Today 16th March 2024 Hampshire Gundog Society kicked of their working test season with an Open test at Oaktree Farm Selborne. Our thanks to landowner David Ashcroft who is so very generous with his ground.

We had good weather which was a huge bonus. Our judges were Joy Venturi Rose and Chris Rose who between them did four tests. They set them and judged them and did a fantastic job.

We were initially struggling for helpers but luckily eventually we had enough and what a fabulous job they did. Huge thanks to you all for giving up your time and making the day a success. Your efforts make a working test possible. From dummy throwing, making delicious soup and sausage rolls and stewarding you all did a great job.

Joy and Chris set as usual some clever tests that tested the competitors.

Congratulations to our award winners

1st Mike Fleming with lab bitch Mitforton Nutmeg

2nd Dave England with lab bitch Mitforton Target of Abney

3rd Liz Bridger with lab bitch Troddenmills Filthy Blonde

4th Sarah Burnell with Rossclyde Highland Mist at Rotherburn

COM’s to

Reuben Corbett and Elmertown Blazer at Sussexsharp

Martin Bagg with Packmores Teal

As an aside the winner was only a few months ago very seriously ill and so it was a special win for Mike Fleming today as he came so close to losing his lovely dog, and she never dropped a point either.

Also Liz Bridger sadly lost the very talented mother to her bitch that came third this week so this award could not have been better timed.

Two reminders of how these dogs are so special and such a huge part of us.

Well done everyone. Thank you for supporting HGS and being such jolly competitors.

Karen Wenzel

WTS HGS