Top of the pups

Canines in all their guises were celebrated at The Field Top Dog Awards lunch at Defender Burghley Horse Trials whether eager on the peg, patient at home or perpetually making mischief

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THE THURSDAY of Defender Burghley is the stage for eventing’s equine greats to shine between the white boards in the main arena but this year their canine counterparts were given their turn in the spotlight too with The Field Top Dog Awards lunch, in association with Skinner’s. Tables were set, a seating plan made but it was the winning dogs – celebrated for their flair in the field, companionship at home or their penchant for a troublesome trick – who set the agenda. The Field ’s sporting dog columnist David Tomlinson, Skinner’s own Ben Skinner and Field Editor Alexandra Henton were the judges who pored over the nominees – with some categories being put to the public vote – each of the winners leaving laden with Skinner’s energy bars and wet food to power them through the season.

The winners

JUDGES' VOTE

Most promising newcomer: Poppy (below)

It is heartening to know that a newcomer doesn't have to be in the first flush of youth, as was the case with three-year-old Poppy.

"She was rehomed after her elderly owner passed away, and we've had her less than a year. Since showing real keenness for the ball, she's started her gundog journey, proving it's never too late," says Chloe Carter, who nominated her bitch. "She transitioned on to dummies and the whistle with no problems and, while she's still working on her confidence, she's always keen and raring to go. When the dummies come out, the tail starts going. We've spent the past few weeks learning to get her nose down, and she is starting to develop her pattern when hunting. She's showing such promise for an older bitch with no previous training, and I have no doubt she'll make a fine addition to the team when she's ready. Poppy takes everything in her stride - she's a proper lady. I'm lucky to have her by my side, both as a companion and a gundog."