Desire wins top cocker title

A two-year-old cocker spaniel, FTCh Endashaw Desire, saw off very tough competition to be awarded the top honour at the 93rd Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship earlier this month. 

Owned and handled by Gavin Lockyer, Endashaw Desire — also known as Ria — triumphed over 40 talented cockers at the Kennel Club’s Emblehope and Burngrange Estate in Northumberland on 5 and 6 January. Each dog was tested on their natural working ability. 

Speaking after their win, Gavin said: “Ria’s a great all-round dog and I’ve really enjoyed competing with her. I was extremely proud of her performance over the two days.” 

Kate Broers, Kennel Club gundog events manager, added: “Headkeeper Raymond Holt prepared the ground wonderfully [and] the estate was the ideal setting for the dogs and handlers to demonstrate their skills.” 

The podium places included Popsheath Abbie, owned and handled by Ant Myers, as runner-up; FTCh Tiptopjack Firebug, owned by Nigel Partiss and handled by Ian Openshaw in third; and Breckmarsh Jana, owned and handled by Lee Cooper in fourth place.