The Flatcoated Retriever Society held its 180th Breed Only Open Trial on Monday 13th November 2023 on The AmptonEstate near Bury St Edmund by kind permission of Mr Peter Rushbrook and the Head Keeper Mr Alan Hammond.
Our Judges for the day were Mr P Garton, Mr P Allen, Mr R Beckerleg and Mr G Stanley who kindly stood in at the last minute for Mr P Askew who had been admitted to hospital that morning.
A card of ten dogs including two from Sweden began walking up in mustard over sown in regrowth stubble with a very strong following wind. The game, partridge and pheasant came readily but proved testing shots on the wind. A combination of conditions, including a ferocious storm on the gale force wind, and runners saw the card diminish, largely proving the necessity of training in all weathers and types of cover. Finally No 11, Gary Ellison handling OllersettShimmering Nymph came into line. A smart eye wipe on a first round bird saw off the remaining dogs leaving Gary to continue alone for two more retrieves until finally being defeated by an unsighted bird in a dense patch of the cover.At this point the Judges declared the Trial over with the only award, that of Guns Choice, being presented to Garry Ellison.
The thanks of The Society go to the Judges who gave of their time and expertise so generously, to The Guns, to everyone at Ampton, to those who kindly gave their time to help on the day and to Skinners Dog Food for their continued support of all things Gundog.
Hon Field Trial Secretary
Jane Manley