FIELD TRIALS FOR POINTERS AND SETTERS IN ENGLAND SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH OF IRELAND AND THE BRITISH CHAMPION STAKE

The following information provides an outline of Field Trials for Setters and Pointers in Great Britain. Further details can be obtained from the British Kennel Club (www.the-kennel-club.org.uk )

CATAGORIES OF COMPETITION

There are a number of different categories within which dogs may compete at Setter and Pointer trials. Entry to some trials is governed by age and others by qualification or breed.

Puppy Stakes: Youngsters born the preceding calendar year can enter puppy classes. Since this incorporates a 12-month time scale there can be huge differences in the maturity of the youngsters depending on whether they were a January pup or a December pup. The winner of a puppy stake automatically qualifies for entry in Open stakes and is thereafter not eligible for Puppy or Novice stakes.

Novice Stakes: Dogs that have not yet qualified for Open but are too old for the Puppy stakes enter the Novice stakes.

Breed/Restricted Stakes: The Breed clubs can run a trial restricted to dogs from their own breed, which is not restricted by age or qualification.

All Aged Stakes: Non-Breed clubs might run an All Aged Stake, which is not restricted by a dog's breed, age or qualification.

Open Stakes: Entry to Open stakes is through qualification. To qualify for enter an Open stake a dog needs to win either a Puppy or Novice stake or get two seconds in a Novice Stake. A first in an All Aged or Breed stake, or two seconds in an All Aged stake will also qualify a dog for Open. The qualification lasts for two years and must be maintained if the dog is to be eligible for Open stake competition after the two-year period has expired. In order to maintain Open stake qualification a dog must either win an Open stake or get two seconds in Open stakes. In addition a first in an All Aged or Breed stake, or two seconds in an All Aged stake will also maintain the dog's qualification to compete in Open stakes.

The Champion Stake

In many ways the Champion Stake is run along the same lines as an Open stake except that dogs are required to qualify in order to enter. In order to be eligible to compete in the Champion Stake a dog must have won a first or two seconds in an Open Stake during the previous 12-month period. The winner of the Champion Stake automatically becomes a Field Trial Champion.

The Puppy Derby

The Puppy Derby is run by whichever club is hosting the Champion Stake and the winner is qualified to compete in Open as well as the Champion Stake.

Field Trial Champion

If a dog wins two Open stakes it is made up to Field Trial Champion.

International Field Trial Champion

If a dog becomes a Field Trail Champion in more than one country it becomes an International Field Trial Champion.

TRIAL PERIODS

The following information provides an indication of the trial periods and locations but more detailed information can be obtained from either the Kennel Club or the various Setter & Pointer Clubs

Scottish Spring Trials on Grouse

Held over nine days in Perthshire and Inverness-shire during the last two weeks of March.

English Spring Trials on Pheasant & Partridge

Held over eleven days towards the end of April in the Newmarket area.

English Summer Trials on Grouse

Held over sixteen days during the last two weeks of July in the North of England.

Scottish Summer Trials on Grouse

Held over eleven days during the first two weeks of August in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Champion Stake

The Champion Stake is held in Scotland and England in alternate years. When in England the Stake is hosted by the International Gundog League (IGL) at the end of July. The IGL secretary is Mrs Julia Organ. During the intervening years the Scottish Field Trials Association (SFTA) hosts the event in the middle of August, the SFTA secretary is Mr John Kean.

English Autumn Trials on Partridge

Held over six days in early September in the Norfolk area.