No mountain too high for top springer Heidi

A total of 64 dogs took part in the 90th AV spaniel championship and the stunning setting made it a day to remember, says Ellena Swift

- S.Farnsworth

Held at Blenheim Palace, by kind permission of the Duke of Malborough, this year’s Kennel Club Any Variety (excluding cocker) Spaniel Championship, was a tremendous test of dog work and a display of some very fine shooting.

Handled calmly, clearly and efficiently by Scott Dixon, FTch Mountvue Heidi took home the top prize for her owner Ian Openshaw. Heidi showed masses of natural game-finding ability and on all of her retrieves demonstrated how well she could mark game.

No matter what task was thrown at her, the three-year-old English springer made it look easy. “Heidi was a field trial champion at 18 months old and we always felt it was her destiny to win this championship,” said Ian. “She’s able to face any type of cover and in brambles she’s the best hunting dog I have ever owned.”

Challenges

Though at times hard going, the ground was perfect for spaniels, offering a huge variety of challenges and ample game. Sixty-six dogs had qualified for this prestigious event, sponsored again by Skinner’s Field & Trial dog food. When it came to the three-day competition, two dogs were withdrawn, leaving 64 to be assessed by the four experienced and knowledgeable judges.

Martin Ford, who also judged at this year’s Cocker Spaniel Championship (Shooting Times, 22 January), boasts a wealth of experience. He was elected for the A-panel in 2002 and has now judged all over the UK. Peter Avery is not only an A-panel judge for spaniels but also a B-panel judge for retrievers. He is committed to ensuring that spaniel trialling remains as close to a normal day’s rough shooting as possible.