2015 Bob Catlett Memorial Classic
We had a great weekend for a trial with temps in the high 60's. The sun was shining all three days with a slight breeze to help scenting conditions. The Robert E Talbot CA grounds looked good with cover, clearings and plenty of wild birds. The judges for the weekend would be Ken Chenoweth and Stephen Ruggles. These two gentlemen did a great job all three days. With 51 entries in seven different classes we would make judging a chore for these guys.
Friday morning was cool and crisp with break away scheduled for 8:00 am. Open Shooting Dog would kick off the classic. With only six entries and three being picked up for breach of manners the judges would have three to choose from. Stone a Setter male owned by Tim Penn would take the honors of the Bob Catlett Memorial Classic Open Shooting Dog winner. Jason Patty finishing both of his Setter females would place Ann 2nd and Swift 3rd. Pictured above Judge Stephen Ruggles, Tim Penn with Penrosa Stoneyox Jim Ogle Jason Patty with Skyview High Regard Chuck Kenney with Skyview Little Drifter, Judge Ken Chenoweth
With a big pot of chili ready for lunch we would take a short break. The sun was warming up the air as we started the Open Derbies. The first brace would produce two winners. Jason Patty's female setter would be placed 1st and John Ruetschi pointer male Iceman 2nd. Joe Zimmer's male setter Ted would be placed 3rd.
The Open Puppies would finish the day. Larry Carpenter would put his little female setter on the ground to impress all. She showed great ground coverage hitting the likely bird spots and following good lines to take first. Second would be Dan a male pointer handled by Justin Crook. Tim Penn's male setter would take third.
Saturday would bring the same break away scheduled for 8:00 am. Nice weather was still in the forecast with a high of 65 degrees. The Amateur Shooting Dog was first up with ten dogs entered for the hour course. Tim Penn's male setter Stone would take 1st place with a nice race, perfect bird work, and always hunting the right places. Rowdy Harris would handle his nice female setter Cinna to a 2nd place finish. Third would be Rusty Larry Carpenter's male setter.
After a late lunch of soup we would start back up and finish the day with the Amateur Derbies. Larry Carpenter would place two female setters with Betty 1st and Paige 2nd. Jason Patty would handle his female setter Lady to a 3rd place finish.
Sunday morning would be unseasonably warm with temps nearing 70 degrees. Break away was 8:30 am for an Amateur Puppy class of seven. Jeff Hampshire would make the trip up from Oklahoma to see what his 5 month old pup Arleigh was made of. This young female setter would hunt all the right places and show the judges what a puppy should do. The judges would place her first. Second place would be another young setter male named Ranger and handled by Jim Ogle. Jason Patty would place his male setter Jet third.
With a short lunch break we planted birds for final class of the weekend. Amateur Gun Dog is always a competitive class. We had 8 entries of mostly dogs that have already placed in some class. The judges would take a little extra time to decide the winners. Coming out on top was Shake a German Shorthair handled by Skip Bond. Second would be Jim Ogle's Setter Belle. Placing third would be Rowdy Harris and Cinna who also placed 2nd in the ASD.
Now for the important part. These trials could never be possible without the volunteers and supporters. Thank you Purina for supporting the NBHA and our weekend trials. Thank you Gun Dog Supply for the gift certificates. S&H Farm Supply for donating two UTV�s for planting birds and a dog wagon. Missouri Bird Hunters for their support. Kevin Western for the snack sticks. The two judges who acted like true gentleman all weekend Ken Chenoweth and Stephen Ruggles thank you guys you done a great job. Lastly I would like to thank my family for all their hard work. Kristi, Ivy, James, Jerry, and Michele Ogle. Without help for lunch, bird planting, and picking up and keeping dogs on the line we could not have ran a smooth trial. Thank you all for your support and another successful trial.
Submitted by Jim Ogle
