BASC: Gamekeepers getting ready for Crufts 2011

Thursday, 24 February 2011 12:00 AM

Gamekeepers, beaters and pickers-up from across the UK are getting ready for one of the highlights of the gundog calendar - Crufts 2011.

Almost 300 working dogs will be shown in classes run by the UK's largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). BASC will run a total of 22 gamekeepers' and other gundog handler classes at the event's gundog day on 10th March 2011 at the NEC in Birmingham.

BASC's classes act as a showcase for working gundogs at the world's largest dog show. Uniquely all of the dogs will have just finished a busy shooting season and Crufts gives their handlers an opportunity to show the animals in their prime.

BASC will host classes for individuals and teams in its three rings. Gundog training demonstrations will be put on in BASC's rings between classes. Overall winners from the gamekeepers' classes throughout the day will go head to head in a final show in the main arena for the Northesk memorial trophy.

All of the BASC classes at Crufts are supported and sponsored by Chudleys dog food.

Glynn Evans, BASC's game and gamekeeping officer, said: "There will be non-stop action in BASC's gamekeepers' rings at this year's event. The BASC rings provide a valuable opportunity for gamekeepers and other gundog handlers to meet and compete with their dogs and provide a showcase for working gundogs to a wider public audience. It promises to be a packed day and visitors are welcome to come along and find out more about working dogs."

For more information phone 01244 573019, email gamekeeping@basc.org.uk or visit www.basc.org.uk

ENDS

Photographs from Crufts 2010 are available to download from http://basc.thirdlight.com
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For more information please call the BASC press office on 01244 573031

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