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2016 United States Brittany Championship and Victoire Nationale Derby Championship
By Jan Kilpatrick
The air was electric as all age Brittany enthusiasts gathered at the Lake Murray Field Trial Grounds in Ardmore, Oklahoma to participate in the 2016 United States Open Brittany Championship. Twenty four All Age Brittanys including current and former American Brittany Club National Open All Age Champions, American Brittany Club National Amateur All Age Champions, Pheasant Classic Champions, Quail Classic Champions, Chicken Classic Champions, US Open Brittany Champions, Victoire Nationale Derby Champions were all brought to the line in this 56th running of this prestigious event over 3 challenging one hour courses. The Championship is always run in two series with the best dogs being called back for a second series. Every day a dog is named Day Dog and one Dog is awarded the Top Qualifier in the First Series. Both the Day Dogs and Top Qualifier receive monetary rewards and this year's Top Qualifier received a beautiful pair of donated silver spurs.
Adjudicating the 2016 event were Judge Dr. Alex Jacocks of Edmond, OK and Greg Sands from Hill City, KS. Both of these gentlemen are long time pointing dog competitors who have campaigned their own dogs and judged championships for many different breeds across the country. Both were in agreement that an outstanding all age race was an important part of this championship and under exceptional circumstances a well executed race could get a dog into the second series but to be named Champion a dog must find birds and handle them with intelligence, style and manners.
This event could not continue to thrive without the support of Nestle Purina. They have provided financial support as well as Pro Plan dog food to all competitors for many years. Many of our Brittany athletes are fueled by Pro Plan.
The United States Open Brittany Championship Association is a small dedicated group of volunteers that work hard to make this and the Victorie Nationale Derby Championship first class events. This year a special thanks goes out to Richard Beaver for stepping in and assisting where ever he was needed.
The Winners
Champion: Tequila Scorcher "Lincoln" handled by Ed Tillson for owner Charles Crain. Lincoln is a handsome 5 year old orange and white male bred by Jessica Carlson and is out of Almaden's River of Shadows and Tequila With A Twist. Lincoln was bottom dog in brace 5 in the first series which was run in the afternoon over Course 2. Lincoln handled kindly for Ed making extended forward casts to all objectives this course had to offer. At the time of Lincoln's running the temperature had risen to a very warm 75 and there was a stiff southeasterly wind blowing which made for challenging scenting. At 40 point was called for Lincoln and his bracemate Streak in a long heavily wooded treeline just before the Pond Dam #4 crossing. Both handlers flushed two separate groups of birds and both dogs remained mannerly throughout. Lincoln was released and continued his fast forward race throughout the remainder of his first series brace.
In the second series Lincoln was top dog in Brace 3 which was first afternoon brace on Wednesday. The temperature hovered around 70 but the SE wind blew unmercifully with gusts to 25 mph. These weather obstacles did not impede Lincoln's all age race across Course 1 but again made for tough bird finding. Just short of time point was called at 58 for both Lincoln and his bracemate "Irish" (who was named RU Champion) in a heavily wooded treeline just before the double motts. A large covey was spread out in the area and as both handlers moved in two groups of birds flushed. Both dogs remained staunch and intense at the shot and were released to move forward as time was called. Lincoln best met the judges criteria of a fast, intelligent forward application coupled with stylish, mannerly bird work to be named 2016 US Open Champion.
RU Champion: Glade Run "Irish" handled by Tom Tracy Jr for owner David Webb. Irish is a sturdy 7 year old white and orange male out of Ortho Acres Booker T and Flying Feather Coco Bean. Irish was the defending US Open Champion having won in 2015. Irish seems right at home running on these Ardmore Oklahoma field trial grounds. Irish and Tom are a team wherever they go as is evidenced by the number of Championship wins and placements they have accumulated together. In the first series Irish ran as top dog in Brace 7 which was the first morning brace on Tuesday. The weather had changed for the better with the morning temperature registering in the high 30's with lots of moisture in the air and a gentle Northeasterly breeze. Irish made good use of the improved scenting conditions scoring 4 finds in his hour at 3, 12, 20 and 59. His race was far reaching and forward covering all the likely spots on Course 1.
In the second series Irish was bottom dog in Brace 3 teamed with Lincoln who was named Champion. As described above the weather conditions had taken a turn for the worse but Irish still exhibited a strong forward race going to all the right places over Course 1 and finally was rewarded with a divided find @58 which he handled with style and intensity through the flush and shot. Irish's intelligent race and strong finish earned him the much deserved title of RU Champion in the 2016 US Open Brittany Championship.
The Running
DAY ONE FIRST SERIES: Monday, February 29, 2016, Sunny, Temp 45-75, Gusty SE winds 5-22 mph
Brace 1 Shady's Desert "Knight", Scott Johnson and Kashmir, Tom Tracy Jr.—Knight and Kashmir broke away in a hurry from camp. Knight had his running shoes on but was gone a lot and never really showed to the front. Kashmir handled but had an erratic run. Both dogs were birdless in their hour.
Brace 2 Checote "CoCo", Vic Carrington and Kinwashkly Fat Bastard "Fatz", Tom Tracy Jr.—CoCo and Fatz broke away from the double motts with both showing to the front at a nice all age pace. Fatz had 2 nice finds at 23 & 37; a NP at 43; a stop to flush at 50 and a back at 58. CoCo ran around erratically but showed with a lot of help from her scout. Coco backed at 37 and had a NP at 58.
Brace 3 Roux-Bee, Ed Tillson and TLM Tall Tale "Sam", Tom Tracy Jr. —Roux-Bee and Sam ran over a winding Course 3. Roux-Bee exhibited a lot of go but was unable to consistently move forward and went birdless in her hard hunting race. Sam hunted at a moderate rate and scored a find at 18 and a NP at 30.
Brace 4 Kinwashkly "Tempo", Ed Tillson and Uncle "Kracker", Tom Tracy Jr.—Tempo and Kracker were first brace after lunch. Tempo was a handful and last seen at Manck's Crossing so Ed called for the tracker at 40. Kracker flowed across Course 1 at an unusually close and modest pace. Though he went to the likely bird spots he was birdless in his hour run.
Brace 5 Lost Creek Shot of Bourbon "Streak", Tom Tracy Jr and Tequila Scorcher "Lincoln", Ed Tillson—After being released both dogs surged to the front intent on finding birds. Streak scored 3 finds at 15, 40 & an exciting covey find on Pond Dam #4 at 45. This elusive covey shows up now and again and is almost always impossible to pin down and flush as they run down the overgrown steep bank. Tom tried to flush but the extreme slope was impossible to navigate so when Judge Jacocks saw the running birds and shouted "Got ‘em – Go ahead and fire", Tom quickly complied. Streak handled all this drama with impeccable manners and was sent forward to strongly finish out his hour. Streak earned the Day Dog designation for his performance. Lincoln's Championship performance in the first and final series is described in the Winners narrative above.
Brace 6 Dakota's Gun Runners Buckshot "Buck", Tom Tracy Jr. and Rusty Ridge "Pepper" Rey Ann, Claude Kilpatrick—Buck and Pepper were eager and edgy at their breakaway on Course 3. Pepper pointed at 10 in an overgrown stand of cedars but claimed the bird as her own when she heard bracemate Buck coming around the corner. Buck made a nice stop to flush on the fleeing bird but was picked up at 20 for not pleasing his handler. This ended the first day of running in the first series.
Day Dog: Lost Creek Shot of Bourbon "Streak", Tom Tracy Jr.
Day 2 First Series: Tuesday March 1, 2016, Overcast, Temp 37 – 66, NE Winds 6-29 mph
Brace 7 Glade Run "Irish", Tom Tracy Jr. and TLM Frequent Flyer "Jack", Harlan Gerardy—Irish and Jack had their running shoes on when they broke away under gray cold skies intent on finding some birds. We didn't wait long because just 3 minutes in both dogs were found standing under the Big Oak tree that stands on the uphill side of the breakaway trail. Both dogs were mannerly as a small covey took flight at the flush and shot and were moved forward to continue their quest. Irish's run is described in the Winners write up above. Jack also had a fine run scoring two more finds at 45 and 59. Jack's find at 45 was a fine example of determined bird dog work coming after a long relocate on a totally devious bird that employed a "scuttle and squat" method in high tangled cover. Finally Harlan sent the bird flying with Jack standing tall and tight through the flush and shot. Both dogs finished out the hour in fine forward form.
Brace 8 Dakota Sun "Sonny", Vic Carrington and Cedar Valley "Spider", Tom Tracy Jr.—Sunny and Spider took off from the double motts excited to finally be down looking for birds. The shift in the winds had greatly improved scenting conditions so no surprise that Spider scored finds at 5, 11 and 45. At 45 Sonny was seen under birds and picked up. Spider finished his hour hunting hard to the front at a moderate range.
Brace 9 Ru-Jems Last "Penny", Tom Tracy Jr. and Tonk Valley Runaway Red "Rusty", Vic Carrington—Penny and Rusty broke away over Course 3 just before Pond dam # 4. Penny was found by her scout buried up in a grass strip at 11. A nice covey was flushed, shots fired and Penny was released only to arrive at the front just as Rusty busted birds at 17. Penny stopped but Tom moved her on as Rusty was collared. Penny continued a fast forward race over the winding Course 3 and had 2 more stylish finds at 30 and 55. Penny finished her hour strong and to the front.
Brace 10 TNT's Siruis Renegade "Buddy" Boy, Tommy Thomas and Jagoub's Buzz'n Bayou "Skeeter", Tom Tracy Jr. —Buddy and Skeeter go stealth from the breakaway. Tracking devices were called for at 35 and the search began for the missing duo.
Brace 11 SS "Riggs" Colorado Gun Runner, Tom Milam and Firestarter's Crossed the Line "Ty", Ed Tillson—A strong head wind greeted Riggs and Ty as they broke away heading towards Pond Dam #2. Riggs pointed a fresh hawk kill at 13 and was moved forward. At 22 Ty was found on point in the first of the double motts. The birds were flushed and the shot fired with Ty standing tall and tight. He was moved forward and regained the front but both dogs, while searching hard, had no further bird contact.
Brace 12 MK's Magnificent Bandito "Chico", Scott Johnson and TLM Pete Nocona, Tom Milam—Chico and Pete breakaway on the last brace of the first series just before Manck's Crossing. Chico ran rapidly through the Crossing and went on point at the first strip. Pete came in but failed to honor and was collared. Birds were produced for Chico with all in order and he was released to run solo. Chico ran a fast forward race going to all likely bird objectives and was rewarded with three additional finds at 12, 36, and 57. All his finds were handled like a pro and he finished his hour with an impressive all age cast over a tall ridge. For his exceptional race and bird finding ability Chico was named Day Dog as well as Top Qualifier of the 2016 US Open First Series.
Tuesday Day Dog and Top Qualifier: MK's Magnificent Bandito "Chico", Scott Johnson
Final Series: Wednesday, March 2, Temp 33-68, Gusty SE winds 5-26 mph.
8 Dogs were called back by Judges Jacocks and Sands for their performances in the First Series to compete for the coveted title of US Open Champion in the Final Series. Though the temperature remained relatively cool the wind had shifted back from the Southeast and the air was very dry .
Brace 1 Kinwashkly Fat Bastard "Fatz", Tom Tracy Jr and Firestarter's Crossed the Line "Ty", Ed Tillson—Both dogs break fast on this cool morning and Ty was found at 3 standing under the tall Oak at the top of the Breakaway Hill trail. No birds were produced and he was moved forward. Fatz was found at 6 in a stand of scrub oaks with Ty backing. A small covey was flushed with both dogs standing mannerly through the shot. Both dogs were sent forward and point was called for Ty at 15 in the long tree line just before Manck's crossing. Ty stood tall and tight through the flush and shot and was moved forward. Ty disappeared after Manck's Crossing and Ed called for the tracker at 43. Fatz pointed again at 53 but only a pile of feathers was found. Fatz made a nice cast over the hill just past the double motts to finish out his hour.
Brace 2 Lost Creek Shot of Bourbon "Streak", Tom Tracy Jr and MK's Magnificent Bandito "Chico", Scott Johnson—Streak and Chico exploded to the front from the breakaway just beyond Pond Dam # 3. At 13 we ride upon what appeared to be a divided find in a small scraggly cedar pile. Both handlers dismounted and began their search for the hidden birds in the small area of heavy cover. As the birds are flushed Chico went with them thus ending his quest for the gold. Streak remained mannerly through the shot and was moved forward. At 36 Streak pointed into a tight overgrown area. There were no birds visible and penetration into the area was nearly impossible so Tom decided it was best to move Streak forward. Streak finished his hour moving strongly to the front without further bird contact.
Brace 3 Tequila Scorcher "Lincoln", Ed Tillson and Glade Run "Irish", Tom Tracy Jr—This brace was covered in the Winners narrative above.
Brace 4 Ru-Jems Last "Penny", Tom Tracy Jr and TLM Frequent Flyer "Jack", Harlan Gerardy—Penny and Jack ran in the last brace of the final series over Course 2 into a strong gusty southeasterly wind. At 12 Jack pushed birds out of a heavily wooded area right before Manck's Crossing and was collared. Penny never stopped searching and ran an incredible ground race to everywhere there should have been birds to no avail. We all watched as she finished her hour strong and to the front and were disappointed that without birds she would not be rewarded for her exciting performance.
The 2016 US Open was concluded and we all headed back to the club house to await the presentations.
Ardmore, Okla., February 29
Judges: Dr. Alex Jacocks and Greg Sands
UNITED STATES OPEN BRITTANY CHAMPIONSHIP
[One-Hour Qualifying Heats; One-Hour Finals]—24 Brittanys
Winner—TEQUILA SCORCHER—1642501, male. by Almaden's River of Shadows–Tequila With A Twist. Charles Crain, owner; Ed Tillson, handler.
Runner-Up—GLADE RUN IRISH, 1624850, male. by Ortho Acres Booker T—Flying Feather Cocobean. David Webb, owner; Tom Tracy, handler.
VICTOIRE NATIONALE DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP
There was a large field in this 42nd running of the Victorie Nationale Derby Championship as 26 juvenile dogs were brought to the line seeking the prestigious Derby Championship title. Judges for the 2016 event were Dr. Robert Rankin of Oklahoma City, OK and Vic Carrington of Tolar, Texas. Judging young dogs can be challenging and requires steady scrutiny and we thank both of these guys for their unwavering attention to each and every competitor.
We also thank Purina for their continued support of this event with their donation of Pro Plan dog food which is the fuel of choice for many of these promising young dogs. A Garmin Pro 550 donated by Rick Smith was also awarded to the Derby Champion.
The Winners
Champion: CVK's Spartan King "Leo" handled by Tom Tracy Jr for owners Jack & Tara Alexander. Leo is a white and orange male out of Maxwell's Outer Limits x Cedar Valley Lily. Leo ran on Friday as bottom dog in Brace 11 over Course 1. Leo made bird finding look easy carding 5 finds @ 16, 34, 39, 41 & 52 during his hour. Leo held most of his birds through the flush and moved consistently forward to all objectives with purpose. "How do you spell Bird Dog was the question posed after Leo's dynamic bird finding run and the overwhelming response was 'LEO'.
RU Champion: Roustabout "Blew" By handled by Tom Tracy Jr for owner Paul Rosevear. Blew is a white and orange male littermate to Champion Leo being out of Maxwell's Outer Limits x Cedar Valley Lily. Blew ran as top dog in Brace 5 and though he had only one find at 58 he had a phenomenal ground race, exhibiting intelligence and athleticism, hitting all the objectives Course 2 had to offer in a fast forward manner.
The Running
DAY ONE: Thursday, March 3, 2016, Sunny, Temp 41-64, Gusty North winds 5-25 mph
Brace 1 Wichita Wild Woman "Nicki", Nicki Blasi and Firestarters Chasing SonSet "Rae", Ed Tillson—Nicki was unresponsive to her handler from the get go hunting hard in the heavy cover and was leased at 30. Rae had her running shoes on going in and out of pocket the whole hour. She had bird contact at 11 but no point was observed.
Brace 2 Tack's Joker "TJ", Ed Tillson and Copely Shelttany Echo of Angels "Zoie" Scott Johnson—TJ and Zoie were eager off the breakaway with Zoie being spotted in the lake at 10 swimming after a group of ducks who were quacking gleefully at her attempt to catch them in the water. Upon exiting the lake Zoie had a nice find on a pair at 14. TJ was a handful at the beginning but settled in and made some nice forward casts. TJ and Zoie pointed together at 40. They flushed a small covey and both dogs chased with vigor.
Brace 3 J & M Tough Enough "Tuck", Scott Johnson and Roustabouts All In, Tom Tracy Jr. —Tuck scored a find at 3 then rejoined bracemate All and both flew down the course through Mancks Crossing and were missing close to 20 minutes before a Forest Service agent reported seeing 2 dogs running down Lem Roberts Road near the Airport. The dogs were gathered up and sent on with All doubling back toward the Airport where he was credited with a find at 48 before going missing again. Tuck moved forward on course and had another find at 55 and the chase was on. Luckily it was lunchtime when time was called so the judges and gallery headed in while the handlers searched for their wayward dogs.
Brace 4 Shadow's Tribute To TJ "Trigger" Ed Tillson and Wild Mtn's Taking Aim "Call" David Downing—Both dogs had their directional gear turned off so the handlers tracking devices were requested at 20.
Brace 5 Roustabout "Blew" By, Tom Tracy Jr. and Sovereign's Legendary Ride "Brick" Ed Tillson—Both dogs broke away energized hunting hard to the front. At 10 Brick hooked a hard left laterally but Blew continued a fast and forward ground race hunting hard through all the objectives. Brick showed back up to the front just before Manck's Crossing. Brick pointed at 52 and again at 53 flushing birds in both spots. Shots were fired and Brick blazed up the hill then down towards Pond Dam #4. At 58 Blew had his single find at the end of the long treeline just before Pond Dam #4. A bird was flushed, the shot fired as time was called.
Brace 6 Rusty Ridge Where U "Been", Scott Johnson .. Bye—Been was released in a cloud of dust at the top of the ridge before Pond Dam #4. The intent was to cast him to the left towards the dam but Been hooked right over the ridge and was gone. Tracker was called for at 20 thus ending the first day of running.
Day 2 Friday March 4, 2016, Sunny, Temp 35 – 69, SE Winds 3-18 mph
Brace 7 A "Trace" of Bourbon W/Diamonds, Scott Johnson and McChesneys All Down The Line, Jim John—Trace and All weren't down for long. John called for the tracker at 16 and Trace was up at 35.
Brace 8 TJ's Greatest "Joy", Ed Tillson and SKF Miss Cheap Bourbon Whiskey "KD", Foster—Joy and KD were two "Girls on Fire" running to the beat of their own drums. They were fun to watch throughout their hour but both went unrewarded in the bird department.
Brace 9 Jake's Maximus, Jim John and Royal Britts Pepper "Jack", Scott Johnson—Jake had a find at 7 and shared another at 20 with Jack but they were both picked up by their handlers for conduct unbecoming at 22.
Brace 10 Shadow's Peppermint Twist "Mattie", Ed Tillson and Joker's "Lucy" U Got Sum Splain' 2 Do, Jim John—Mattie and Lucy started strong and forward but Mattie ran out of steam and was picked up at 40 by Ed. Lucy was discovered shortly thereafter with blown pads.
Brace 11 Shady Way's Jokers Express "Stan", Jim John and CVK's Spartan King "Leo", Tom Tracy Jr—Stan was mostly out of pocket and the tracker was called for him at 30. Leo's bird finding Championship run is described in the Winner's narrative above.
Brace 12 Straight Arrow "Revelies" Heart, Richard Beaver and Georgias White Lighting, Tom Tracy Jr—Revelies was a little too casual in her application so Richard picked her up at 20. Georgia burned up the course moving fast and forward with finds at 25 and 35. At 40 Tom elected to pick her up.
Brace 13 Lone Rangers "Axel" Rose, David Downing and Prairie Wind Red Stone, Jim John—Axel was in and out of pocket and the tracker was requested at 25. Red was not pleasing Jim and was picked up at 30.
Thus ended the 2016 running of the Victorie Nationale and we all headed to the Club House to await announcements.
Victoire Nationale Derby Championship
judges: Dr. Robert Rankin and Vic Carrington
[One-Hour Heats]—25 Brittanys
Winner—CVK's Spartan King, male, by Maxwell's Outer Limits–Cedar Valley Lilly. Jack Alexander, owner; Tom Tracy Jr, handler.
Runner-Up—Roustabout Blew By, male, by Maxwell's Outer Limits–Cedar Valley Lilly. Paul Rosevear, owner; Tom Tracy Jr, handler.
Scout, Tom Milam riding around CVK's Spartan King on point