WT Brasschaat 21/04/2024

After a year's absence, we were back in 2024 for the Working Test season after our Field Trail in January.

This year we welcomed judges Pieter Vivijs (B), Roy Ehbel (NL), Rob Schmidt (NL), Barry Taylor (UK) and Liz Taylor (UK) . They are all top judges who together have an impressive list of achievements and judgements at the highest level (Skinners, Championships, etc).

This strong core of judges combined with the beautiful grounds in Brasschaat clearly appealed to the hunters. We had up to 100 (!) entries and to be honest we even had to disappoint some people. As a Golden Retriever club we were very happy to welcome 26 Golden Retrievers among the entries.

On Sunday 21 April, we were able to welcome the participants under a beautiful spring sun for a day full of fair, beautiful trials and a super nice atmosphere (to use one of the participants' words to describe it). Once again we were delighted to have Hans on hand to provide us with a wonderful photographic report.

For our winners and 'Best Golden' we had a beautiful Tiffany figurine provided by Moondust Leashes. The 2nd and 3rd prizes were a beautiful rosette from Minny Folies Rosettes. The working committee also welcomed a new food sponsor: Gutsy, who in addition to food bags for the top 3 and 'Best Golden' also provided a small gift for each participant.

After a year of change, the Working Committee also felt it was important to look back and honour the people who have been on the Working Committee for many years and/or have made a significant contribution to the working aspect of our Golden Retrievers. Therefore, from this year onwards, our 'Best Golden' awards will be named after a particular person.
Therefore, from now on the following awards will be known as
*Best Golden Beginner - Philippe Schoonjans Award
*Best Golden Novice - Cyriel Roelants Award
*Best Golden Open - Emiel Thees Award.

We would like to thank Philippe and Emiel for coming personally to present the winners with their trophies. For the 'Cyriel Roelants Prize' we are very grateful to his wife Josee and daughter Annick for coming to present the prize.

The full results can be found here.
If you have read them, we can look back on a great edition. 
The day after the WT we also organised a Retriever Workshop which was attended by 31 Retrievers.

Now the batteries will be recharged for a while, but in May we will start again with the preparations for this year's Working Test Finals, which will be organised by the G.R.C.B. in Brasschaat on 21 July. Hope to see you there!