24/05/2026
The Dukeries held their first Retriever Working Test on the 23rd May at Bretby Park Shoot BKPO Mrs C Macdonald of Sleat and Mr Matt Smith.
The running cards were for both Novice Dog Novice Handler and Novice and we had a good turnout.
As I referred to in the introductions Bretby is one of my most favourite places, the ground is simply vast and stunning with many a challenge for dog and handler. I hope everyone left with a similar feeling and how lucky we are to be given access to these gems of the country.
Our judges for the day were
Tim Brain (A3226) - Test 1 - picking up exercise
Lesley Cooper - Test 2 - walked up exercise
Mark Morton - Test 3 - double mark
Sue Rodgers - Test 4 - water
We are very thankful to them for giving up their time.
The morning was quite cloud covered so the weather helped the dogs, handlers and helpers, but it did get very warm around midday so after 8 retrieves it was decided to call it a day with the best dogs rising to the top….
Results as follows
NDNH
Ist place - Amberginreau Iona Eclipse - Tom Stogden
2nd place - Kenleap Harmony - Louise Barrington-Earp
NOVICE
1st place - Hawkerline Chiquitita At Stauntonvale - Laura Hill
2nd place - Diglake Indigo Girl At Maddistream - Gill Awty
3rd place - Merakibea Cobra - Jez Harris
4th place - Jobeshill Paloma - Carol Barrett
COM - Laxtongate Forrester - Tracy Gilkes
COM - Lowtreys Quen Von Ravenstag - Lissy Hawkins
My final mention is to my helpers for the day.
Cheryl, Paul, Sharon, Pat, Emily, Beth, Sue and Andy.
The day cannot happen without you and you did an amazing job. You are obviously natural tossers as there was not a whisper of a complaint 😄
Dukeries is proud to have surpassed 700 members, even with such a membership, sadly we do still struggle for helpers.
Competitors, please think about how you can give something back and help the officers who are so busy trying to ensure you have a great day.
If numbers of helpers dwindle the likelihood the events will too
Give up one day and see the event in reverse, see and be part of the hard work and graft, but also see the finished result… people going away happy having had a great day out with their dogs and how you were part of making that happen ….
Until next time 👍💪
Jemma Hendley WTS
