Capesthorne Hall July 2022
Adam Snare & Harley of Mearecastle Gundogs
I received a call from David Latham letting me know that we had been chosen to represent England as part of the U.K. Gundog Team at the prestigious KC International Team Test at Capesthorne Hall in July 2022. Harley was, of course, the main reason for the invitation - but on both our parts, the answer was an immediate 'yes!'.
The U.K. team was made up of a handler and a dog from each of the U.K. nations, those being
Ireland - Kieron Coey with Int FTCh Crosstone Trickster
Scotland - David Logan with FTCh Craigmaddie Mufasa of Bishopbrae
Wales - Nigel Probert (Captain) with FTCh Stauntonvale Buckwheat of Llangynidr
England - Adam Snare with Trevear Constantine of MeareCastle (Harley)
We were competing against the best teams from Europe over 2 days of challenging countryside set tests. Walked-up team tests on marks, blinds, and water retrieves started our campaign within view of the stunning Capesthorne Hall, with a combination of water, woodland and long, open-ground tests throughout the rest of the competition. One in particular was 280 yards out...
At the end of the first day, the U.K. sat in 2nd position behind a strong Dutch team. Ireland were third.
Come the second day, after a test or two we felt we were likely ahead after the Dutch team dropped some points, but the mighty Ireland were charging. (Ireland are a truly formidable team, having won the previous 3 years while scoring Top Dog for an amazing 5 years)
The U.K. team dropped some unnecessary points as things came to a conclusion, and we knew it would be very tight.
At the prize giving, team Italy were announced in 3rd place... with 2nd place going to.... Ireland - meaning only one thing - the U.K. Team had won the KC International Team Test 2022!
What an amazing result and an experience never to be forgotten. We made some great new friends, and it was such a privilege to compete against the other teams and run alongside such quality men in the U.K. Team.
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