton Tower Limited. Steward of the beat was Head Keeper Mr Ben Clay. This was a walked up trial over various terrain including bracken, streams and stone walls.
Our judges where Keith Barnes, Gordon Hay, Jennifer Hay, Paul Stogden
After a foggy start to the day, we soon got underway with the first 4 dogs in line. After only a few strides, two birds where down to the left which were successfully picked by dogs 5 and 6 (dogs 1 and 3 were unable to make it to the trial). Then to the right a woodcock was down. This was tried by dogs 2 and 4. Then dog 5 came in to try and picked. Eight dogs went through the second round. Number 8 was sent for a hen pheasant shot over a stone wall and made a tidy job of picking. Number 10 was sent for a runner over a stone wall, which was picked very quickly. We moved on to walk through bracken, another bird down on the right when we lost number 10 after being eye wiped by number 11.
Four dogs where taken through to the 3rd round, each having a successful retrieve, then 11 was tried on a very strong runner but unfortunately did not pick, 6 was tried and picked. At this point the judges where happy and declared the Trial over.
1st Lowforge Philosopher Ralph Thompson
2nd Jaycote Game Brooke Scott Marland
3rd Hawksgarth Carbonado Darren Thompson and Guns Choice
The ground was amazing, with a variety of game from pheasants, partridge, rabbits, woodcock and saw snipe.
We must thank our judges who together with Ben Clay put on an excellent trial. Our helpers and competitors alike for making they day happen.
Afterwards we where all invited back to the shoot lodge were they had very kindly put on amazing spread and held the presentation.
Teresa Middlewood
Field Trial Secretary
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