A challenging breeding year due to problems getting bitches in whelp lead to a mixed young entry of 10 couple being shown by kennel-huntsman Matthew Puffer to judges Mr Alistair Jackson and Paul Larby, huntsman of the Grove and Rufford.
The doghound Bengate (by Fizwilliam Benwick 12) — walked by local farmer Charlotte Wilkinson — took the championship.
Rosebud, the winning bitch hound, was drafted as a whelp from the joint-mastership of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase.
By Bicester Poacher 10 who has produced lovely litters countrywide, she will present an exciting new female line within the kennel. Litter sisters Rowdy and Rosebud were walked by Miss Stefanie Golding who was a first-time puppy walker.
The best working hounds of the prior season went to a brother and sister; Rooster and Rosie (by Heythrop Rodeo 10), one of very few litters he produced before sadly passing away.
They are unique as the pedigree shows a Dumfriesshire-cross in the sixth generation, drafted to my predecessor in 2002. The prodigy suits the low-scenting deep plough country of East Anglia and as a result take some keeping up with in the field.
