England win again

The Skinner's World Cup Retriever Event 2011 took place Sunday 29th & Monday 30th May at Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire.

A total of 13 teams competed for the coveted title which was, unbeknown to the teams, a very close finish. After the ten tests had been completed, each Team Captain selected one dog and handler for a final run-off. At this stage England were in the lead by just one point in front of Wales. When we saw Mark Demaine with Calderhey Adder complete a perfect retrieve, we knew that England could not be beaten. If Wales also scored a perfect 20, they would still be one point behind in second position. 

Despite cold pouring rain, the final results were announced in the main ring with all teams parading around with their dogs to excited cheers and support from the onlooking crowd of spectators. President of Countryman Fairs, Mr Tony Scutt, presented the trophies to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners and to the handler of the Highest Placed Dog along with Skinner's Managing Director, Greg Panter.

The winners were:



1st ENGLAND
2nd WALES
3rd HOLLAND

Highest Placed Dog Tasco Swift of Lockthorn handled by Daniel Marx, Switzerland (Team Captain).

For more pictures of the event taken by Mark Ridley from TSI Photography please click here.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the teams who competed to make this year's Event such a success. We would also like to thank our 5 international judges: Peter Bates, Stefaan Bollen, Stefania Gandolfi, Mike Jennings and Roy Tomlinson who judged each dog and handler fairly and consistently throughout the numerous working tests. Never an easy job!

Thank you to our test organisers: John Birkett, Rupert Hill, Peter Castleman and Barry Taylor for setting such challenging working tests.

We are indebted to the Kintbury Gundog Club whose members again volunteered to throw dummies, fire shots and steward the tests - some of them for the first time.

Results are now available to download:

FINAL SCORES 2011 (Teams)
FINAL SCORES 2011 (Individuals)