VALE OF YORK WORKING RETRIEVER CLUB (KC 2263)
NOVICE & OPEN GUNDOG WORKING TESTS FOR A/V RETRIEVER
SUNDAY, 5 MAY 2024 AT WYKEHAM ESTATE, NR SCARBOROUGH
By kind permission of The Viscount Downe
The sun welcomed all to the most magnificent ground that formed part of Wykeham Estate where the VYWRC we able to hold their Novice and Open tests by the very kind permission of the Viscount Downe.
Our Judges for the day were Glyn Coupar, Stewart North, Eden Parish and Steve Burns.
We kicked off the day with the Novice Test. The incredible varied landscape allowed the judges to devise 4 – quite frankly – brilliant tests which comprised of rough ground, lush long grass, streams, stone walls, bracken, woodland, dales - just about everything one could imagine. All the tests proved challenging in different ways, and I think all competitors appreciated the technicality of each one and for those in the awards, great satisfaction.
Massive well done and very well deserved to all in the awards which were as follows:
1st Newwood Rosefinch handled by Sol Pullen
2nd Osulf Riley handled by Nick Massingham
3rd Willodeep Stan handled by David Houghton
4th Midgewater Golden Rod handled by Elizabeth Bramley
COM Dallagill Woodlark handled by Jane Duffy
COM Little Evie Girl handled by Andy Rhodes
The Open commenced in the afternoon and was more of the same technical tests only pushing dogs and handlers to a far higher level – that along with the scent in the afternoon becoming allusive in places – the dogs’ noses were really tested.
The Open was a very close-run thing and we ended the day having a run off for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places. The handlers had to hold their nerve and the awards were as follows:
1st Hayabank Connie handled by Jane Bell
2nd Luddesdowne Isla handled by Paul Dukes
3rd Maplecrest Nero handled by Charlotte Brown
4th Labdom Quinn handled by Jason Barnes
COM Riverview Farm Dr Pepper handled by Paul Dukes
Massive thanks to our Judges – Glyn, Stewart, Eden and Steve - for giving their time so freely and expertly – you were brilliant.
I was blown away by the help we received from dummy throwers, placers and stewards. Most helping were either running in the morning or afternoon’s test – THANK YOU SO MUCH - we really cannot do it without you.
Finally, thanks to our sponsors – Skinners Pet Foods Ltd – it is greatly appreciated.
Whilst it was a long day there was a really good feel to the day, the sun shone – hooray – and I hope all that attended enjoyed it and came away with positivity and an idea of what needed to be addressed – I certainly did!
Wykeham really is a gem of a spot and the Club feel privileged to have been allowed the use of the ground – huge thanks to the Viscount Downe, James Stephenson and David Steel.
VYWRC’s next test to be held at Busk Hill Farm, Westow on Sunday, 26 May 2024 – hope we see you there.
Lucy Eggleston
Working Test Secretary
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