The IGL Retriever Championship 2020 was originally due to be held at Ampton in Suffolk between 30 November and 2 December, writes editor Martin Puddifer. While the COVID-19 pandemic foiled the committee’s efforts to reschedule the iconic event, we were determined to feature something about the Championship in place of what would have been, I am sure, another fantastic report from Wendy Bardsley. Consequently, Wendy has caught up with three former winners of the Championship and finds out what they sacrificed to reach the event, the challenges they faced when they competed and if lifting the trophy changed them or the way they were perceived by the gundog world at large. What they have to say may surprise you.

DAVID LISETT

IGL Retriever Champion 2017 with FTCh Buccleuch Xena (Daisy) owned by the Duke of Buccleuch

What makes an IGL Champion?

“Apart from having a good dog, you need to be determined, dedicated and have a calmness about you. Dogs are a pack animal, and if you don’t become the leader, the dog will, so it involves a lot of time and effort on your part.

I was lucky and had a small group of people around me who were a big influence with