A surprise press release issued last week The Kennel Club has effectively put the running of its cocker championship out to tender after negotiation with the Cocker Spaniel Club broke down.

Next year both the cocker and springer stakes will be two and three day events respectively to cope with the increase in numbers of qualified dogs. The press release said - ‘The decision has been taken by the Spaniel Club that it is no longer able to run the Kennel Club Cocker Championship as the English Springer Spaniel Championship is to become a three day event from January 2006 onwards. This is to accommodate the increasing numbers of qualified dogs, and the Cocker Championship has become a two day event for the same reason.

‘Over recent weeks the Kennel Club has been talking to the Cocker Spaniel Club Field Trials Section with a view to it hosting the Kennel Club’s Cocker Championship in 2006 and future years.

Unfortunately the Cocker Club has decided to withdraw from these discussions and it will not be involved in the running of the event. The Kennel Club therefore invites applications from clubs and societies which currently run Open Cocker Stakes to host the Kennel Club Cocker Championships in 2006 and thereafter.

‘The Kennel Club will support and work with the host club or clubs and offers a substantial grant (details on request) to defray the costs of running the event. Any application must include details of the club’s experience which would equip it to run an event of this high profile, to the appropriate standard.

‘It is appreciated that a final decision of this importance cannot be made quickly, however the Kennel Club General Committee would appreciate indications from any clubs or societies who may be interested in hosting the Cocker Championship as soon as possible so that arrangements for the 2006 event can get under way.

‘Applications should be addressed to Hilary Gould, Senior Administrator - Field Trials, The Kennel Club, 1 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB or by e-mail to hgould@the-kennel-club.org.uk’