The Norfolk Gundog Club held it’s 138th 15 Dog AV Retriever Novice Stake today (9/12/2019) at Holkham.

The weather was bright with showers the wind was very strong and cold – a lazy Norfolk wind!

It was a privilege for The Club to be able to run our Novice Trial on such a prestigious sporting estate. It is a beautiful estate with a glorious view of the sea! The scent wasn’t brilliant, but the guns shot well which gave us the opportunity to see some fantastic work by young dogs. The walk up in the morning tested the steadiness and heel work of the dogs whilst the drives in the afternoon demanded good marking, natural hunting with good retrieving and delivery.  It was a very enjoyable day with some great competitors who were supportive and sporting. Our thanks must go to The Earl of Leicester for allowing us to use Holkham – Mark Fitzer and his team for ensuring the trial ran smoothly with plenty of game and varied ground to test the dogs. Our Judges – Roger Ketley, Louie Robinson, Jim Collins and Sharon Dingle who stepped in at the last minute as our other judge was unwell. Their fair, consistent and professional judging was appreciated by everyone. Julian Williams and his team of guns for their excellent shooting. We are grateful to Skinners for their continued support of all our Trials and Tests. Allof the unpaid and hardworking helpers who will turn their hand to any job we cannot run a trial without these people.

The result is as follows:

1st Place and The Kenswick Silver Pheasant – Etomanni Comanche - Lab dog 17/10/2017 handled by John Cardno.

2nd Place, The Tom Savage Memorial Trophy and The Presidents Salver for the youngest dog – Stauntonvale Lemon Posset – Lab Bitch 16/04/2018 – handled by Laura Hill.

3rd Place – Jobeshill Ngorongoro Hullabaloo – Lab Bitch 15/03/2017 – handled by Fiona Joint.

The Sundower Trophy for Guns Choice - Bellspaddle Knight – handled by Peter Fulcher.

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