Simon Dixon wins AV Spaniel Championship with Dawsonlee Pepsi

Championship at Invermark Estate

Simon Dixon claimed the 95th Any Variety Spaniel (except Cocker Spaniel) Championship with FTCh Dawsonlee Pepsi after a thrilling finale at Invermark Estate, Aberdeenshire, on 28 and 29 January.

The championship came down to a decisive third run between Mr Dixon with five-year-old Pepsi and runner-up Garrett Marson handling two-year-old Sharmesvale’s Earthquake of Smallbrooks (“Raine”), owned by Charlotte Gill. Mr Marson, competing at the championship for the first time, graciously conceded defeat: “Pepsi was simply in a different league on her third run and fully deserved the win.”

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Awards for first-time handlers and guns’ choice

Despite missing out on top spot, Mr Marson collected the J.J. Greatorex Memorial Trophy for the highest-placed first-time handler, capping what he described as a “fantastic season” with four trial wins between his dogs.

Mr Dixon also secured the guns’ choice award with FTCh Rytex Racing, owned by Stephen Tyson, giving him two of the championship’s top honours.

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Other top placements

Eddie Scott took third with Broomfield Gemma, while Alan Sankey claimed fourth with Brockrise Floss. Diplomas of merit went to David Templar’s FTCh Rosebay Blue and Billy Sankey’s Brockrise Lexie.

Judges Ian Openshaw, Wendy Openshaw, Richard Claydon and Ian Clarke presided over the trial on ground prepared by the Earl of Dalhousie’s head gamekeeper, Garry MacLennan, and his team.