NATIONAL TAPAS COCKTAIL PARTY

Welcome to the 2026 Canadian National Retriever Championship in Perth, Ontario! The host, the Eastern Ontario Retriever Club (EORC), has put in a tremendous amount of effort to prepare the grounds and organize this event.
155 dogs qualified for the event, and 65 dog & handler teams entered; 1 team is scratched (dog #11).  64 teams will come to line for the first test on Sunday.

Tapas, Toasts, and Retriever Spirit: The Field Trial Week Begins

Civitan Club of Perth

There was a unmistakable buzz in the room as the Tapas Cocktail Party kicked off on September 12, 2026. At the Civitan Club of Perth, handlers, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and friends gathered to launch an exciting week of retriever field trial competition. Field Trial Chairman Ken Crosby opened the evening with a warm welcome, setting a spirited tone for the days ahead and wishing everyone good luck, great camaraderie, and a week to remember.

The celebration quickly turned to the people who help make an event like this shine. Guests were introduced to the head table: Chief Marshal Bill Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline; judges Dave Douglas of British Columbia, Chris Bayles of Ontario, and John McDonald of Saskatchewan; NRCC President Darlene Broomhead; and her husband David. It was a strong reminder of the experience, dedication, and national spirit gathered in one room.

Ken then turned the spotlight to the EORC committee, recognizing the countless hours of planning, organizing, and problem-solving that had gone into preparing for the trial. He also gave heartfelt thanks to the landowners whose generosity makes this sport possible, including the McPharlands, Jason Cordick, the Cordick family, Jim and Vickie Chadwick, and Tom and Christina Sullivan. Their support provides the foundation for every memorable retrieve, every challenging test, and every great story that will come from the week.

Amid the excitement, the evening also included a moving moment of remembrance. Ken acknowledged the empty seat at the table in memory of Trevor Dickens, a long-time EORC member and avid field trialer.

The evening continued as NRCC President Darlene Broomhead welcomed everyone and thanked them for being part of the celebration. National pins were presented to the EORC team leads, and judges’ pins were handed out to Dave, Chris, and John. National sponsor representatives Dean Reinke from Garmin and Bill Kennedy from Purina were also recognized, adding another round of applause to an evening already filled with appreciation.

With Lou Moroz assisting, Ken presented gifts to the judges before inviting Dave Douglas to speak on their behalf. Dave thanked the EORC committee members and setup crew for their hard work and praised the tremendous grounds prepared for the week’s competition. His closing message was simple, enthusiastic, and exactly right for the occasion: “Enjoy your time and make it special!”

Chief Marshal Bill Kennedy added his thanks to everyone who helped during setup week, including Chef Paul for the much-appreciated “in the field” lunches. He also extended sincere gratitude to the landowners, whose hospitality and support continue to make these events possible year after year.

Then it was time to look ahead to the action. Before the final presentations and draw, the Chief Marshal reviewed several key instructions for handlers and gunners:

  • Handler on the mat for the initial send.
  • By-dog will be used on all bird changes where there is an honour.
  • 3 holding blinds will be out, and where possible the holding blinds should be full, but where there is excessive heat or wait times, discretion will be used in the best interest of the dog.
  • No birds – go back 3 full dogs (4th to run), 2nd no bird, back another 3 dogs, 3rd no bird, go to the end.
  • Respect the land and owners by picking up after yourselves.
  • Gunners wait for the UTV to pick you up; no walking in the field.
  • Test #1 will be a land triple, with 2 hen pheasants and a mallard duck.

Ken brought the formal remarks to a memorable close with a thoughtful gesture of appreciation. A single rose was presented to Hope Roberts, Erin Sullivan, Sheila Andrew, Christina Sullivan, Connie Dresser, and Lou Moroz in recognition of the important roles they played in making the event a success. It was a warm, personal moment that captured the heart behind all the hard work.

As the evening wrapped up, the energy in the room only grew. Handler bags and bibs were presented, the starting dog was drawn, and anticipation began building for the first test. With friends gathered, volunteers celebrated, sponsors recognized, and the week officially launched, the Tapas Cocktail Party delivered exactly what a great opening night should: a sense of tradition, teamwork, gratitude, and excitement for everything still to come.

Starting Dog Draw

Starting dog drawn by Molly MacNutt for the 2026 Canadian National Retriever Championship series #1is 40, Doug Shepherd   What luck, Doug & Cici were dog #1 in 2025!

Our Sponsors