Labrador From Derbyshire Wins Kennel Club Open Retriever Gundog Working Test at Chatsworth House

Paxton, a Labrador Retriever from Bakewell in Derbyshire, has won the Kennel Club Open Retriever Gundog Working Test, held at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire by the gracious permission of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The judges were Heather Bradley, Derrick Capel, Ged Leeson, Gordon Hay and Craig Horwill. The event is kindly sponsored by Eukanuba.

Paxton, owned by the Duchess of Devonshire and handled by John Halsted, was awarded first place at the test which saw retrieving breeds tested on their natural working abilities including marking the fall of a dummy and fast delivery to hand.

Handler John Halsted said: “It was a fantastic weekend with brilliant ground. It was great to win with the Duchess’s dog, especially as she had trained it from such a young age. Overall a fantastic weekend.’’

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “It was a clean sweep for Labradors in this particular gundog working test, proving once again the incredible working ability of this breed. Congratulations to John and Paxton on a great performance. The level of talent we see in working Retrievers is exceptionally high so John should be incredibly proud of Paxton for coming out on top.  We wish them every success in the future.”

The results for the day were as follows:

  • 1st FT Ch Brocklebank Navigator of Chatsworth, owned by the Duchess of Devonshire and handled by John Halsted
  • 2nd Brackenbird Lucas, owned and handled by Paul Travis
  • 3rd Kestrelway Freddie, owned and handled by Norman Onens
  • 4th Brocklebank Bronze of Chatsworth, owned by Lady Celina Carter and handled by John Halsted

Find out more information about working gundog tests.