WORKING TEST RUN ON FIELD TRIAL LINES - ESCRICK

20TH AUGUST 2023

Today was the clubs last Working Test of 2023 a Walked Up Test run on FT lines, in Sugarbeet by kind permission of Graham Atkinson. The strange weather we’ve been experiencing has certainly made the beet grow, it was thick and tall and the dogs and people had to work very hard to negotiate it.

Thank you to our Judges, Sue Hales-Lowe, Charlie Albone, Victoria Waterfield and Steve Burns, they certainly had their work cut out, the standard of dog work was exceptional.

As always, these events could not run without helpers, thank you to David Jefferies, Alan Bowden and Stuart Bostock for throwing dummies and thank you to John who came to see what it was all about and ended up game bag carrying. 

Thanks also to Sara Pearson for Dog Stewarding, giving me the opportunity to walk in line and shadow judge. 

Once again Hannahs efficient pre test administration meant everything was in place for the day, I hope the handover from Hannah to me on Thursday didn’t have a detrimental effect.

The test ran over a total of 6 retrieves, the last being a run off between the top two dogs with a distraction into the beet and dogs sent for a blind on the edge of the field next to the wood.

The presentation of awards was bitter sweet, it being Alans last Working Test as FT/WT Sec after 10 years at the helm. Alan has made the hard decision not to stand for the role next year. The test at Naburn has always meant a lot to Alan, the ground having been owned by the late John Jewitt a former President of the club, who’s daughter came to present the Naburn Cup donated by her father to the winner.

Sue Hales-Lowe, gave a touching speech thanking Alan for his service to the club, acknowledging how strong the club is now and that his shoes will be very hard to fill.

Alan replied by thanking everyone for their kind words, acknowledging the support of the now strong working committee and saying that through the role with the club he had made many friends and that he would continue to be active in the sport.

The results:

1st Simon Capstick with Gunnerspeg Apollo

2nd John Cardno with Ftch Etomanni Comanche

3rd Simon Capstick with Gunnerspeg Drummer

4th David Houghton with Kenaiteen Marvel

COM Sandra Ellis with Cuckavalda Black Bean

& Victoria Stanley withMinstead Reacher

Congratulations to all in the awards and thank you to all competitors who made it a lovely day. Hope to see you all next year, if not before at our Field Trials