As summer moves into early autumn the field trialling season is fast approaching. The sport demands an all-round performance of the dog and handler which means team work, enthusiasm and consistency are some of the key elements for success. There’s no doubt those involved in trialling have a passion for the sport but having a passion and turning it into winning points are two wholly separate things. I was able to catch up with BASC at the Game Fair 2018 and meet some of the Tower Bird Trophy award winners who have gained the highest amount of points in the field trialing season for 2017-18.
Winner of the Labrador Retriever Section...
BASC Chief Executor Ian Bell was delighted to present the Tower Bird Trophies at the Game Fair. “It’s a great honour to meet and present these awards to handlers who are at the top of their game and the very best in the country.”
Sarah Miles was thrilled to win with her Labrador Retriever Hawksrigg Balgaire of Meonvalley, field name Finlay. “Finlay’s enthusiasm is phenomenal. He’s very honest and has a natural ability. He steps up every time he’s in a trial and he won his first novice at 11months. Finlay has been placed at every field trial he’s been in and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.” The winners also received an engraved cut glass tumbler which had a picture of the winning dog etched onto it. “I wasn’t expecting to see Finlay’s face on the glass - An extra special touch which means a lot.”
BASC Chief Executor Ian Bell was delighted to present the Tower Bird Trophies at the Game Fair. “It’s a great honour to meet and present these awards to handlers who are at the top of their game and the very best in the country.”
Sarah Miles was thrilled to win with her Labrador Retriever Hawksrigg Balgaire of Meonvalley, field name Finlay. “Finlay’s enthusiasm is phenomenal. He’s very honest and has a natural ability. He steps up every time he’s in a trial and he won his first novice at 11months. Finlay has been placed at every field trial he’s been in and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.” The winners also received an engraved cut glass tumbler which had a picture of the winning dog etched onto it. “I wasn’t expecting to see Finlay’s face on the glass - An extra special touch which means a lot.”
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation offers four national trophies for Gundog Field Trials, named in the memory of the late Noel M (Tim) Sedgwick, the former Editor in Chief of The Shooting Times and Country Magazine who wrote under the pseudonym “Tower Bird”.
There were 3 joint winners (all equal on points) for the HPR section.
Geoff Saint was delighted to accept the award with his German Wired Haired Pointer, Merle Haggard, field name Harry. “We call him happy Harry as he always has a smile on his face and wants to be everyone’s friend. He’s a nice all round dog that wants to work with me and be with me.” Geoff aims to continue trialling with Harry. “I would like to win a Novice and get him into the Open Stakes and ideally get him into the HPR Championships. I won the 2017 Championships with my Hungarian Wirehaired Viszla, Hourra Du Domain St Hubert and I think Harry is every bit as good as my Viszla.”
Geoff Saint was delighted to accept the award with his German Wired Haired Pointer, Merle Haggard, field name Harry. “We call him happy Harry as he always has a smile on his face and wants to be everyone’s friend. He’s a nice all round dog that wants to work with me and be with me.” Geoff aims to continue trialling with Harry. “I would like to win a Novice and get him into the Open Stakes and ideally get him into the HPR Championships. I won the 2017 Championships with my Hungarian Wirehaired Viszla, Hourra Du Domain St Hubert and I think Harry is every bit as good as my Viszla.”
Peter Howard was thrilled to win with his German Wired Haired Pointer Tickencote a Night Like This, field name Tikka. “I’m looking forward to entering some Open Stakes this year. Tikka has a lovely temperament, she's fast, very biddable and she has a soft mouth which is rare to have all three elements.” Peter also had another reason for visiting the Game Fair. “I’ve just bought a farm and I’m going to become a keeper for the first time ever at the age of 70! The Game Fair is a wealth of information so I’m here to collate as much as I can from the specialists. I realize there’s a lot of hard work involved but it’s exciting times ahead!”
The following winners were unable to make the presentation and will be receiving their prizes at a later date.
HPR Section:
Gill Pillinger with her German Short Haired Pointer - Witham Friary Tallahassee.
Spaniel Section:
Mike Forbes with his Cocker Spaniel - Poolgreen Crafty of Omachie.
Pointers/Setters section:
Gerald Devine with her English Setter - Ballyellen Tango.
The following winners were unable to make the presentation and will be receiving their prizes at a later date.
HPR Section:
Gill Pillinger with her German Short Haired Pointer - Witham Friary Tallahassee.
Spaniel Section:
Mike Forbes with his Cocker Spaniel - Poolgreen Crafty of Omachie.
Pointers/Setters section:
Gerald Devine with her English Setter - Ballyellen Tango.
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