1972 United States Open Brittany Championship
By Marc Appleton
The tenth annual running of the United States Open Brittany Championship was held on February 12-14 at the Lake Murray Field Trial Grounds, Ardmore, Okla. S’No Fun Mack, owned by W. R. Heap of Watertown, N. Y., and handled by Rick Smith, was crowned Champion, and Goldtone’s Duke, owned by Dr. George Pester of Council Bluffs, la., and handled by Loyd Budd, was named runner-up.
Three of the country’s top Brittany trainers brought their best to compete—Loyd Budd, Cy Springfield and Rick Smith all had their dogs ready to roll which included three National Champions.
The United States Open Brittany Championship Association wishes to thank all those connected with it for their untiring efforts and hard work in putting on this fine caliber Championship. We were very fortunate to acquire the services of two of the country’s best judges for this prestigious Championship. E. B. (Budd) Epperson, well known all-age trainer and judge from Stillwater, Okla., was looking at them for us, and his partner was former president of the American Brittany Club and owner of four Brittany field champions, Dr. Adolph Utzinger of Golden, Colo. Dr. Utzinger sacrificed his own dogs’ running in this to judge for us.
S’No Fun Mack and Goldtone’s Duke were braced together in the final series. Both dogs were reaching to the farthest extremes in search of the wily bobs. At twenty Rick Smith sent a scout out but soon whistled him back when Mack was sighted far to the front. At thirty Duke seemed birdy and making game, but soon went on with no incidents. Duke moved along water’s edge with Mack working just over the knoll from him. At fifty both dogs were gone. Mack was found standing and Duke was still gone. As Loyd started looking for Duke, Rick dismounted to work his game. Soon Duke came around from the front, back to the action. The birds had run out but Rick soon put them into the air when the water cut off their retreat. Mack’s manners were excellent, showing extreme style and stanchness under difficult conditions. Duke meantime had shown excellent manners and stopped without command when the birds left, never seeing Mack on point. Time ran out and both handlers picked up smiling.
Others which impressed in the finals were Mel’s Red Rover, which had one nice covey find. Sam Des Collines had a perfect back of his bracemate. Bazooka's Gundy had a single find with all in order and another single find on which he moved with the feeding bird. Brandy’s Bullet had a stop to flush, showing his class manners.
Other dogs competing in the final series were Pacolet Cheyenne Sam, Paul’s Goldtone Whiskers, Bo Ju’s Tygo Duke and Mike Bazooka of Texas. Impressive in the initial series were Ike’s Mike with three finds and manners perfect, and Mike Bazooka of Texas had a covey find with excellent manners. Also running were Ahu’s King, Hurri Cain Dusty, Sequanis Dana O’Teed, Paul of Leeway’s Red, Orleans Rock Brandy and Bazooka’s Brandy.
Ardmore, Okla., February 12
Judges: E. B. Epperson and Dr. Adolph Utzinger
UNITED STATES OPEN BRITTANY CHAMPIONSHIP
[One-Hour Qualifying Heats; One-Hour Finals]—17 Brittany Spaniels
Winner—S’NO FUN MACK, 833533, dog, by Juchoir's Termison Tiger—Longford’s Micki. W. R. Heap, owner; Rick Smith, handler.
Runner-Up— GOLDTONE’S DUKE, 785111, dog, by Lincoln Argard Luke—Goldtone’s Haughty Lady. Dr. George Pester, owner; Loyd Budd, handler.
S'No Fun Mack