A Message From Our MD
15
Jul 2026
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Find out moreThe response to the launch of the British Retriever Trophy has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has offered their support and words of encouragement.
With our official launch behind us, I wanted to outline how The BRT will complement the established gundog calendar and support the wider retriever community.
Qualification for The BRT will be earned by winning an Open Working Test, hosted by recognised gundog clubs and societies across the UK. These clubs form the foundation of the competition calendar, and we are proud that their established events will provide the qualifying pathway to The BRT.
The BRT has been created to further celebrate elite retriever work. It is not intended to replace or detract from any existing Working Test or Field Trial. The UK hosted IGL (International Gundog League Retriever Championship) arguably represents the pinnacle field trial event worldwide, and I personally take great enjoyment in spectating at the IGL for three days every year.
Our ambition is to build an individual Open Working Test capable of attracting some of the finest retrievers and handlers from the UK and overseas. Working alongside a number of relevant, leading brands, we want to recognise the dedication, skill and countless hours of training required to produce a retriever capable of competing at this level.
The prize fund reflects the status we hope the event will achieve, but our primary focus will always be on the dogs, the handlers and the quality of competition.
A further key aim for The BRT is to make elite gundog sport more accessible. Over two days of competition, spectators from across the gundog community and beyond will be able to watch exceptional retrievers working at close quarters. At the same time, gaining a greater understanding of the training, partnership and commitment behind every retrieve.
Our team is determined to deliver an outstanding experience for competitors, judges, volunteers, sponsors and spectators alike. At the same time, respecting and supporting the traditions upon which our sport has been built.
We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to welcoming you to the British Retriever Trophy.
