2017/11/13 – 16 Dog Novice ENgish Springer Spaniel Stake

16 Dog Novice ENgish Springer Spaniel Stake on 13th November 2017 at Ditchingham Hall, Bungay, Suffolk by kind permission of Earl & Countess Ferrers and Headkeeper Nick Clitheroe

Judges: Chris Thurston-Woolnough (A2015) and Arthur McGregor (NP)

The Utility Gundog Society held it’s first Spaniel Trial of the 2017/18 season, a Novice Springer Stake for 16 dogs at Ditchingham Hall, Suffolk by very kind permission of the Earl & Countess Ferrers and Headkeeper Nick Clitheroe. We were delighted to be invited to this beautiful Estate, the first time a Spaniel trial has been held in it’s grounds. The Woodland is perfect for Spaniels and the team of Guns supplied by the Keeper were excellent. A mixed bag of Woodcock, Pheasant, Hare and Partridge tested the novice dogs with a few going by the wayside on the Woodcock especially. The Judges, Chris Thurston-Woolnough and Arthur McGregor were fair and especially helpful with some very nervous novice handlers. They were in perfect agreement and were able to award places without a run-off. This is the first win for Kevin Doughty (who is an A Panel Retriever Judge!!) in a Spaniel Trial and he was delighted.

Thank you very much to my band of helpers and to Nick & Trish who all made my day easy. Also to Kronch and Sporting Saint for their continued sponsorship — Julia

Results