Quinn wins The Warter Priory Challenge Cup 2026 Field Trial

We travelled north to York and the fabulous Warter Priory Shooting estate, to take part in the annual Warter Priory Challenge Cup Invitational Field Trial.

A group of six friends travelled from Suffolk and Norfolk to take part in the competition that has been running now for eight years.

The trial started walking up in cover crop and light Woodland with plenty of game for the guns – all of whom were gamekeepers or part of the Warter team. We managed to get about halfway through the trial before the rain started and things became somewhat cold and miserable.

Because of the abundance of game, all competitors had two birds in the first second and third rounds. Quinn picked cleanly throughout with one long running bird taken through a cover crop next to a wood. Once I had sent him for the marked bird quickly, there was nothing more I could do and had to leave it up to him. Over the last couple of years this type of retrieve has become his forte and he managed to pick the bird cleanly and returned to hand. The remaining six dogs in the third round were sat in line and given a mini drive which created lots of diverse retrieves.

When the trial was called over four dogs remained. Lots of smiles and relief helped us get back to the beaters‘s room where the awards were made. I was delighted to receive first place and the win for Quinn, with second place going to our friend Kirstin also from Suffolk. What a fantastic trial and experience, being made to feel so welcome in such a professional and esteemed Shooting estate. I can only think the judges, the estate organisers, helpers and competitors for such a fantastic experience.

This year Quinn has only run two trials, a two day open in which he received a C of M and this trial which he won. He’s turning into quite the dog.