National Amateur Invitational
Starfire Supersport came back to defend his title at the Invitational and was declared champion yet again. Runner up went to the young male setter from Michigan, Pepper Jack Wood. The championship was hosted at the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area in Berea, KY on December 14, 2013. This was our first year hosting this event in Kentucky. We certainly are grateful for all of the help and support that we received from the local clubs.
Starfire Supersport, owned by Ray Brown of Paducah, KY, did an outstanding job for his handler. "Mick", in the first brace, had finds at 10, 16, 22, 25,28, 38, and 42 during his 1 hr brace. He was consistent with a nice forward race and required little scouting.
Runner up Pepper Jack Wood, running in the 8th brace, had 5 finds and 1 unproductive finishing strong in the hour. Owner John Bodo certainly has a promising future with this not quite 3 year old setter. This win certainly made it worth the long drive from Michigan!
The Running
First brace was Starfire Supersport, previously reported, and Attitude’s River Kate. The pointer female owned by Marty Robinson of GA had an extended absence early in the brace with Marty asking for the Garmin at 23 min.
2nd brace was Duncan’s Warchief owned by Jim Duncan and Bobs Elhew Chase owned by Roger Foshee. Both dogs picked up at 14 having an altercation on game.
3rd brace was Dominator owned by Marty Robinson, picked up at 58 min having a breach of manners on a relocation. Brace mate Vitali’s Grouseringer Sam I Am owned by Gary Vitali, did a nice job having finds at 36 and 42 but fell a bit short on race.
4th brace was Pinnacles Elhew Dream owned by Bill Garner and handled by Marty Robinson picked up at 2 for failure to back. Mr. Cash owned by Adam Ferguson was doing a nice job with 5 finds. Unfortunately he was picked up at 50 after suffering two unproductives.
5th brace was Vitali’s Grouseringer Purdy owned by Gary Vitali had 2 finds, 1 back and 1 UP. Sand Mountain Spirit owned by Mike Otinger and handled by Marty Robinson was potentially in the running. The pointer female was pushing forward having 3 finds but was unfortunately lost at 59 min.
6th brace was Raintree Ballerina owned by Dean Reinke and Catherine Lewis was handled by Brian Casey. The setter female had 3 nice finds but picked up at 27 for a few steps on a relocation. Brace mate Herbies Asta La Vista owned by Shannon Humphrey scratched due to illness.
7th brace was Skydancer’s Swift Current for Greg Sloan ran a nice forward race having 2 finds and 1 UP. Bracemate Lakeview Timely Treasure owned by Lance Carver was picked up at 5 for failure to back.
8th brace was Pepper Jack Wood previously reported and Going for Broke owned by Marty Robinson. The pointer male was picked up by Marty at 55 on his first find for a shortage of bird work.
9th brace was Mulberries Southern Bell handled by Greg Sloan was picked up at 10 for displeasing her handler. Ace of Sinbad owned by Jim Duncan had a find and a stop to flush but picked up at 45 for a breach of manners.
10th brace was Vitali’s Grouseringer Stogey owned by Gary Vitali picked up mid-brace for failure to back. Crow Creek Sugar Baby owned by Ken Black of IL, picked up at 46 after suffering two unproductives.
Sidelights
A reception was held Friday evening at the clubhouse. Appetizers were served while having an introduction to our trial panel. Artist Steve Tait from Utah was commissioned to compose a drawing of our this year’s winner. Steve was present to tell us about the work that he would be doing for our champion. Steve does outstanding work that may be viewed on his Facebook page. Dean Reinke, rep for Purina was present for the entire weekend to speak with handlers and supporters. We truly appreciate Purina’s great sponsorship. Also sitting on the panel was trial marshals Mike Branscum and NBHA president Marty Robinson. Judge Keith Lowry of Altamont, IL was present. Judge John Russell, of Bowling Green, KY was present John spoke to an enticed audience on the origin of the invitational. It was a great pleasure having Mr. Russell. Being a retired professor, he was truly able to hold the attention of those present. John is a wealth of trial knowledge. Preceding the panel was a reading of the run sheet and an introduction of the owner/ handlers.
Preceding the running on Saturday was a fish fry hosted by Brian and Georgie Casey. Needless to say, no one left there hungry! Following dinner was the raffle drawing where multiple raffle items were distributed to the winners.
Upon completion of the Championship was the running of the open derby stake. Professional trainer / handler Oscar Whitt of Alabama entered 6 great contenders. The manners of these young dogs impressed our judges. All are looking to be promising young shooting dogs.
A special thank you to our sponsors and those who donated raffle items: Purina, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, Christie Enterprises, Heskett Saddleworks, Gander Mountain, Permatac, Westerns Smokehouse, Mckinneys Western Store, Mike Branscum and Butch Spelbring.
An extended thank you to our judges Keith Lowry and John Russell, they were our bird planters, scouts and dog wagon drivers. You guys did a great job under not so great cold and rainy weather conditions! Thank you to Buster and Pam for the use of the equipment. Also thanks to the cook Judy and groundskeeper Larry. Along with all of our supporters, this was a successful championship. We hope to see everyone back again next year!
Submitted by Georgie Casey
Photo: Front row Cam Sloan, Judge Keith Lowry, Ray Brown with winner Starfire Supersport, John Bodo with RU Pepper Jack Wood, judge John Russell
Back row Greg Sloan, Mike Branscum, Tommy Hardison, Oscar Whitt, Marty Robinson with Eva Casey, Georgie Casey, Brian Casey, Gary Vitali
