Retriever Working Test 25th April 2026 - Open, Novice

We are delighted to report that we had our second Dove Valley Gundog Club Working Test for this season today; for Novice & Open dogs - held at Ashmore Brook Farm, Lichfield by kind permission of Mr Richard & Mrs Sarah Bailye

The weather was perfect weather today with temperatures reaching a high of 21degrees. All our competitors showed incredible commitment and sportsmanship – everyone had a fantastic time. We witnessed some great performances and while there were some who didn’t place this time, every competitor gave their best and hopefully took some positives from the day.

We especially want to thank our Working Test team for their time and effort in setting the tests and helping on the day. Many thanks to ALL our volunteers & helpers – you are the backbone of our events and without you, we couldn’t put these Tests on. You were all incredible and it helped the day run smoothly – at Dove Valley we are fortunate to have some extraordinary people. We hope to see you at our next Working Test on 7th June at Bagots Park, Rugeley for our NDNH/Novice and Young Handler .

Thanks to our judges John Yarwood, Sharon Kitson, Jemma Hendleyoo and Shane Gilliver for their perseverance and guidance particularly as we managed some tricky tests today. Your support and enthusiasm is absolutely pivotal to its success.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors, Skinner's, Twicebrewed Twines and ACME Whistles & Sporting Saint without your support & generosity, none of this would have been possible.

After a few late withdrawals the final numbers on the day were Novice (22) and Open (18). We ran the Novice in the morning and the Open in the afternoon.

Last but by no means least, we want to thank all our competitors who took part today, your dedication, hard work and spirit made the day. We hope you all had a great day and look forward to seeing you at a future event.

So - the results were announced as follows.

Novice – 15 entries

1st Bryn Hall Benji of Applebriar – handled by Neil Appleton

2nd Higgscroft Conall - handled by Dan Higgs

3rd Jofless Nerys - handled by Kim Dutton

4th Swanflight Enable - handles by Linda Partridge

COM Laxtongate Forester - handled by Tracy Gilkes

COM Zandawns Home Front - handled by John Eades

OPEN – 18 entries

1st Allmikamores Glorious - handled by Louise Munchaus-Adsoboel

2nd Rowpainter Shylock of Applebriar - handled by Neil Appleton

3rd Mikamores Fahrenheit - handled by Louise Munchaus-Adsoboel