Wamilanghaar Point Blanc of Caldera, an eight-year-old German Longhaired Pointer from Winkleigh, Devon has won The Kennel Club’s Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR) Championship. Sponsored by Skinner's Field & Trial Pet Foods and Sporting Saint Gundog Equipment Suppliers, the event was held on 17 - 18 November 2023 at The Kennel Club’s Emblehope Estate in Northumberland.
Wamilanghaar Point Blanc of Caldera, known at home as Cracker and owned and handled by Steve Kimberley, was awarded first place at the competition which saw 27 talented working gundogs from HPR breeds tested on their natural working ability. The judges were Mark Firmin and Theo Gould.
Steve said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the HPR Championship with Cracker. I was extremely proud of his performance over the two days of the Championship.”
Kennel Club Gundog Events Manager Kate Broers said: “The Championship was a great success, and it was wonderful to hold the first gundog championship at the spectacular Emblehope and Burngrange Estate, which was the ideal setting for the dogs and handlers to demonstrate their hunting skills. The plentiful game available really tested the dogs and each one was given the opportunity to show itself to its best. We would like to thank all who were involved in the planning, preparation and running of the event. To hold the event on such an outstanding HPR ground is a real privilege, and The Kennel Club are extremely grateful to Head Keeper Raymond Holt for hosting the Championship this year. The ground and game were extremely well prepared and the gun team ensured a successful and enjoyable two days.
“Thanks must also go to the judges Mark and Theo for their time and expertise when judging the dogs. They analysed the performance of dogs and handlers with great skill and attention to detail across the two days. Thank you to them for their hard work in separating these talented dogs.
“Finally, we would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, Skinner’s Field & Trial, and Sporting Saint Gundog Equipment Suppliers. Skinner's give an awful lot to the world of working dogs and their representatives are passionate about providing the best nutrition for our gundog needs. Sporting Saint are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of gundog training equipment and both sponsors are greatly appreciated, and we would not be able to run these events without their generous support.
“Huge congratulations to all the dogs and handlers in the awards and especially to the winners Steve and Cracker.”
The results of the HPR Championship are as follows:
1st - Wamilanghaar Point Blanc of Caldera, (GLP) Owned and handled by Mr Kimberley
2nd - Warrendown Black Pearl at Ganninyem, (GSP) Owned by Mrs J C Gosling, handled by Mr R Major
4th (and Guns’ Choice) - FTCh Sutchest Braun Gino, (GSP) Owned and handled by Mr J Bird
Diploma of Merit - Moorrunner Isla at Gilleyfield, (GWP) Owned and handled by Ms L Holmes
Diploma of Merit - FTCh Quintana Cloud Berry, Owned by Mr & Mrs P M Nixon, handled by Mr P Nixon
For more information about working gundogs, please visit The Kennel Club website