Gamekeepers Gain Spotlight as Crufts Winner Clyde Claims Northesk Memorial Trophy

Gamekeepers and handlers across Britain gained a rare spotlight on their working dogs, Sunday at 11: 00 a. m. ET, when a yellow Labrador from Wales — Trieymoedd Snipes Whisper Clyde — was named BASC’s Best in Gamekeeper Classes and celebrated as a crufts winner at Crufts 2026.

Clyde gives gamekeepers public recognition at the NEC in Birmingham

The immediate effect was to put working keepers and their dogs in front of a national audience: Clyde is a four-and-a-half-year-old yellow Labrador owned by gamekeeper Harry Lewis and handler Amber Williams, and the pair’s success highlighted the role of gundogs that work regularly on shoots. Amber described Clyde as a “gentle giant, ” and she said he has been out nearly every day during the season, spending 60-plus days picking up.

Crufts Winner Trieymoedd Snipes Whisper Clyde awarded Northesk Memorial Trophy by The Marquess of Hamilton

Held earlier today, 8 March, during Gundog Day at the NEC in Birmingham, the gamekeeper class winners were chosen and then brought into the main arena for the overall BASC award; Trieymoedd Snipes Whisper Clyde took the Northesk Memorial Trophy and the title of Best in Gamekeeper Classes. The trophy was presented by BASC president The Marquess of Hamilton.

BASC leaders and Amber Williams emphasize Clyde’s season and partnership with handlers

BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, said the standard in the gamekeeper classes was excellent, noting these are working dogs that spend the season in the field and that Crufts gives keepers and handlers the chance to show that quality to a wider audience. Amber said Clyde has had a fabulous season, the pair finished second in this class last year, and that what stands out is the partnership built through training and fieldwork.

If judging proceeds as scheduled, the overall Best in Show for the competition will be crowned Sunday evening ET.