The Hertford Arena celebrates the versatility, diversity and international excellence of working gundogs. Across the weekend, visitors can watch teams from the UK and beyond take part in a range of competitive working tests designed to showcase skill, control and teamwork in realistic shooting scenarios.
From international competition to rare breed showcases and charity events, the arena offers something for gundog enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Isuzu is the Official Vehicle Sponsor of The Gundog Championships
What’s happening at the Hertford Arena
Euro Challenge
The Euro Challenge brings together top teams from across Europe to compete for the coveted Euro Challenge Trophy. Prizes and Equipment supplied by Sporting Saint!
This year, seven European teams will take part over two days. Each team consists of three dogs representing recognised retriever breeds.
Friday 24th July 9.30 – 16.30
Saturday 25th July 9.30 – 16 -30
The winners of The Euro Challenge at The Game Fair 2026 were Team Belgium with 707 points!
Top Labrador and Top Overall Dog: GB Steve Prosser with Nobsquinton Teasel of Croftferry
Top Golden: GB Andy Fisher with Yesrieves Wake Me Up
Top Minority (Flatcoat): Switzerland Ursula von Felton.
Minority Gundog Breed Challenge
Now in its fourth year, the Minority Gundog Breed Challenge highlights the skill, talent and versatility of gundog breeds that are seen less often in competition. Prizes and Equipment supplied by Sporting Saint!
Organised by The Working Minority Retriever Club, the challenge aims to promote awareness, appreciation and long-term preservation of these remarkable breeds.
Sunday 26th July 9.30 – 16.30
The winners of The Minority Gundog Breed Challenge – Retrievers at The Game Fair 2026 were team Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with 204 points! Followed by team Irish Water Spaniel in second place, and team Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in third place.
The winners of The Minority Gundog Breed Challenge – Spaniels at The Game Fair 2026 were team Welsh Springer Spaniels with 125 points! Followed by the Clumber Spaniels team in second place, and the Lagotto Romagnolos team in third place.
Euro Challenge Officials and Team Captains
| Team Captains
Belgium: Nils de Peter
Eire: Jim Collins
GB: Huw Jones
Germany: Jennifer Hirschfeld
Italy: Alessandra Franchi
Netherlands: Benno Wendt
Switzerland: Steve Grutter
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Officials Judges: Robert Atkinson and Peter Abbs |
Minority Gundog Breed Challenge Officials and Team Captains
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Officials (Retrievers) Retriever Judge: TBC Team Captain (Retrievers) Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: Debbie Herring |
Officials (Spaniels) Spaniel Judge: TBC Team Captain (Spaniels) Lagotto Romagnolo: Louise Ferguson
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Prizes
Sporting Saint, The Game Fair’s Official Gundog Equipment Supplier, will generously provide all prizes and competition equipment.
