Report and Results for the GRC 2-Day Open Field Trial, November 3-4, 2025
We had an outstanding couple of days at the Canal Game Shoot near Hawkhurst, Kent. Keeper Francis Briley did an exceptional job, providing a varied and steady flow of birds that were expertly shot by our team of guns. The judges—Sue Hutton, Mike Jones, James Bailey, and Jim Collins—put the dogs to the test, over
Report and Results for the GRC 2-Day Open Field Trial, November 3-4, 2025
We had an outstanding couple of days at the Canal Game Shoot near Hawkhurst, Kent. Keeper Francis Briley did an exceptional job, providing a varied and steady flow of birds that were expertly shot by our team of guns.
The judges—Sue Hutton, Mike Jones, James Bailey, and Jim Collins—put the dogs to the test, over differing terrain, and with varied and challenging retrieves. Their job was also made all the more complex by many handlers running two dogs. After careful and considered deliberations, four dogs remained at the conclusion of the trial.
First place; Think Twice Zero To Hero (D), affectionately known as Chance, owned and handled by Nathan Laffy. This marks Chance’s second Two-Day Open win this season and qualifies him to compete at the IGL Retriever Championship, making it the sixth time he has qualified. This is a tremendous accomplishment for both the dog and handler, and we wish them the very best in the Championship.
As winners, they received the Halifax Perpetual Challenge Trophy, £85, and a £200 contribution towards their expenses at the Championships.
Second Place: Hanwoodgold Breeze (B), run by Lesley Crompton, earned a B qualification, the Osmington Trophy, and £50 in prize money.
Third Place: Partridgefen Tids Lad (D), handled by Dean Tidswell, took home £30 in prize money. He also received the Dorcas Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Gun’s Choice and the CH Michael of Morton Challenge Cup for best marking ability.
Jinkster Golden Gamble (D), run by Kim Jinks, received a COM and was awarded the CH Nornamby Campfire Perpetual Challenge Cup along with the CHE Panshanger Cup for being the best dog bred, trained, and handled by its owner.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Francis and his team of beaters for providing two exceptional shooting days and for his generous hospitality, which included sausage and bacon rolls on arrival and delicious homemade soup at the end of the day.
A big thank you to the guns for their contributions toward the two days of shooting and their patience throughout the trial. We also appreciate the hard work of our helpers: Fiona Baird as dog steward and Jenny Cooper, Debbie Morgan, Jo Smith, Johnathan Mathias and Rebecca Mansfield for their assistance, including those who kindly held second dogs. Also to Helen Putnam as picker up.
We are particularly thankful to our sponsors, Sphere Consumer Products. Their generosity over this season and the last has enabled us to secure the best grounds, invite distinguished judges from various locations, and provide accommodations and hospitality for our judges, guns, and helpers. They also contributed to the prize money and winners’ expenses.
Thank you also to Skinners for their donation of food vouchers and continued support of our sport.
Finally, an enormous and heartfelt thank you to the competitors for the great atmosphere and for supporting and attending the breed stake. Having dropped to less than 20 runners a few days before we were in the end able to run a full card.
Thank you!
Kim Jinks
GRC Field Trial Secretary.