We are now half way through this fast-moving test. With only 2 land marks to retrieve and no blind we are running about 4 minutes a dog. Estimates are that the first series will finish by 2:30-2:45 this afternoon. Most likely we will start the second series today, which will be a double blind run it the same general area as the first series.
The first series flyer has produced some very clean jobs and also some hunts as the dogs search among a choice of several of the "moguls" that are a feature of these trial grounds. The retired memory bird has proven to be a good challenge as its landing area is protected and invites a run-by on either side of the grove of trees where it hides. Just beyond the fall there is some splash water in what remains of this dry pond, then rows of trees on the far side of the dry pond which attract the dogs to hunt before working back to the fall. There is a risk that a protracted hunt can tempt the dog to give up on the trees and work up the hill back to the area of the flyer guns. There have been a very small number of handles on this bird with most dogs recovering it either cleanly or after a hunt.
