The Bloodhound Club runs two Championship Working trials each year, one in Spring and one in Autumn. Each trial consists of four stakes, which become progressively more difficult as the hound wins its way through.
Bloodhounds hunt natural human scent (known as ‘clean-boot”) and no drag or artificial scent is used.
How Trials Work
At a trial, a ‘’runner’ leaves an item of clothing or similar, on a white flag, and then walks a predetermined route using a map, and then at the allocated time, the hound is set off to hunt the runner.
The hound is followed by a judge who has a map of the line taken by the runner.
Before entering the trial the hound must gain a working permit, and this is a two part procedure which can also include a livestock test. Those with the stock test are then able to hunt their hounds free, but those with just the basic hunting test must hunt their hound leashed.
(Note that to compete at Senior stake level, a hound must have a stock test although its at the handlers discretion whether they hunt free or leashed in the trials)
Different Stakes
Novice stake is 1 mile long line on half hour cold scent.
Junior stake is 2 miles long on one hour cold scent.
Intermediate Stake is 2.5 miles long on one and a half hours cold scent.
Senior Stake is 3 miles long on a two hour cold scent.
From the Senior Stake, a hound can win a KC Working trial Certificate and with two of these awarded, becomes a Working trials Champion (WTCh).
Other criteria have to be met to be awarded a Certificate, such as successfully identifying the runner form a line up of three people at the end of the line.
Latest Results
Spring 2025 Trials at St leonards
NOVICE stake:
No placings but a COM to Cooks "Immervahr Freya" and Phelans "Graceminster Reverence".
The ID cup and the Speaking cup went to Westrons "Farlap Kaleb" at his first ever trials, and the handlers spoon went to his handler owner Suzi Westron.
JUNIOR stake:
1st prize and the Stuart Levy Cup to Freers "Immervahr Fryony".
INTERMEDIATE Stake:
1st prize and the Phil Stendela Memorial Trophy to Prices "Moorlander Rochas"
2nd prize and the Rescorla Trophy to Clarks "Ch Farlap Miss Konduct".
Moorlander Rochas was also awarded the Speaking Cup.
SENIOR stake:
1st prize and the Chasedown Senior Cup to Watts "Maplemead Miss Melba* "
2nd prize went to Freers Maplebay Northern Star (Imp Fin)
Biggles award for valiant effort went to Priestleys Ch Railside Pluto at Quikotic
Millvery Trophy 2025
Clara Freer and Maple Bay Northern Star won this years Trophy.
Kelperland Trophy 2024
Won by MapleBay Northern Star, handled by Clara Freer
Autumn 2024 Trials - Lincolnshire
Novice Stake -
Although no awards were made, the Novice handlers spoon went to Kevin Phelan for handling at his very first trials.
Junior Stake -
COM awarded to Ian Henderson and Marksbury Railway of Quikotic.
Intermediate Stake -
No Awards
Senior Stake -
COM to Clara Freer with Maple Bay Northern Star and to Lorraine Priestley with Ch. Railside Pluto at Quikotic.