The Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club held their Novice Dog/Novice Handler Working Test on Saturday 9th August at Gazebo Farm Rackheath by kind permission of Mrs Mary Gaye. Our judge for the day was Mrs Pat Leach.

14 entries were received but due to ill health we had 13 runners on the day. We were very pleased to note that we had 4 debutants who had never handled at a test before.
As well as the standard 1-5 placings we also offer specials in an effort to encourage through every aspect of the day.

The exercises comprised of heelwork, a straightforward marked (or seen) retriever, two seen retrieves, one to the left and one to the right, a blind (or unsighted) retrieve and a mark into water. At the end of this there was a tie for first place so a run off was required which comprised of a mark which fell into the rough at the base of a hedge. Thankfully we managed to complete the test before the heavens opened and the gazebos blew away!

Results are as follows:

1. Anne Fanning's Jemsty Live Report handled by the owner
2. Mandy McDonald's Moonlight Illusion at Lamancha also handled by the owner
3. Mike Hamilton's Birdsgreen Romantic Ronald at Tealcreek handled by the owner's son, James
4. Trevor Souster and Karen Gibbs' Souter Zeus handled by Karen
5. Philip Warde's Froglane Tully handled by the owner.
The special for heelwork went to Trevor Souster & Karen Gibbs' Souter Zeus. She also went on to win the specials for the best debutant handler and best bred by exhibitor.
The special for marking ability went to Mandy McDonald's Moonlight Illusion at Lamancha. She also won the special for the highest in the awards with a show award.
Best Junior Handler was James Hamilton and the best improver, that is the dog with the biggest increase in it's score over last year, was Anne Fanning's Jemsty Special Edition, again handled by the owner.

There was one point between first and second at the end and one point between second and third prior to the run off.

Di Ewings
ECGRC WT Secretary