Shooting UK: changes to competition

Following comments/feedback from various factions, The Polmaise Cup Competition on the 11th October has reduced the entry fee from £50 to £25, the prize money has also been changed to 1ST. £250 , 2ND.£100 ,and 3RD.£50 ,
The single most comment regarding the competition was the entry fee, as it was seen as an obstacle for most especially as this kind of competition has never been done before.
The other obstacle was the ‘fear factor’, i.e. the fear from the professional dog handler possibly being beaten by an unknown, or a non KC dog.
The other fear was from the novice handler who expected all the top professional dog handlers to be entered and was not confident in being placed; therefore the entry fee of £50 had no incentive.
Another factor was the timing of the press release for the competition first entry to media was in March, which made the competition way of most people’s radar for October.
There was also a feeling among many enthusiasts within the shooting/gundog world that the concept and ethos of shooting over your own dogs using the primary breed functions was not what they have been conditioned for.
The other surprising statistic was that so many able dog handlers either couldn’t, or wouldn’t shoot, or never held a shotgun licence.
I believe the winner will be a ‘Shooter’, there is much can go wrong for the entrant in this competition, you can have the best trained dogs in the country, but you still have to hit the target.
The Polmaise Cup format is an activity practiced by every rough shooter, but it has never been in competition.
It was created to promote and encourage the art of shooting with dogs, and an opportunity for any shooter/dog handler to compete in the company of the best without the restraints of clubs or society protocol.
I hope the changes to the entry will encourage those who can enter to participate in this ‘Ultimate’ gundog competition.