2011 Nat'l Open Invitational Ch.
Ch. Penrosa Knox, SM, Tim Penn owner and handler. R/U Going For Broke, PM, Marty Robinson owner and Oscar Whitt handler.
NBHA Open Invitational Championship Photo: l to r – Cora King, Hunter King, Cameron Logsdon, Jim Morehouse (Tritronics), Gailen Cooper (Purina), Judge Delano “Brud” Powell, Tony King, Tim Penn with Penrosa Knox, Jason Kemna, Oscar Whitt with Going For Broke, Reporter Chris Gebhardt, Judge Dereck Layne and Brud Powell’s Grandson
25th NBHA Futurity and National Open Invitational Championship
By Chris Gebhardt
This is the first year that the Invitational has been attached to the Futurity program in lieu of the North Central Championship. It is our desire to make this a Breeder’s Championship and permanently attach it as part of the Futurity. Making all dogs from nominated litters that are qualified to run championships eligible. This builds the Futurity and would be the first championship of its kind. Also the Missouri Bird Hunters Association donated $400 ($200 per dog) to be distributed to the Breeders of the Champion and Runner-up if the y were from NBHA Futurity nominated litters. This year both winners met that criteria. Emerging from a strong class of 21 shooting dogs was Ch. Penrosa Knox for owner and handler Tim Penn. Knox has been knocking on the door at championships for the past few years and has carded 3 runners up championships so far. This trial, he kicked the door down. Knox laid down a strong race, always to the front on a line, and his mission was birds. Knox had a nice find at 8 with Elhew Signature backing. His second came on a tree line at 22. The third came at 35 on the right side on the back loop where few dogs pointed the whole trial. Knox was found standing along the left side at the beginning of the big field at 45. From this stand he took the half mile edge to the end and swapped ends at 51. Another flawless piece of bird work handled with great style and poise. Knox finished as he started, strong, to the front, and into the extra field at time. A great performance by a deserving dog and handler. Runner up came in the 10th brace with Going For Broke, owned by Marty Robinson and handled by Oscar Whitt. Oscar guided his charge through the first half with Broke hunting the whole way, stylish and on the objectives. His first stand was on the back loop at 30, all in order. He stood again in the island field at 38 with good style and manners. Broke found birds at 47, 49, and 54 along the edge of the big field. He finished going away on the way back to the breakaway field. A nice job by an attractive dog and a capable handler. Both dogs exceeded the judge’s expectations and their decision was easy. They were the class of the trial this year.
Last year’s futurity winner Cas Tiny for owner Jim Castagna and handler Robert Ecker and Eboga Lil Star for owner Charles Aston and handler Ken Tolbert had a bird finding exhibition in brace 6. They pushed the winners, but it just wasn’t their day this time around.
We would again like to thank all of our sponsors, participants, breeders, owners, visitors, and the like for making this a great week. Without you we couldn’t do what we do. Get your good litters nominated for next year and we look forward to seeing you next year in Nashville when spring is in the air.
