2014 National Amateur Invitational CH
The NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship was held in Berea, KY at the Central KY Wildlife Management Area on December 13 and 14. The weather was cool and dreary, but dry so we couldn't complain. We were very pleased with the support of all who attended trial. The format of the invitational was changed this year from years past. It seemed to be well received by those attending and we thank all again for the support. Congratulations to our Winner Joe Barton of Decatur, GA with pointer female Tattle. Joe was a first time championship contender and is off to a great start. Runner up went to Ray Brown of Paducah, KY with Starfire Supersport. This duo has won this Championship for the previous 2 consecutive seasons. Congratulations again Ray!
A reception held on December 12 at the club house kicked off the weekend. Hosted by Brian and Georgie Casey with NBHA president Marty Robinson as guest speaker. There was an introduction to our judges Tim Hammons of Berea, KY and Dr. Jim Jarvis near Bowling Green, KY. There was an introduction to the 12 handlers and their dogs receiving invitations. Seven states were represented spanning from Michigan to Georgia. Appetizers were served and all were anxious to begin the trial.
Saturdays running order started off with Sand Mountain Spirit handled by Marty Robinson having 3 finds at 32,44, and 53. She handled nicely to the front and finished strong. Brace mate Duncans War Chief, handled by Jim Duncan, had a strong start to the front but was up at 25 for ill mannered bird contact Second Brace! High Marks Czeshka, handled by Magda Lear, ran a close forward race having a STF at 33 and an UP at 43. Pepper Jack Wood, handled by John Bodo, had a wide searching race with a nice find at 24 but taking a couple of steps and a UP at 43. Both dogs finished nicely to the front.
In the 3rd brace was Starfire Supersport, handled by Ray Brown. He ran a wide, well applied ground race, seeming to look in all the right places, but failed to produce a bird. Brace mate Cock N Fire Maggie, handled by Alan Johnson, had a snappy quick break away. It first appeared she lost at 17, but then was recovered and picked up at 37. The 4th brace was Tattle, handled by Joe Barton, had an acceptable ground race. She had a nice find at 29 with all in order and finished with UP at 58. Bracemate Jans Ultimate Cash, handled by Deb Dlobik, finished with a steady race. She had a find at 9 and 14 with good manners, but also suffered 2 UP's.
5th brace was Attitudes River Kate, handled by Marty Robinson, failed to back shortly in and was picked up. Bracemate Sand Mountain Andy, handled by Stanly Mc Cain, had an absence in the beginning, but came back to have a find at 36 and 55. 6th brace was Mochills Carolina Ruby, handled by Alan Johnson, along with Bartons Brave Heart, handled by Joe Barton. Brave Heart was consistent throughout to warrant call back. The judges had several nice dogs to choose from and announced four callbacks with two standby.
Saturday evening was topped off by the winners dinner graciously hosted by last year's winner, Ray Brown, with Starfire Supersport. This event will hopefully become a tradition with the Invitational as it seemed to be enjoyed by all. Ray, with assistance from his wife, Pam, prepared a meal of baked ziti, spaghetti, bread, and salad. Appetizers and dessert were also included. Thanks again to the Brown family for hosting.
Call back dogs were announced as follows: Sand Mountain Spirit, Bartons Brave Heart, Sand Mountain Andy, and Tattle. Dogs on standby were Moehills Carolina Ruby and Starfire Supersport. The evening was finished up with a raffle drawing featuring 38 items to choose from. Every entry received a prize item upon leaving. Items ranged from an e-collar to dog food, dishes, and everything in between.
Sunday began with Sand Mountain Spirit for Marty Robinson. The pointer female had a well applied forward race, producing 8 well mannered finds and appearing to have something going. Unfortunately was lost at 52. Bracemate Bartons Brave Heart for Joe Barton, had a find at 13, UP at 14, and a wreck at 31. The dog was picked up by his handler. Second brace Sandy Mountain Andy for Stanley McCain, ran a close race with minimal game contact. Brace mate Tattle was well applied with 5 finds placed at 13, 24,34, 38, and 47. Handler did not produce a bird at 55. Dog was well mannered through out all. Standby dogs were then called to the line making for an exciting days end. Moehills Carolina Ruby made a good effort producing 2 finds for handler Alan Johnson. Bracemate Starfire Supersport for Ray Brown, ran nicely and produced finds at 3, 13, and 55. This pointer male has been a consistent contender for handler Ray Brown.
A special thank you to our sponsors and to those donating raffle items: Purina and Deine Reinke for his support, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, Christie enterprises, Westerns Smokehouse, Heskett Saddleworks, Mckinneys Western Store, Butch Spelbring, and Ken Black. An extended Thank you to our judges Tim Hammons and Dr. Jim Jarvis, bird planters (Pervis with his broken arm), scouts, and dog wagon drivers. Thanks to all of the local folks and clubs for all of your work and support! Thanks again for the support of our handlers participation and backing of this championship, you have made this another successful season.
Submitted by Brian and Georgie Casey
Those featured in winner photo. Front Cam Slone, RU Ray Brown with Starfire Super Sport, Winner Joe Barton with Tattle. Back row Brian and Eva Casey, Brett Francis, Judge Tim Hammons, Greg Slone,Caleb Hurst, and Marty Robinson
