Peri and River ready to compete at Crufts

Peri Burchmore, an underkeeper from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, and overall winner of the BASC gamekeepers’ classes on Gundog Day at Crufts 2023, will be back this year to take on competition old and new.

Last year, Peri competed with Welsh springer spaniel River (Bowdonia Moon River JW) who will be coming back to BASC’s gamekeepers’ rings again this year.

River has reached the final four times and her owner is hoping to get a good result again this year. She said: “River is such a special dog and I’m proud of how much she’s accomplished so far.

“I look forward to competing with her by my side again this year.”

River not only does well at shows, but she is also a working gundog and can be seen out in the field beating and picking up during the shooting season.

Peri said: “We’ve had a really busy and successful shooting season. The dogs all worked hard for us, and River spent a lot of time in the beating line this year, joined by her daughter Ammo, with both flying the flag for minor breeds. Due to increasing commitments, we’ve not been able to show this year but I hope to be able to enter River into some veteran classes later in the year. We are looking forward to Crufts 2024 and will be sure to enjoy our day, whatever the results.”

BASC’s head of game and wildlife management Glynn Evans said: “Last year’s gamekeepers’ classes were a huge success. It was a pleasure to see so many working gundogs taking part in the gamekeepers’ rings.

“We wish all the best to this year’s competitors and look forward to welcoming them all on Friday 8 March at the NEC in Birmingham.”

BASC’s gamekeepers’ rings will be sponsored by Skinner’s, who also support the association’s gundog program.