The Bloodhound Club Autumn Championship Working Trial was held on Sandringham Estate by kind permission of his Majesty the King in October, with thanks to the game keepers for being so helpful.
MAPLE BAY NORTHERN STAR (Maud) owned by Ann Freer and handled by Clara Freer won the Senior stake under respected international judge Jan Grit. The standard was met to award a Challenge Certificate, making MAPLE BAY NORTHERN STAR a Working Trials Champion - the first hound to achieve this in 12 years! The other hounds all gave a good performance, and a Certificate of Merit was awarded to MAPLEMEAD MISS MELBA.
The lower stake held earlier in the week was also successful and a warm day for the intermediate didn't stop IMMERVAHR FRYONY, handled by Clara Freer and daughter of MAPLE BAY NORTHERN STAR from winning first place under judge Peter Verschornen. The Identification Cup went to SHERLOCK JACKSON, the oldest hound competing at the trial.
Novice day was judged by David Peter Knight and had some great first-time competitors, with 1st place awarded to FARLAP KALEB handled by Suzi Westron and 2nd to IMMERVAHR FREYA handled by Graham Cook. A Certificate of Merit was given to FARLAP KOPYRIGHT and the Identification to FARLAP KEEPSAKE.
Junior Day saw no awards given but judge Robert Johnson Ferguson enjoyed the day and saw lots of potential for future success.