Nicholas Childs may not be much of a horse racing man, but he certainly knows how to prepare a dead cert winner after leading Black Dyke to the most commanding of victories at the English National Championship in Preston.

One horse race

In what proved to be something of a one horse race, Dyke headed both the set work and own choice elements of the contest to retain the title ahead of a delighted Leyland, who will also accompany them to Oslo in 2013, with Foden’s in third.

The winning MDs analogy that much like winning a classic at Royal Ascot, "...a jockey is only as good as his horse," was made with the type of wry smile that couldn’t quite hide his pleasure of knowing that he’s got the whip hand on a band that is the thoroughbred equivalent of Frankel and Black Caviar put together.

Fearless

"I’m delighted to lead them," he said. "They are such a young, brave and fearless band. You can feel the laser beam eyes on you as soon as you pick up the baton."

By winning the £4,000 first prize by a furlong margin from the rest of the eight band field, the MD also revealed that the secret to the success was hard work – and plenty of it – including no less than 5 concerts in the two weeks immediately after their euphoric victory at the European Championship in Rotterdam.

No dip

"Because of that the band never goes into a dip," he added. "We work hard all the time, even after wins like this. Now we have to prepare for a huge concert this weekend at Symphony Hall, so there is never, ever any let up. Things are very good at present and I will try my best to keep them that way."

Things are so good in fact that they have now claimed the Yorkshire, European, Whit Friday and English National titles, bagged over £20,000 worth of prize money and awards, and have returned to the top of 4BR/World of Brass rankings.

Shiver

All that is left between them and an historic daddy of all Grand Slams is the British Open and National Finals at London.

That news will undoubtedly send a shiver down the spines of rivals, especially after the quartet of judges waxed lyrical about their brace of winning performances on the set work, ‘Masquerade’ and own choice selection of ‘Revelation’.

Breathless precision

David Read MBE thought the set work was, ‘a superb performance of precision and preparation’, whilst Stephen Roberts, described the Wilby opus as; ‘...a true revelation. One of the finest, if not the finest I’ve ever heard. Truly stunning. It left me breathless’.

Black Dyke’s principal cornet Richard Marshall also came in for the highest praise as he picked up his second consecutive ‘Best Soloist Award’ at the contest, with David Read commenting, ‘...the playing of the winning soloist was simplicity and beauty itself.’

That news came as an added bonus, as Richard revealed. "I’m also going to be a dad again so its turning into a great year! It’s always pleasing to win an award, but Gary Curtin on euphonium was fantastic today and so too the rest of the band."

...a true revelation. One of the finest, if not the finest I’ve ever heard. Truly stunning. It left me breathlessStephen Roberts describing Black Dyke's performance of Revelation

Oslo battle

With the destination of the title in little doubt as soon as Dyke had delivered a superb reprise of Wilby’s masterful work in the afternoon off the number 3 draw, there was still an engrossing battle to see who would claim the additional qualification place for Oslo in 2013.

Scorching Leyland

In the end a brace of hugely colourful and exciting performances from Leyland, including a scorching account of ‘Audivi Media Nocte’ under the baton of Michael Bach secured the trip.

Leyland was placed 3rd on the set work and 2nd on their own choice to take the £3,000 prize money on offer for second place and book that all important European appearance – their first since 2006 in Belfast.

MD joy

There was no denying the joy felt by the exhausted Swiss MD, as he once again defied some critics and the odds to secure Leyland yet another major contesting success.

Modestly he told 4BR: "It’s an amazing feeling. I thought we played pretty well and I’m happy that my views on the pieces came through today."

As for that growing reputation for providing colourful, exciting interpretations though? "I never realised that I was doing it. I just try to do what I feel is right for the music to come through."

Touched by genius

However, Resident Conductor Leigh Baker thinks he knows just why the partnership is proving to be so successful on the contest stage:

"He really is touched with musical genius. He came in on Sunday and has been brilliant. The result shows once again the progress we are making at the major championships. We are confident that we can make a real mark again at the Open and Nationals and in Norway in 2013."

Disappointed Foden's

There was disappointment for Foden’s in third as their exciting musical partnership with Allan Withington again failed to find complete favour with the men in box – coming 2nd on the set work, but 5th on their own choice of ‘Rococo Variations’.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Congratulations to Black Dyke on their fully deserved win. We were very happy with the way we performed over the two pieces, but we are disappointed that wasn’t reflected with the judges on our own choice."

Fairey pipped

It was still enough however to pip 2010 champion Fairey under Ian Porthouse, who gave two consistent performances in coming 4th on the set work and 3rd on their own choice selection of ‘Audivi Media Nocte’ to end fourth overall.

There was further encouragement for Hepworth as the Grand Shield winners once again showed high quality consistency under Russell Gary in coming 5th on the set work and 4th on their own choice selection of ‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ to end fifth.

Same points

Meanwhile, there was little to separate the remaining bands as Reg Vardy, Virtuosi GUS and Pemberton Old Wigan DW all ended with the same overall point’s total – only to be separated by the respective placings on the set work.

Reg Vardy under Ray Farr eventually ended sixth, despite coming last on their own choice selection of ‘Rococo Variations’, with Virtuosi GUS, directed by John Berryman in seventh as they opted for ‘Extreme Makover’ as their showcase choice.

Mark Bentham and Pemberton Old took eighth place despite showing considerable verve and ambition especially with their performance of ‘Harmony Music’.

Championship future

With the Olympic Torch and terrible weather conditions in the lead up to the contest putting pressure on audience numbers this year, BFBB Chairman Robert Morgan was still upbeat about the future of the Championshp.

"I’m the extreme optimist about this contest," he told 4BR. "There is growing support, but we do need one or two more bands to come on board."

With the future of the event to be discussed by the BFBB in the next few days, Robert confirmed that a decision to whether or not it will be held next year will be announced shortly.

Further coverage:

See audio at top of page: 4BR's Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas talk about the contest, the performances and how it was won and lost.

Result:
Test piece: Test piece: 'Masquerade' (Philip Wilby)
Adjudicators:
Set work: David Read MBE & Nigel Boddice MBE
Own choice: Stephen Roberts & Chris Wormald

Result:
Result = Set work / Own Choice
Set Work result takes precedence in event of tie

1. Black Dyke, (Draw:7/3) 1/1= 2*
Dr Nicholas Childs
Own Choice Selection: Revelation (Philip Wilby)

2. Leyland (5/8) 3/2= 5**
Michael Bach
Own Choice Selection: Audivi Media Nocte (Oliver Waespi)

3. Foden's, (4/1) 2/5= 7
Allan Withington
Own Choice Selection: Rococo Variations (Edward Gregson)

4. Fairey, (2/2) 4/3= 7
Ian Porthouse
Own Choice Selection: Audivi Media Nocte (Oliver Waespi)

5. Hepworth, (1/6) 5/4= 9
Russell Gray
Own Choice Selection: On the Shoulders of Giants (Peter Graham)

6. Reg Vardy, (6/4) 6/8= 14
Ray Farr
Own Choice Selection: Rococo Variations (Edward Gregson)

7. Virtuosi GUS (3/5) 7/7= 14
John Berryman
Own Choice Selection: Extreme Makeover (Johan de Meij)

8. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (8/7) 8/6= 14
Mark Bentham
Own Choice Selection: Harmony Music (Philip Sparke)

Best Instrumentalist: Richard Marshall (Cornet) — Black Dyke
Youngest Player: Richard Kay (14) — Leyland

* Pre-qualified for 2013 European Championship
** Receives invitation to 2013 European Championship