A two-year-old Labrador Retriever bitch from Ardgay, Sutherland, has won the Kennel Club’s All Aged Retriever Field Trial at the Candacraig Estate in Aberdeenshire – the first trial she and her owner have ever competed in.
Hawksrigg Aurora, known as Oka, owned by Rachel Murray, was awarded first place at the trial, which saw talented working retrievers tested on their natural working ability.
Rachel said: “As it was both mine and Oka’s first trial I was a bit of a nervous wreck all day but she performed brilliantly and I was very proud of her. She’s very different to my other dogs, but is very work oriented, calm and well behaved. We’ve entered another trial after our win so we have a lot of training to do so we will be kept busy with that from now on!”
The placings at the Trial were as follows:
- 1st place – Labrador Retriever, Hawksrigg Aurora and Rachel Murray from Ardgay, Sutherland
- 2nd place – Labrador Retriever, Levenghyl Rumour Hasit At Fyrish and Miss A Higgs from Dingwall, Ross-shire (also chosen as Gun’s Choice at the trial)
- 3rd place – Labrador Retriever, Glenpatrick Mica Of Carnochway and Mr R Forbes, from Nairn.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Our congratulations go to all the winners, particularly Hawksrigg Aurora and Rachel Murray. This was Rachel’s first field trial and she should be very proud of her and her gorgeous bitch’s performance. We wish them much success in the field in the future.”
The trial was held at the Candacraig Estate by kind permission of Mr Shields. Judges for the day were Mr W G Steel, Mr G Slater, Mr J Chattaway, and Miss K Cousins.
Read more information about field trials and working gundogs.