By Mark Stewart
2021 Irish Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship Report
Copeland Island was the unique setting for the IKC Cocker Championship
T
he 3rd Irish Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship took place th on Thursday 16 December 2021 on the Copeland Island, Co. Down by kind invitation of Stevie Marsden. The Copeland Island has been an iconic spaniel trial ground for decades with ground consisting of rushes and laid bracken interspersed with a healthy population of rabbits and pheasants providing ideal conditions for game finding dogs to showcase their ability. Weather on the day was dry and bright, with a cold but gentle breeze which although ideal for the gallery and sea crossing meant that scenting conditions were difficult at times for competing dogs. On arrival on the Copeland Island, committee chairman, Christy Hasson welcomed competitors, judges, guns and introduced our host and master of the beat for the day, Stevie Marsden. He also welcomed Jenny Crozier who was representing main sponsors Redmills and acknowledged the great help and support that they have provided for the club over many years. Judges for the day were the very experienced and capable pairing of Robin Young and Louis Rice with 82
Christy Hasson acting as referee. As senior judge, Robin took the odd numbers on the left side of the beat for the first round and Louis looked at the even numbers on the right. Christy was never far away from the line throughout the day and contributed to a well-run championship. There were a total of 20 entries with 3 withdrawals so number 5 would be first dog down on the right and number 2 first dog down on the left.
hunting power and technique combined with style and flair. She had a find and retrieve on a pheasant followed by several pushes of the same rabbit under bracken before it broke cover and provided the opportunity for a quick,
First round No. 2 UK visitor John Robertson with Perija September Song (Crowdyslack Costapacket x Pinfold Fudge) hunted well on the left, but had not encountered game when another dog (no 7) failed to pick a rabbit on the left-hand side of the line. He was brought across but unfortunately, he also failed to pick and when judges walked out and collected it themselves, it ended his championship. An early indication of challenging scenting conditions for competitors. No. 4 Tiptopjack Firebug (FTCh Tiptopjack Dime x Endowood Epicof Tiptopjack) handled by the highly experienced and successful Ian Openshaw, delivered a demonstration of
Spring 2022 Irish Country Sports and Country Life
Winner Ian Openshaw with FTCh Tiptopjack Firebug
