The 2017 IGL Retriever Championship
What a wonderful few days we have had spectating at the IGL Retriever Championships, held at Hy-Fly Game Hatcheries in Poulton le Fylde, Lancashire on Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December 2017. We were there to show our support to Mark Demaine, who we proudly sponsor, who both qualified for this prestigious event. The judges were Allan Schofield, Roddy Frobes, Judy Rainey and Sara Gadd. The event sponsors included Skinners and Gundog Gear.
A total of 59 dogs qualified to run in the championship. These included 19 bitches and 50 dogs; two Golden Retrievers and 57 Labradors. Kevin Hughes, who is Head Keeper and Steward of the Beat, along with his team of beaters and stops, produced excellent birds and Raymond Holden, along with his team of guns, were accurate and impressed with their shooting. The judges were Allan Schofield, Roddy Forbes, Judy Rainey and Sara Gadd.
Day one was held in a large fodder beet field, with the first bird being shot at 9am and the final bird to be picked was a white pheasant as the light was fading. A total of 40 dogs were asked to return for the second day.
The second day of the championship was walked up through stubble and fodder beet, mixed with mini drives. The judges took 13 dogs through to the final day.
Mark had a fantastic few days and made it through to the third day of the championship. This was held in the large fodder beet field and walked up in a similar way to day one. Just five dogs and handlers were asked to move over to another area for the final drive. All five dogs picked their two retrieves, giving them a total of 10 over the three days.
We are extremely pleased to report that Mark Demaine, who we proudly sponsor, took 3rd place in the championship with FTCH Leacaz Ricky of Caytonfell (Riley). We are delighted for Mark and Riley who really are a fantastic team and thoroughly deserved it after an incredible display over the three days. Full results listed below.
Full Results:
The new IGL Champion is FTCH Buccleuch Xena owned by the Duke of Buccleuch handled by Mr David Lisett
2nd Place FTCH Kestrelway Freddie owned by Sandra Onens handled by Norman Onens
3rd place FTCH Leacaz Ricky Of Caytonfell owned and handled by Mr Mark Demaine
Diplomas of Merit to:
FTCH Brocklebank Navigator of Chatsworth owned by The Dutchess of Devonshire and handled by Mr John Halsted
Diglake Charlie owned and handled by Mr Steve Newitt
