2006 National Quail Championship

By Robert Tomczak

The National Vizsla Association held it’s second National Quail Classic on October 2-3 at the Ionia Recreation Area in Ionia Michigan. The accompanying Derby Classic followed the Quail Classic on October the 4th.

Chairman and longtime Brittany man Wayne Warners head up the grounds committee, which is comprised of various dog clubs that uses these grounds. Hats off to those members who spent many hours on the tractors keeping the three 1-hour courses mowed and brush trimmed and cleared where needed. The facilities at Ionia are top notch and it takes a lot of work to keep the clubhouse, stable, bird building, and horse corrals maintained and in great condition. 

Thanks to the committee for all their hard work in running this event, in working for the hope of making this another championship event for vizsla enthusiasts by 2008. Thanks to Julie Larue and Medda Rauhut for the use of their truck for the dog wagon and for helping taxi dogs to the line. Medda did a superb job bird planting the courses. Ken and Judy Fales also helped man the truck and brought dogs to the line. Mike and Carrie Syczylo for there help with the drawing, making dinner arrangements and supplying food for the judges and participants. Also to Jim Blumentritt for helping keep the derby rolling smoothly by bird planting and line marshalling and the help of Scott and Mike from pro trainer John Reid’s camp for their help in keeping things running despite the inclement weather. Finally special thanks to Larue, Rauhut, and Tomczak for their financial donations to help support this event and make it a success. 

Judges for this year’s event were Wayne Warners of Grand Rapids, MI, and Jim Cipponeri, New Hudson, MI. Both men have spent many hours in the saddle judging many trials and championships over the years and were very positive and attentive to all that participated. Weather conditions were not very favorable for the event, but both men did an outstanding job and were always upbeat. A special thanks to Wayne at the end of the trial for helping me make sure all was in order on the grounds and for running the manure spreader for us upon completion of cleaning the parking lot area. Both judges went above and beyond by offering their help with whatever was necessary and deserve special recognition. Their generosity with their time to the sport and to the NVA to help this events success to become a championship for vizsla enthusiast is immensely appreciated. 

Participates for the event ranged from the great state of Texas to our northern border of Canada. Many others throughout the Midwest region like Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky. There were 21 entries and 21 starters in the Quail Classic with the winner Onpoint Farley Got Soul “Farley” running in the 1st brace and being carried throughout. After a 4-hour delay from heavy rains, lightning, and high winds, the storm broke and we cast off after lunch. Farley started with an attractive wide and forward cast off and was absent for a period around Hires field. Scout and owner, Bassingthwaite, was sent and at 14 after a 5-minute absence Farley returned from the right of field by the equestrian parking lot. Handler (Reid) watered his charge and sent him on. At 20 point was called along the right edge of the large field, birds were flushed with all in order, but Farley appeared on the edge and was ready to go. Sent on Farley settled into a forward edge running pattern with a smooth, attractive gait. Point was called at 42; Farley stood staunchly with good style and all in order as birds flushed. Farley went on point at 50 to the left of course before the creek crossing, nice style as small covey flushed. He finished going away to the front as time was called passing the gun range. 

The runner-up Onpoint Tuff Stuff “Tuffy” is familiar to the winner circle and has won the NVA Nationals Open Championship in Grovespring, MO on two occasions for owner/ handler John Reid. Tuffy ran in the final brace of day one. Point was called at 34 in a thick hedgerow, birds were elusive and Reid had a difficult time flushing. All was in order at shot and the dog sent on. Tuffy ran her edges well, handled nicely, and stayed to the front, but not with the gusto of the winner Farley.

The Derby Classic was run on Wednesday and was started after a long delay due to heavy rain. The remainder of the day had winds and light rain but as the saying goes, “ The show must go on.” John Reid took the honors of both first and second place with two littermates, Onpoint’s Hit Me and Onpoint’s Cheeky Won. Both of these dogs are out of Tuffy who was the runner-up of the Quail Classic. The third place dog went to owners Robert Tomczak and Michel Berner with Shiloh’s Promise Land.