The 9th Skinner’s International Retriever World Cup took place at the Highclere Game and Country Fair over the May Bank holiday weekend, and saw the all-girl Swedish team steal victory in the World's most prestigious retriever event. See a full run down of the results here.

Held for the 5th year running at the Highclere Game and Country Fair, the World Cup saw 14 teams from across the globe take part in two days of challenging working tests. The championship involved teams of four dogs and their handlers from each country competing in the magnificent grounds of Highclere Castle in the hopes of becoming the 2010 champions.

With each working test designed to test the dog’s game finding ability, speed, control and retrieval skills, this year’s championship saw the standard of entries at an all time high, demonstrating the sheer level of preparation undertaken by each team for this event.

Using dummies to recreate a typical day’s shooting in the open field, the working tests saw the World’s finest handlers and retrievers battling it out for the prestigious title. Whilst all-girl group Sweden claimed the 2010 title, England were hot on their heels narrowly missing their chance to take their trophy wins to four. With Switzerland taking third place with 701 points, last year’s winners Wales, came 9th on the scoreboard, showing level of competition this year.

This year’s championship saw a record number of teams compete for the World Cup title, which provided first class championship viewing, as well as some great family entertainment. Made even more welcome by the beautiful spring sunshine, the Highclere Game and Country Fair attracted record crowds, allowing visitors to kick back in the many picnic areas whilst absorbing all the weekend’s action.

"Countryman Fairs are extremely proud to host the Skinners International Retriever World Cup" said Countryman Fairs Chief Executive Ian Harford. "The Highclere Game and Country Fair is the leading show for gundog events in the South of England, and the World Cup is the 'Jewel in our Crown'. The championship is extremely prestigious, but also unique. Although it represents gundog competition at the very highest level, the camaraderie and fellowship displayed between the teams is something to behold, and is what sets this competition apart".

The World Cup is the just one in a whole host of gundog events that can be found at each of the Countryman Fairs events held throughout the year. For more information about our gundog and other championship events held at each game and country fair this year, check out our website and see what the all the fuss is about!

The next Countryman Fairs event is the Sussex Game and Country Fair which takes place over 19th & 20th June 2010. Countryman Fairs organise 4 award-winning events across the UK throughout the year, each showcasing the very best in country life. Browse our website for more information on all of Countryman Fairs award winning events and join us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and developments as they happen.