FTCh Wolferton Drama, a four-year-old Cocker Spaniel bitch, bred and owned by Her Majesty The Queen, has won the 91st Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship, sponsored by Skinner's Field & Trial Pet Foods. The prestigious Championship, which was two years in the planning owing to the pandemic, returned to the spectacular location of Windsor Great Park, one of the Royal Estates, by gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen.
Handled by Ian Openshaw from Market Drayton, winning spaniel FTCh Wolferton Drama – known at home as Lissy in honour of Her Majesty – was awarded first place in the competition, which saw talented spaniels tested on their natural working ability.
Speaking about the win, Ian Openshaw said: “Winning the Championship was the greatest day of my life, it is a true honour to handle dogs for Her Majesty and it has been a lifetime ambition to win for the Queen.
“Lissy has always been a very good dog, excellent at all working elements, and she is particularly fantastic on a runner. She used to be a bit of a monkey when she was younger, but she has really come into her own now. She is a great all-rounder.”
Kate Broers, Kennel Club Field Trial Secretary, added: “The Championship was a great success and thanks must go to all who were involved in the planning, preparation and running of the event. Head gamekeeper Peter Clayton and his team prepared the ground wonderfully, which was an impressive setting of ancient woodland and bracken beds.
“The number of competitors and spectators made for a fantastic atmosphere over the two days and having His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex present the awards made the presentation truly special. Her Majesty was presented with a Kennel Club commissioned portrait of her two Field Trial Champion Cocker Spaniels, and we are delighted that Her Majesty’s own bred Cocker Spaniel won the event, making this her first gundog Championship win in any breed.
“Thank you must also go to the judges for their time and expertise when judging the dogs. They handled the two days with patience, understanding and skill.
“Finally, we would also like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Skinner’s Field & Trial. 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. They are always appreciated and we would not be able to run these events without their generous support.”
William Delamore, Skinner’s Commercial Director said: “We know how passionate Her Majesty is about working gundogs and we are delighted at her success at the Championship, in her platinum Jubilee year.”
The judges at the competition were Mr Steve Bates, Mr Carl Colclough, Mr Andrew Cunningham and Mr Garry Veasey, who selected the following winners:
Diploma of Merit were awarded to:
Handled by Ian Openshaw from Market Drayton, winning spaniel FTCh Wolferton Drama – known at home as Lissy in honour of Her Majesty – was awarded first place in the competition, which saw talented spaniels tested on their natural working ability.
Speaking about the win, Ian Openshaw said: “Winning the Championship was the greatest day of my life, it is a true honour to handle dogs for Her Majesty and it has been a lifetime ambition to win for the Queen.
“Lissy has always been a very good dog, excellent at all working elements, and she is particularly fantastic on a runner. She used to be a bit of a monkey when she was younger, but she has really come into her own now. She is a great all-rounder.”
Kate Broers, Kennel Club Field Trial Secretary, added: “The Championship was a great success and thanks must go to all who were involved in the planning, preparation and running of the event. Head gamekeeper Peter Clayton and his team prepared the ground wonderfully, which was an impressive setting of ancient woodland and bracken beds.
“The number of competitors and spectators made for a fantastic atmosphere over the two days and having His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex present the awards made the presentation truly special. Her Majesty was presented with a Kennel Club commissioned portrait of her two Field Trial Champion Cocker Spaniels, and we are delighted that Her Majesty’s own bred Cocker Spaniel won the event, making this her first gundog Championship win in any breed.
“Thank you must also go to the judges for their time and expertise when judging the dogs. They handled the two days with patience, understanding and skill.
“Finally, we would also like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Skinner’s Field & Trial. 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. They are always appreciated and we would not be able to run these events without their generous support.”
William Delamore, Skinner’s Commercial Director said: “We know how passionate Her Majesty is about working gundogs and we are delighted at her success at the Championship, in her platinum Jubilee year.”
The judges at the competition were Mr Steve Bates, Mr Carl Colclough, Mr Andrew Cunningham and Mr Garry Veasey, who selected the following winners:
- 1st – HM The Queen’s FTCh Wolferton Drama, handled by Mr I Openshaw
- 2nd – Ms J Righton’s Craiwarn Tinkers Stella of Costapakit
- 3rd – Mr N Partis’ FTCh Tiptopjack Firebug, handled by Mr I Openshaw
- 4th – Mr I Openshaw’s FTCh Mallowdale Shine
Diploma of Merit were awarded to:
- Ms F Ardley’s Rowston Sublime of Tarncrag
- Mr P Avery’s Deepfleet Junia (also Gun’s Choice)
- Mr D Lee’s FTCh Kenaiteen Sagitta, handled by Mr W Clulee
- Mr T Phillips’ FTCh Lowallin Lorcan
- Mr D Templar’s FTCh Mallowdale Foden of Countryways
- Mrs K Varty’s FTCh Delphaven Enya, handled by Mr W Clulee
- Ms L Whitley’s Jandenmoss Ash of Mullenscote
- Mr S Winspear’s FTCh Kiltonbeck Arrow