The Kennel Club gundog working tests

The Kennel Club’s 150th Anniversary Gundog Working Test was held from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 June at the spectacular Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire. The event which was kindly sponsored by Skinner's was a great success with expertly set tests which replicated scenarios found in the shooting field to challenge the dogs and handlers.

We would like to thank our hosts Sir William Bromley-Davenport and Mr & Mrs Bromely-Daveport, whom we were delighted to welcome for the prize giving ceremony.

Thank you to the judges who gave their time and expertise to judge the dogs over the course of the four days, their knowledge and understanding of the dog work was exemplary.

The winners from all the events are as follows:

Open Retriever – Mr S Le Voi with Labrador Retriever Maderablanca Amarillo
Novice Retriever – Mr R T N Brain with Labrador Retriever Klato Isaac of Flypatch
Open Spaniel – Mrs Thatcher with ESS Fuselea Harriett
Novice Spaniel – Ms H Clarkson & Mr M Tibbetts’ Cocker Spaniel Osterlow Summer Rose handled by Ms Clarkson
Open HPR – Mrs E Carter with German Wirehaired Pointer Bareve Best Foot Forward
Novice HPR – Mr I Mcclellan with Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Woodend Flyer at Calondraig

International Retriever Team Event

Top Team – United Kingdom captained by Billy Lundy

  • Nigel Probert and Stauntonvale Buckwheat of Llangynidr

  • Oliver Bell and Eelburn Flavius of Ballygillen

  • David Latham and FTCh Fendawood Harold

  • George Buchan FTCh Fendawood Pioneer of Springfell

Top Dog – George Buchan and Labrador Retriever FTCh Fendawood Pioneer of Springfell

Kennel Club 150th Anniversary Special Event

Top Team – Scotland

Top Dog – Darryl Elliot with German Shorthaired Pointer Islasbraw Ash

For the full results and score sheets from each of the tests please see the Results 2023 tab below

Results 2023
Timetable of events

Wednesday 14 June 2023 

The Kennel Club’s 150th Anniversary Special Test Event (invitation only)


Thursday 15 and Friday 16 June 2023 

International Retriever team event

This is a two day event where teams of four from countries across Europe, including team GB, compete for the prestigious Kennel Club International Retriever Team Challenge Cup. This event is firmly established in the calendar attracting teams from over 12 countries. Spectators are most welcome.


Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 June 2023 

Gundog working tests

The Kennel Club's gundog working tests are held in high regard by competitors for the varied and challenging nature of the tests. Together with the superb surroundings and terrain offered by the Capesthorne setting, it is easy to understand the attraction for the very best handlers and dogs in the country to prove themselves. With nearly 200 dogs comprising Retrievers, Spaniels and HPR breeds competing over the two days of competition, this is the landmark event of the calendar.

How to enter the tests
Further information for 2024 are coming soon.
Camping information

You can camp or bring a caravan, but you need to fill out a camping form. Further details are tbc and will be released shortly.

Spectator information

Spectators are welcome to attend any of the tests. Viewing of the Retriever and HPR tests is generally good, the Spaniel tests take place in woodland where viewing is restricted by the nature of the terrain.