The opportunity to enter a dog in the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) spring Derby this year (2019) was quite possibly the chance of a lifetime for our kennel. Why? well first of all you must have a dog under the age of 30 months which has qualities that impress all watching. Such a dog was made possible by Ezio Pagliarini of the del Subasio kennel and Vinicio Tognolo a professional whose repective bloodlines produced Varenne.

We knew Varenne was outstanding and had proved his abilities (unfortunately) by coming second with a grading of excellent at a field trial three months earlier.

Why unfortuately? well we later discovered that the rules of the Derby were that entry was restricted to dogs up to 30 months, who had not taken part in a recognised field trial. After a few conversations with various people, we decided to enter anyway, after all there was only one chance at this fantatsic opportunity.

This video is of the run, which impressed all who saw it. Two separate judges complimented the dog and I think under normal circumstances Varenne may have been recalled for the following day...but....on returning to the venue, there stood an official with the dogs log book in hand..inevitably 'busted' and there it ended. I must say though I was completely satisfied with the experience,proud to have been the only englishman to have competed in this event and done so in the company of some great personalities in the Italian Spinone and Bracco world who I had admired for many years since first becoming interested in the breed.