Meet the 2026 gundog trainer of the year finalists
There's still time to vote for the Gundog Trainer of the Year in the Great British Shooting Show Awards. Here are the finalists
Ben Randall – Beggarbush Gundogs
With 35 years’ experience, Ben is a twice-winning Gundog Trainer of the Year and accomplished spaniel specialist. He won the British Cocker Championships back-to-back in 2011 and 2012 – a feat not achieved in 45 years. A Kennel Club A Panel judge and former England team member, Ben is co-founder of the Gundog App and field editor for Gundog Journal, making his training philosophy accessible worldwide.
David Latham – Fendawood
David turned professional in 2010, and has made up nine Field Trial Champions and won the IGL Retriever Championship four times. Having qualified for 21 IGL Championships, his consistency is exceptional. He served as England Retriever Team Captain from 2014 to 2025, leading the team to numerous victories including a triumphant win at his final Game Fair.
Ian Openshaw – Rytex Gundogs
With over 130 Field Trial Champions to his name, Ian has rewritten the record books. He’s won the Any Variety Spaniel Championship seven times and the Cocker Championship four times. Beginning trialling at just 13, Ian’s natural intuitive approach and ability to read dogs has earned international recognition, with Rytex bloodlines sought after worldwide.
Ellena Swift – Swift Dog Training
A twice-winner of Gundog Trainer of the Year (2022, 2025), Ellena is a Field Trial Champion breeder, trainer and three-time England team member. Renowned for her patience-led approach, she has built a championship Labrador line prized for athleticism, temperament and longevity at the highest level of the sport.
Ryan Kay – Farlavale Gundogs
One of only eight Kennel Club accredited instructors for working dogs in the UK, Ryan is a Kennel Club A Panel judge and writes monthly columns for Sporting Gun and Shooting Times. His team includes eight Field Trial Award winners and he won the 2026 RKC HPR Championship. Known for his flexible, breed-specific training approach, Ryan regularly demonstrates at major shows including the Great Yorkshire Show.
Voting for the Great British Shooting Show Awards 2026 closes on 13 January 2026. Visit shootinguk.co.uk to cast your vote across all categories and help recognise the individuals and organisations driving excellence across the shooting industry.
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