The steward of the beat was Kevin Hughes supervising the walk-ups through fields of stubble turnips or fodder beet, with adjacent deep ditches, and blocks of maize.
Pheasants and partridges flushed regularly giving good shooting to the guns: David Bellamy, Tim Broad, Vincent Wilkinson, Denis McDonnell and David Savory. Phil Wagland and Ronnie Gent judged on the right, with Gaynor Gent and Sue Low on the left.
The weather was fine and dry for both days. The standard was high, the dogs showing excellent marking ability, and handling when necessary. However runners proved harder to pick. 12 dogs were taken through to the second day, longer cross retrieves helping to sort out the dogs.
By early afternoon the result could be declared, with awards for seven dogs. In its 70 years existence the NGRA has gathered a number of special trophies. These were awarded, together with prizes of dog food generously donated by Alpha Feeds, The Food of Champions.
Results:
Open Qualifying Stake for 24 Golden Retrievers at Hy-Fly Game Farm, Preesall, Lancashire by kind invitation of Mr G Holden and NGRA team of guns.
Judges: Mrs Gaynor Gent, Mr Ronnie Gent, Mrs Sue Lowe & Mr Philip Wagland.
1st & The Westhyde Challenge Bowl for the Winner : Miss Judith Evans’ Golden Retriever dog TALLYGOLD MULBERRY.
2nd & The Culzean Cup for the Runner up: Mrs Sally Richardson’s F.T.CH. FRIZELWOOD ODIN OF HARTLEYJEAN. Also the F.T.Ch.Tillwood Theseus of Holywear Trophy for the best marker.
3rd : Miss Kirsty Cousins’ Golden Retriever dog GORTONS BANNATYNE BOY :
4th : Mrs Laurie Pittaway’s Golden Retriever bitch KARNOOSTY FAIRWAY FLYER. Also the Castleshaw Trophy for the Guns’ Choice.
CoM : Mr John Williamson’s Golden Retriever dog
Ir.F.T.CH.NORDENLIGHTS CHEROKEE.
CoM : Mrs Beatrice Loetscher’s Golden Retriever bitch FUNNYLINE FIELDQUEST SHEYENNE.
CoM Mr & Mrs Hay’s golden Retriever dog Vickie Prichard’s Golden Retriever dog SOINNEANTA GORSE OF HOLYWEAR. (Handler Mr Gordon Hay).
Other awards. The Tim Broad Trophy for the best looking dog. : Mr Bruce Ross-Smith’s Golden Retriever dog SILVERDYKE DRAM OF CANBURNE.
The HMS Cambrian Tankard for the best opposite sex : Mr S & Mrs AM Crookes’ Golden Retriever bitch MILLGREEN OPAL OF MOSCARGRANGE.
The Merrymaker Trophy to the breeder of the winner : Mrs Mary Palk.
