It was the third time the Retriever Championship had been hosted
by the Parker Family at their Blankney Estate.
The Estate management team had done a fantastic job of preparing
the crops - mustard had been rolled, mixed fodder rape, kale,
sugar beet  – crops that gave every dog an equal chance to
display their talents.

Judges Hugh Paterson, Heather Bradley, John Stubbs and
Janet Webb with Terry Stoddard, the Steward of the Beat,
controlling the line.

Although rain was forecast the trial remained dry.  There was 193
head of game shot over the three days - more than enough to test
the record number of 55 dogs and handlers.   Thirty two dogs were
taken through to the second day, reduced to 12 for the final day,
which concluded with a drive out of ‘Round Wood’.

Overview by Dr Gareth Davies