Spectators

What you can expect when attending the 2027 Trophy

the 2027 trophy

What is The British Retriever Trophy?

The British Retriever Trophy is an invitation-only, Open-level gun dog competition, bringing together qualified retrievers that have won at the highest level of gundog working tests.

Unlike standard events, this competition features:

  • A carefully selected field of top-performing dogs
  • A structured, multi-day format
  • A significant £25,000 prize fund
  • Progressive scoring leading to a Grand Final

It is, in essence, a showcase of excellence in the modern retriever gun dog.

Tickets for The British Retriever Trophy

A Skill-Based Format Without Live Game

Understanding Open Working Tests for Gundogs

The British Retriever Trophy follows the format of an Open Working Test, a cornerstone of modern gundog working tests.

Importantly, no live game is used or harmed at any stage of the competition.

Instead, the event is entirely dummy-based, meaning:

  • Dogs retrieve specially designed training dummies rather than a game.
  • Scenarios are carefully created to simulate real shooting situations.
  • The focus is purely on skill, control, and partnership between dog and handler.
  • Understanding the Competition Format

    For those familiar with Open-level gundog working tests, the format will feel both traditional and elevated.

    The competition is dummy-based, with tests designed to reflect realistic shooting scenarios while maintaining consistency with established gundog working test rules.

    Key elements include:

    • Marked retrieves across varied terrain
    • Blind retrieves require precision handling.
    • Walk-ups and simulated field scenarios
    • Judging based on accuracy, control, and efficiency

    Progression through the event is determined by points scoring, with competitors ranked throughout the day.

  • Live Scoring and Leaderboards

    A key feature of the 2027 Trophy is the use of live scoreboard displays across the venue.

    Spectators will be able to:

    • Track individual dog and handler scores in real time.
    • Follow the progression through each stage of the competition.
    • Clearly see which competitors are advancing.

    This scoring system adds a dynamic, competitive edge to the event, making it easier to follow the action, even during complex test scenarios typical of working tests for gundogs.

  • The Atmosphere of an Elite Gun Dog Competition

    Attending The British Retriever Trophy offers more than just watching a competition; it provides an opportunity to experience the very best of the gundog community.

    You can expect:

    • A focused, professional environment
    • High standards of dog work and handler performance
    • A knowledgeable audience with a shared passion for the sport
    • A respectful and traditional field setting

    For those who regularly attend gundog working tests, the Trophy represents the sport at its most refined.

This makes Open working tests for gundogs accessible to a wider audience, while still maintaining the technical challenge and realism expected at the highest level.

For spectators, this offers the opportunity to appreciate the discipline, precision, and athleticism of the retriever gun dog in a controlled and ethical environment.

spectator information

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plan your day

FAQs

Ticket options

General Admission

£25

/person/day

General Admission tickets provide full access to the event grounds, allowing spectators to:

  • Watch all stages of the competition.
  • Follow live scoring via on-site leaderboards.
  • Experience the atmosphere of a top-tier gundog working test.
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Weekend pass save £5

VIP Admission

£150

/person/day

VIP tickets offer an enhanced spectator experience at this leading gun dog competition. 

  • Premium viewing positions
  • Access to exclusive areas
  • A more refined and comfortable event experience
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Weekend pass save £30

Children's Admission

free

  • Free entry is valid only when accompanied by a fee-paying adult.
  • Children 16+ will require a full adult ticket.
  • VIP Admission is priced per person, including children - there's no reduced rate for under-16s on VIP tickets.
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Plan Your Day at The British Retriever Trophy 2027

Event Schedule

The competition will begin at approximately 9:00am each day, with a full programme of tests, activities, and spectator experiences available throughout the weekend.

Event Dates

Saturday 19th June 2027

Sunday 20th June 2027

Visitors are encouraged to arrive in good time to enjoy the full day’s schedule and take advantage of all facilities on offer.

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World-Class Open Working Test Competition

What to Expect

The British Retriever Trophy showcases some of the UK’s finest retrievers and handlers, all of whom have earned qualification through success at Kennel Club-affiliated events. This is a rare opportunity to witness elite-level retriever work in a highly competitive yet accessible environment.

Event Village

Across the weekend, guests can explore a vibrant event village featuring a carefully selected range of:

  • Food and drink vendors
  • Country lifestyle and gundog-related shopping stalls
  • Spectator amenities
  • Social spaces to relax and enjoy the atmosphere

The event village is designed to complement the competition itself, creating a complete visitor experience for families, enthusiasts, and sporting spectators alike.

VIP Hospitality Experience

For visitors seeking a premium event experience, The British Retriever Trophy will feature a dedicated VIP enclosure.

VIP Benefits Include:

  • Exclusive premium viewing areas
  • Dedicated viewing space to follow all the action
  • Champagne bar
  • Enhanced hospitality facilities
  • A refined and comfortable event environment

VIP access provides the ideal setting for those wishing to enjoy the competition in style, entertain guests, or simply elevate their day.

Parking and Accessibility

Convenient On-Site Parking

Accessible on-site parking will be available for all visitors, ensuring straightforward arrival and departure throughout the event.

Accessible Viewing

All competition areas can be accessed on foot, with no transport required for standard attendance.

For those who prefer or require additional support:

  • Shoot vehicles will be available to assist movement between viewing areas and test locations.
Important Accessibility Considerations

While every effort will be made to ensure the event is as accessible as possible, it is important to note that the British Retriever Trophy takes place predominantly outdoors on working farmland.

  • Ground conditions may vary.
  • Terrain may be uneven in places.
  • Weather may impact accessibility.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear suitable outdoor footwear and prepare appropriately for countryside conditions.

FAQs

  • What is a gundog working test (GWT)?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • What is the difference between a gundog working test and a field trial?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • What classes are run at a gundog working test?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • What gundog working test rules apply at the event?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • Can I bring my own dog as a spectator?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • How are dogs judged at a gundog working test?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • Is the British Retriever Trophy suitable for first-time spectators?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • Is parking available at the British Retriever Trophy?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • How do I get tickets for the British Retriever Trophy?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • What is the difference between General Admission and VIP tickets?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • Is food available at the event?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition
  • What is the best way to follow the competition as a spectator?

    Spectators can expect:

    • Multi-day competition with progressive scoring
    • Live scoring and leaderboard updates throughout the day
    • Advanced retriever work, including marking, blinds, and handling
    • A knowledgeable and passionate audience
    • A traditional countryside setting aligned with the heritage of gun dog competition