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Find out moreThe British Retriever Trophy is an International Open-level Working Test (dummy-only), which will bring together the world's very best Retriever Gundogs in a spectacular competition spread over two days.
Unlike standard events, this competition features:
It is, in essence, a showcase of excellence in the modern retriever gundog.
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The British Retriever Trophy follows the format of an Open Working Test, a cornerstone of modern gundog competition.
No game is shot at any stage of the competition.
Instead, the event is entirely dummy-based.
For those familiar with Open-level Retriever Working Tests, the format will be recognisable.
The competition is dummy-based across 2 days, with individual Tests designed to reflect realistic shooting scenarios.
Progression through the event is determined by the cumulative points score across the competition.
A key feature of the 2027 Trophy is the use of live scoreboard displays across the venue.
Spectators will be able to:
This scoring system adds a dynamic, competitive edge to the event, making it easier to follow the action.
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:
£25
/person/day
General Admission tickets provide full access to the event grounds, allowing spectators to:
Weekend pass save £5
£150
/person/day
VIP tickets offer an enhanced spectator experience at this leading gundog competition.
Weekend pass save £30
free
The competition will begin at approximately 9:00am each day, with a full programme of tests throughout the weekend.
Spectators are asked please to arrive by 8.45 latest, so as not to disturb the competition, which will start at 9.00am each day.
Buy TicketsThe British Retriever Trophy showcases some of the World's finest retrievers and handlers, all of whom have earned qualification through success at Royal Kennel Club-affiliated events.
Across the weekend, guests can explore a vibrant event village featuring a carefully selected range of:
The event village is designed to complement the competition itself, creating a complete visitor experience for families, enthusiasts, and sporting spectators alike.
For visitors seeking a premium event experience, The British Retriever Trophy will feature a dedicated VIP enclosure.
VIP Benefits Include:
VIP access provides the ideal setting for those wishing to enjoy the competition in style, entertain guests, or simply elevate their day.
For visitors seeking a premium event experience, The British Retriever Trophy will feature a dedicated VIP enclosure.
Accessible on-site parking will be available for visitors (Early bird tickets receive free parking until 30th September)
This event takes place outdoors in a countryside setting. Spectating opportunities will require moving across uneven ground, grass, farm tracks and sloping terrain. Ground conditions may vary depending on the weather. We are committed to making the event as accessible as possible and welcome visitors with disabilities, mobility impairments and other access requirements.
A large screen showing coverage from tests taking place throughout the day will be available within the VIP Hospitality Area. Guests requiring access support who would benefit from this viewing option are encouraged to contact the event team in advance to discuss available arrangements.
For guests with reduced mobility, an event vehicle will be available to assist with transportation to and from test locations that are further from the event hub. Due to limited capacity, this service must be arranged in advance and is available on a pre-booked basis only.
Visitors wishing to use the event vehicle or discuss any other accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the event team prior to attending. While the nature of the venue means that some areas may remain challenging to access, we will do our best to make reasonable adjustments and support guests wherever possible.
Please contact our event team (info@tbrt.co.uk). We will be happy to help plan your visit and ensure you can enjoy the event as fully as possible.
A gundog working test is a competitive event designed to assess the natural ability, training and teamwork of gundogs and their handlers, using dummy retrieves. Dogs are judged on skills such as retrieving, obedience, steadiness, and handling across a variety of realistic field-based challenges.
While both disciplines assess the skills of working gundogs, a gundog working test uses dummy retrieves, whereas a field trial takes place during a live shooting day with game. Working tests are designed to evaluate a dog's training, handling and natural ability in a controlled environment, while field trials assess performance under real shooting conditions.
During this highly competitive two-day event, spectators will witness first-hand the skill, precision and partnership of some of the UK's finest retriever gundogs and handlers. Renowned trainers David "Christmas" Thomas and David Latham have designed five challenging tests across the stunning Apley Estate, each carefully crafted to assess the dogs' abilities at the highest level. Up to 70 dogs will compete on the first day, with every dog completing all five tests. Following the completion of day one, the field will be narrowed to the top 30 dogs, plus any ties, who will progress to the final day of competition. These elite competitors will then battle it out for their share of a £22,000 prize fund and the coveted title of winner.
Please see - Rules & Regulations.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend the event. For the safety and enjoyment of all competitors, spectators and dogs, all visiting dogs must be kept on a lead and under control at all times. As this is a competitive gundog event, it is important that spectator dogs do not interfere with the tests or distract competing dogs. Owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour throughout the event. Any dog displaying disruptive or uncontrolled behaviour may be asked to leave the event site. Please note that dogs must not be left unattended in vehicles at any time. The welfare of all dogs is paramount, and event organisers reserve the right to take appropriate action if a dog's safety or well-being is considered to be at risk.
Dogs will be assessed at each test by a minimum of one independent panel judge, who will evaluate both technical ability and overall style across a series of demanding dummy retrieves. Judges will be looking for accuracy, control, responsiveness to the handler, marking ability and the confidence and efficiency with which each dog completes the challenges. For more details on the judging process, please visit our Rules and Regulations.
Absolutely! This is a family friendly event that is open to everyone.
The event will take place on the Apley Estate. Event parking is available in close proximity to the central hub, where facilities, including food vendors and toilets, can be found. Please be sure to purchase parking when you buy your ticket. Tickets purchased before 30th September will include parking. VIP tickets include free forward parking. For more information on tickets, please view packages here.
Tickets are available to purchase online here. Please be sure to book early to avoid disappointment, as the venue does have capacity restrictions in place.
Please visit our ticketing page for more information on ticket packages available.
Yes, food vendors will be in place throughout the weekend, including hot and cold drinks. For those purchasing a VIP ticket, additional dining will be supplied as part of your package.
There are a number of ways to enjoy The BRT. Come and join us live on the 19th and 20th June to see the action first-hand. Alternatively, if you can't make it, we will be very busy on social media throughout the weekend, so please be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. For those seeking a closer look into The BRT, consider becoming a member to receive behind-the-scenes footage in the run-up to the 2027 event, further information and full footage from the BRT event itself. For more information on membership benefits, please visit the membership page.
General photography for personal use is welcome. However, please be mindful not to distract the dogs or handlers during exercises, and always follow any guidance given by stewards.
Yes, official programmes will be available to purchase and collect at the event. Programmes are priced at £5 each.
There are two ways to collect a programme at the event:
