The Irish Setter Club of America met in Booneville, Arkansas for the annual renewal of the National Championship. This renewal offered a Derby Classic, the 2007 Futurity, as well as, the National Championship and the National Amateur Championship.
The Wildlife Demonstration area at Booneville was established in 1986 and is a credit to the hard work and foresight of several individuals. Today, under the guiding hand of Larry McNally and Red Bailey, the miles of food plots, feed strips, and access roads provide an outstanding challenge for the hunting Irish Setter.
Each year, young birds are released in late summer and allowed to establish coveys. Additional feed and water are provided but, in the main, these birds must become wild to survive. The result is a wild bird challenge for our dogs, handlers, and judges. It is a difficult challenge as befits the title of National Champion. This year, we were to contact 55 coveys, a significant increase, during the running of the stakes. All were strong and difficult to handle. They would challenge the dogs, handlers, and judges alike.
As with any trial, but especially a Championship, the event could not succeed without the efforts of a strong and dedicated cadre of volunteers. Our Chair and Secretary, Dave Tompkins and MaryAnn Gustaufson, worked well together to give us a well-organized and smoothly run event. The Futurity Chair, Londa Warren, once again had everything in place and was often seen busily working on next year’s Futurity. Susan and Stan Noble once again kept the hospitality warm and welcoming, Lee Shoaf kept track of the hay and Dave and Vicky Tompkins handled the raffle. Our auctioneer Bob Geddeis kept the money flowing from our pockets to the club coffers. From those of us who didn’t work to those of you who did, Thank you one and all!!!
This year witnessed the advent of the youth movement. Lucas Ruff was joined by Alexandra McLachlan and their good friend from Norway, Lars. Lucas is really and “old timer” given his winning record at the nationals while Alexandra, at 12, may just be the youngest scout to ride in a championship.
Mr. Lars Wittingsrud Ole (Lars) is a 17 yrs old foreign exchange student from Norway. He is here under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club International and is staying with the Ruff family. Phil promised him “a slice of American life that most Americans don’t see” and I am assured that Lars was not disappointed. We can only hope that good fortune will bring Lars back again.
This report would be remiss if the fine job done on the catalogue went unmentioned. Karolynne McAteer stepped in to Jackie Marshall’s roll and handled things with a decided panache.
Open Derby Classic
Sunday morning before the National Championship is becoming our traditional Open Derby Classic. Established in the hopes of attracting new trialers, it appears to be on its way to success. This year, we brought eight starters to the line. Our judges for the stake were Jerry Oswalt and Will Langley. Both men have a strong background in pointing dogs. They were attentive and rendered well received decisions.
Winner of the Open Derby Classic is Flame’n Red Legacy (EJ)
Texas bred; EJ is a credit to the efforts of MaryAnn and Royce Gustafson. Owned by MaryAnn and handled by Sherry Ebert, EJ ran a wide hunting race that challenged the venue. Out of pocket from time to time EJ consistently showed himself, right where he should have been and continued to challenge the course. At 29:30 EJ nailed a single out in the open field. He stood for his handler, was soild as the bird was flushed and displayed mature manners at the flush. A fine ending to an exciting 30 minutes.
Second Place
Open Derby Classic
Brophy’s Shenanigans (Shauna)
Shauna is owned by Bob Geddeis and Ken Ruff. She was handled by Bob Geddies. She ran a race of medium range but one that was hard hunting and in concert with her handler. Shauna carded two well-spaced finds, Demonstrating excellent Derby manners. She shortened some at the end but was still-hunting hard. We can expect great things from this little girl in years to come.
Third Place
Open Derby Classic
Summer Wine (Rocky))
Owned and handled by Jim Baker. Rocky ran a wide forward race. He was often deep in cover but handled without problems, always showing himself to the front. At 15 he scored with a quick point, flush and chase. Rocky handled the hard turn at the end of the course and finished well to the front hunting as hard as he began.
Fourth Place
Open Derby Classic
Brophy’s Lil Paprika (Lilly)
Owned by Corinne and Lucas Ruff, handled by Lucas. Lilly was busy from the first. Her race was of a medium distance but it was very productive and she carded several contacts.
She pointed hard for the judges and finished hunting under Lucas’ guidance.
This year’s derby field was a strong one. With Luck it will prove to be as strong as last years’, a class that produced both Futurity and Nat Am Ch. placements for this year’s renewal. Many of the entrants have already proven their worth in trials and they portend a bright future for hunting Irish Setters. Of particular note is the increasing diversity in the blood-lines represented; all show quality and promise. The balance of the field all hunted hard and impressed with plenty of bird work. The following is the running order:
Brace 1Screamin’ Mimi Bright Star (Mimi)
Owner Matt and Wendy Czarnecki
Handler Matt Czarnecki
Brophy’s Lil Paprika (Lilly)
Brace 2Summer Wine (Rocky)
Iskote Waggos (Doc)
Owner Spero Manson
Handler Steve Bailey
Brace 3Brophy’s Shenanigans (Shauna)
Flamin’ Maymee Bright Star (Pippin)
Owner Matt and Wendy Czarnecki
Handler Matt Czarnecki
Brace 4 Flamin’ Red Legacy (EJ)
Pauncefoot Promises to Keep (Sorrel)
Owner Steven Salt and Ken Ruff
Handler Steve Salt
National Championship
Twenty-seven contenders came to the breakaway for this renewal. The stake was run in near perfect weather conditions and the dogs were to produce 16 coveys before the stake was completed. An additional 17 coveys were reported to your scribe during the running. Our judges were Robert Rankin and Terry Zygalinski. Their work was before them and they handled it to the best of their abilities. Thank you gentlemen for your efforts.
The 2007 Irish Setter Club of America National Field Champion is
NFC/FC/AFC Speedy Edie O’Floin (Edie).
Edie is a five-year-old Lady with speed and hunt to burn. She has joined the select few who not only have repeated as our National Champion and she did it back-to-back! Edie is owned/handled by Jack Flynn and watching the two of them is a treat. Edie was a handful this year and Jack was hard pressed to keep her in tow. But every time your scribe thought she had slipped her mooring lines, she showed. Edie ran in the second brace of the second morning and laid down a hard hunting race. At 15 her brace mate scored first. Deep in the cover it was questionable if Edie ever saw the dog and the Judges scored her effort as a divided find. Taken on Edie continued her hard hunting ways and was rewarded at 25. She was a bit low in front and dipped some at the flush. But as the huge covey (50 birds est.) began to rise it was evident that Edie was standing well into the covey. At 53 Edie scored again, this time she was high and tight, a treat to watch at work. She finished a bit shorter than she began and was charged with a non productive at 56.
Second Place
National Field Championship
NFC/FC Sandcreek Stone Cold (Auston)
Braced with our National Champion Auston quickly gave notice that he was indeed a Champion in his own right. His race was powerful and well forward and at 15 he pinneda covey in the deep grass at the edge of a feed plot. Taken on he hunted independently and efficiently as we quickly used up the course. At 25 Auston was charged with a non productive. He finished his hour hunting well to the front. Auston is owned by Tim and Mary Hidalgo and handled by Tim.
Third Place
National Field Championship
Brownhaven Burning Bright (Burnie)
Georgia Brown and Sherry Ebert own Burnie. Sherry handled him. Bernie was the 2005 Futurity winner and fourth in last year’s National Championship. Seems each year he rises to the top. Bernie treated us to an excellent race, hunting every step and keeping your scribe standing in his stirrups. At 25 he scored, well to the front with high style. As his handler rode forward part of the covey lifted but Bernie remained tight. Sherry walked in front to fire and the balance of the covey flushed. Yet another of the huge coveys we were to be treated to. Taken on he was seen standing at 31 on what proved to be a recent hawk kill. Bernie finished with plenty left and was moving forward, over the hill at time.
National Championship (cont.)
Fourth Place
National Field Championship
Georgia Wildfire (Red)
Red is owned by Jerry Webb and Sandra Crosby, handled by Ray Doshe. Red broke away with a nice forward move and continued to impress with a strong hunting race of medium range. He and his handler worked well as a team and at 5 Red added his first find for the day. All in order Red was taken on and he continued his forward hunting pattern. At 30 Red scored yet again and handled things well. At 35 he was charged with a non productive and again at 52. Red finished slowing somewhat but still-hunting in concert with his handler.
National Field Championship Running
Brace 1
Brophy” Aretha Buckaroo (Ritha)
Owned and handled by Lee Shoaf Ritha scored the first contact of the Championship at 36. She carded a well-handled stop to flush. Lee and the dog were a well match team as they hunted the course.
Brophy’s Unleashed (Lea)
Lea is owned Ken and Phil Ruff by and handled by Phil Ruff. She was not pleasing her handler and was picked up at 30.
Brace 2
Lachlanmoor’s Rasing Cain (Bruser)
Owned by Alex McLachlan and handled by Tim Hidalgo Bruser treated us to a well forward hunting performance that ended prematurely at 40. Birds were seen and check cords were called for.
NAFC/AFC Fenner’s Jumpin Jack Flash (Jack)
Jack, owned and handled by Bill Rhodes, ran an excellent, wide hard driving race. Unfortunately birds were not to be found.
Brace 3
FC/AFC Harry O’Floinn (Harry)
Harry is owned and handled by Jack Flynn. He ran a wide searching race but was not rewarded with birds.
Brownhaven Burining Bright (Burnie)
Burnie’s race has been described above..
Brace 4
FC]AFC Iskote Ani-Mosh (Fred)
Fred is owned by Sperio Manson and handled by Steve Bailey. His race was very wide and well forward and he handled well for Steve. At 40 Fred carded a stop to flush. All was in order and he continued his strong efforts. At 55 he added a second contact to his score. Fred finished strong, well to the front and still running hard.
Brophy’s Queen Buckaroo (Kate)
Owned ands handled by Lee Shoaf, Kate ran a shorter race than might be wanted but none the less hunted hard. Well in concert with Lee. She scored a stop to flush at 6.
Brace 5
Brophy’s Independence (Inde)
Inde was hunting well under her handler Dave Tompkins’ direction when she was lost at 20. She is co owned by the Meyer, Zirkle and MacDonald team.
Pauncefoot Blackberry Wine (Bailey)
Bailey was not pleasing his handler Steve Salt and was picked up at 35. Bailey is owned by Steve and Pat Salt.
Brace 6
FC Aeries Strike it Rich (Richie)
Richie was well forward and hunted well for his handler Tim Hidalgo. Unfortunately he did not contact birds. Richie is owned by Joanne Eging.
Mythodical Marnie (Marnie)
Marnie and her handler Cassie Allen made the trip from the Northwest just to see the dogs run. The trip may have taken a bit out of Marnie and her handler elected to pick her up. Marnie is owned by Hayley Sutphen.
Brace 7
Jude’s O’Brophy Summer (Summer)
Summer, owned by Bob and Tracy Doran was not pleasing her handler, Ray Doshe. She was picked up at 25.
Brophy’s Bazooka Buckaroo (Zooka)).
Zooka ran a medium ranged, well forward race for her owner/handler Lee Shoaf. At 48 she was charged with a non productive. Slowing some towards the end she finished still-hunting.
Brace 8
NFC/FC Sandcreek Stone Cold (Auston)
NFC/FC/AFC Speedy Edie O’Floin (Edie).
This brace has been described above
Brace 9
Georgia Wildfire (Red)
Red’s race has been described above
Brophy”s Erin Go Braugh (Ern)
Handled by Ken Ruff Erin was lost soon after the breakaway. Erin is owned by Ken and Linda Ruff.
National Championship Running(cont.)
Brace 10
Brownhaven Shining Synnetry (Emily)
Owned by Georgia Brown and Sherry Ebert and handled by Sherry Emily treated us to a wonderful hunting race. Always to the front and never out of pocket she was to be unrewarded in her quest for birds. At 56 Sherry elected to send Emily into deep cover in one last attempt for game. She did not finish under judgment.
Brophy’s Let’s Play Too (Ernie)
Ernie was handled by Ken Ruff for his absent owner Charlie Blackburn. He was charged with a non-productive at 25 and by 35 Ken elected to pick him up.
Brace 11
Brophy’s Brianne (Brie)
Owned by Amy and Bob Geddeis and handled by Bob Geddeis Brie gained our attention with a nice find at 10. Taken on she and Bob hunted as a team, working the cover well. At 17 she was charged with a non productive and by 45 Bob elected to pick her up.
Brophy’s Teama Buckaroo (Teama)
Teama’s owner/handler Lee Shoaf elected to pick her up at 10.
Brace 12
Hazelwood’s Cruise Control (Jackie)
Owned Jack Haines and Robin Baker, handler Steve Bailey
AFC Brophy’s Run Around Sue (Suzie)
Handled by Dave Tompkins and owned by Dave and Vicki Tompkins and Ken Ruff.
Neither dog was pleasing their handler and by 30 both had been picked up.
Brace 13
FC Missy Lou O’Floin (Missy)
Owned and handled by Jack Flynn Missy began with a non productive at 10. She quickly pinned a covey at 15 but by 20 recorded a second non productive. Jack elected to pick her up.
Karrycourt’s Cactus Cider (Sedona)
Sedona was owned and handled by Brian Wagner and is owned by . At 20 he was found pointing and a nice covey was produced. At 36 he handled a stop to flush well and was taken on. Sedona’s race was shorter than desired and he slowed toward the end.
Brace 14
Brophy’s Bodacious Buckaroo (Bo)
Bo ran a restricted race for his owner/handler Lee Shoaf. He was charged with a non-productive at 30 and finished much as he began.
Rogan The Red (Rogan)
It was determined that Rogan was not qualified for the Championship and he was scratched.
2007 Field Futurity
This year’s Futurity was judged by Grant Stanfill and Will Langley. Will graciously filled in when Mr. Zygalinski was unexpectedly called away. They rode hard and were attentive. Their placements seemed carefully thought out and were received with applause. Gentlemen, thank you for a job well done. There were fifteen contenders for the title. A credit to this running is that three of our four winners had bird work on course. In total 3 coveys were pointed and an additional 4 coveys were reported to your scribe.
2007 Field Futurity Winner
Rogan The Red
Handled for his owners, J Douglas and Rebecca Boone, by Tim Hidalgo Rogan ran a strong hunting race of medium range. Hunting well in concert with his handler Rogan nailed a covey at 25. It flushed before Tim could get to the dog but the judges reported a solid point prior to the flush. Rogan’s breeder is Ken Ruff.
Second Place
2007 Field Futurity
Brophy’s Mariah of Ballcroy (Mariah)
Mariah and her handler Ken Ruff hunted as a well-oiled team. At 15 she was seen standing and as Ken moved in to flush she relocated the covey and re established her point. A large covey lifted as Ken flushed and fired. Mariah finished her medium ranged race perhaps a bit slower than she began but still hunting. Mariah was bred by Meyer/Zirkle and McDonald and is owned by Ken Ruff and Connie Vanacore.