Be amazed at the skills of working dogs as they’re put through their paces through various gundog challenges at The Game Fair.
Isuzu are proud to be the Official Vehicle of the Gundog Championships.
Gundogs are embedded at the heart of the Harkila brand. The Harkila Kennel was founded in the 1950s by the Lennartsson family. While hunting daily with dogs, it soon became apparent that there was a demand for quiet, durable, waterproof outdoor clothing that the market could not fulfil. In the 1980s the clothing brand Harkila was born, and we have been developing and refining the perfect outdoor clothing for people working their dogs ever since. The Estate Collection has been designed for the UK market and includes outdoor clothing for all weathers and rural activities including Gundog Training.
Paws@brooklyn are based in Whiteparish near Salisbury and we are the proud owners of cocker spaniels.
We have tried and tested many products over the years with our own dogs and have put together products that we believe are the best on the market for durability, price, sustainability and, most importantly, work best for us as an owner and for our four-legged best friends. Our dogs are a huge part of the family and come everywhere with us.
STOP PRESS – READ THE RESULTS OF THE 2024 GAME FAIR EURO CHALLENGE HERE
Euro Challenge
09.30 – 16.30 Friday 26th July and Saturday 27th July 2024
This takes place in the Marlborough Arena. Teams from across Europe compete for the coveted Euro Challenge Trophy, showcasing the skills of both gundogs and their handlers. This year we have seven European teams of three competing over the two days.
Through a series of tests in a simulated shooting environment, the dogs and handlers demonstrate just how versatile these retriever breeds are. Each team features three dogs from a list of recognised breeds – labrador, golden retriever, flatcoat retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever, Curly-coated retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever and Irish Water Spaniel.
Presentation of awards when the competition finishes on Saturday afternoon.
Euro Challenge Judges: Keith Bedford, Paula Cullis
Chief Steward: Mary-Jane Opie
Commentator: Di Stevens
STOP PRESS: READ THE RESULTS OF THE 2024 HOME INTERNATIONAL TEAM COMPETITION HERE
The Home International Team Competitions
Home International Arena
If you want to see the top gundogs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales go head-to-head in a purpose-built arena complete with authentic cover crop, jumps and water, then make sure you catch the Home International team competition.
As the UK’s foremost team event, this hotly contested competition always produces intense rivalry between the top dog handlers from each country. This competition has been held every year since 1969 and has always been the centrepiece of the gundog events at The Game Fair.
Team Captains
- England – David Latham
- Ireland – Declan Boyle
- Wales – Alan Rees
- Scotland – Donald Leitch
Friday 26th July
HUNT, POINT, RETRIEVERS 09.30 – 16.30
HPR Judges: Suzi Burton, Mark Spearing
Chief Steward: Jonathan David
Commentator: Howard Kirby
Saturday 27th July and Sunday 28th July
SPANIELS 09.00 – 12.30
RETRIEVERS 13.30 – 17.00
Spaniel Judges: Mark Colclough, Stuart Morgan
Chief Steward: Jackie Elliott
Commentator: Paul Makepeace
Retriever Judges: Greg Paterson, Philip Turner
Chief Steward: Karen McCarthy
Commentators: Barry & Liz Taylor
STOP PRESS: READ THE RESULTS OF THE 2024 HPR HOME INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HERE
The HPR Home International Competition
Established in 2022, and taking place on the Friday, it will showcase the best HPR (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) breeds and dogs from across the UK. Four teams of four – representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland – will show off their skills and battle it out in the Arena as dogs and their handlers will be put through their paces.
Home International for HPRs on Friday:
Starts at 9.30 am.
Lunchtime demonstration of HPRs.
Presentation of awards when the competition finishes on Friday
STOP PRESS: READ THE RESULTS OF THE MINORITY GUNDOG BREED CHALLENGE 2024 HERE
Minority Gundog Breed Challenge
Sunday 28th July 2024
The Minority Breeds Gundog Competition, which is being organised and run by The Working Minority Retriever Club, will be contested in the Marlborough Arena on the third and final day of The Game Fair. It will showcase the remarkable abilities, talents and versatility of gundog breeds that have historically received less attention than popular breeds such as labradors, springers and cockers, while helping to encourage their preservation and appreciation.
The retriever section will see teams of Curly coated retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers and Irish Water spaniels battling it out for supremacy on Sunday morning. In the afternoon, the spaniel competition will feature teams of Clumber spaniels, Welsh springer spaniels and the Lagotto Romagnolo
RETRIEVERS 09.30 – 12.00
SPANIELS 14.00 – 16.00
Retriever Judge: Roger Wade
Spaniel Judge: Gerrry Meehan
Chief Steward: Judy Hempstead
Commentators:
Retrievers: Wendy Perrera
Spaniels: Heather Mayes
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food.
