2008 National Championship

2008 National Open Championship Results

2008 National Derby Classic Results

2008 National Amateur Championship Results

Running Order

THE 2008 NATIONAL VIZSLA ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIPS

The National Vizsla Association held its 14th National Championship and accompanying stakes on the Southwest Missouri Sportsmen's Association grounds near Grovespring, Missouri, on March 17th thru 23rd of 2008. This year the trial was interrupted by a toad strangler of a storm that began Monday evening and concluded Wednesday morning. The immediate area received anywhere from 9 to 13 inches of rain. The rain caused severe flooding, making the two main bridges to camp impassable. They were covered by 3 to 4 ft of water. This left only an old farm road as the only way in or out. With the high water levels, the trial had to endure some changes from the past. Tuesday was a complete washout. The National Amateur Championship was the stake interrupted by the storm. After beginning on Monday it still could not be completed until Thursday afternoon, when the creeks were safe to cross. Mike Lundy was able to map out a suitable course on high ground that allowed the Derby Classic to begin Wednesday and finish early Thursday morning. The National Championship began Friday and was completed late Saturday.

As always, this trial is grateful for our sponsors and their support. Purina and Tri-tronics have been our major sponsors for many years, and their representatives were on hand to support the trial. Nestle-Purina provided Purina Pro Plan dog food for the winners as well as financial support. Tri-tronics provided e-collars and gift certificates to the winners. Christie-Enterprises, makers of fine saddlery and tack, provided custom headstalls. Dogs Unlimited provided gift certificates for the Winner and Runner-up in the National Amateur Championship. Sonny and Verla Mortensen of Utah posted a five hundred dollar cash purse for the Derby Classic. Ray Cooper donated the leather saddle bags and gun scabbard for the winner and runner-up in the Derby Classic. Gordon Long and family provided a cash donation for the Portrait Fund for the winners. Through these sponsors and the donations of many individuals, this Championship has become a premier event in the Vizsla Breed.

Of particular note this year was the resilience of our participants. Even with the floods and impassable roads, everyone pitched in and made the week a success. This was no easy task, considering the obstacles, but the true grit of all in attendance showed through. We are particularly grateful to our judges who had to stay over extra days and spend long hours in the saddle to render their opinions. This year's slate of judges represented the best in field trialing with experience and knowledge of high class bird dogs. The Amateur Championship was fortunate to have long time pro, Jerry Lewis of Sedan, Kansas, teamed with avid amateur, Ken Teague of Springfield, Missouri. Both of these men have trained and handled dogs to many championship titles. Jerry Lewis agreed to step in and assist Conrad Plevnic of Terrell, Texas, to judge the Derby Classic when Bill Stubblefield from Paragould, Arkansas, was unable to get to the grounds. Bill however was able to make it in to join Conrad in judging the National Open Championship to finish out the week. Bill and Conrad have both judged many championships and bring many years of field trial and bird dog experience to the saddle. As always the Southwest Missouri Sportsmen's Association had the grounds in excellent condition.

The drawing was held on Sunday evening at the Club House -- 20 entries in the Amateur Championship, 26 entries in the Derby Classic and 26 entries in the National Championship. A 72 dog entry for the week with the storms in the forecast showed the spirit of Vizsla enthusiasts everywhere. The dogs entered represented the best that the breed has to offer from across the US and Canada. As with all trials, especially Championships, it takes a lot of effort from a number of people to make it all come together. We are fortunate to have so many participants who are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. From the officers and directors, who put the trial together ahead of time, to all those on the grounds who helped with whatever chores needed to be done. The camaraderie made for an enjoyable week. Special thanks go out to Joanne Covey and J.R. Jones, both from the local area, for taking care of kitchen duties and bird planting respectively throughout the week. Another note of gratitude goes out to Will Cooper for the use of his truck all week as the dog wagon.

The National Amateur Championship was won by POINTE BLANC'S RUSTY MIRACLE, owned by Carrie and Mike Syczylo and handled by Carrie of Martinsville, Indiana. Duke previously placed as runner-up in the 2002 National Derby Classic. SAGINAW DIAMOND DAN took runner-up for owner and handler Mark Johnson of Winnebago, Illinois. Dan previously took runner-up in the 2006 National Derby Classic.

The National Derby Classic was won by TOUCHDOWN KID, owned by Mike and Darlene Lundy and handled by Mike of Edgerton, Kansas. The runner-up honors went to BRAVO'S OLYMPIC SPEED, owned by Medda Rauhut and Julie LaRue and handled by Julie of Livingston ,Texas. Third place went to JAZZAN ONTHE PLAZA, owned by Donnel Scott of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and handled by Dan Long of Perrysville, Ohio.

The National Championship was won by ONPOINT'S BRAVO HAULIN, owned by Medda Rauhut and Julie LaRue and handled by Julie of Livingston Texas. The runner-up honors went to ONPOINT'S FARLEY GOT SOUL, owned by Barry Bassingthwaighte of Ontario, Canada, and handled by John Reid.

THE NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNING

POINTE BLANC'S RUSTY MIRACLE (Carrie Syczylo) found his way into the winner's circle. Duke did it in the second brace of the first day for owner handler Carrie Syczylo. The brace began just before Davis Bottom. Duke opened with a big move forward and was rewarded with a find at 5 at the far end on the right. He handled the pressure of his brace mate not backing and all was in order. He made some nice moves thru Island Field and Apple Tree Hill. Point was called at 48 just to the right of a big tree in Sycamore Bottom. The initial flushing attempt produced no birds and Duke was relocated and moved on when no birds were produced. His second find was at 58 at the end of Sycamore Bottom in the ditch. All was in order. Duke finished the hour forward and hunted with intelligence, gaining him the title of National Amateur Champion.

SAGINAW DIAMOND DAN (Mark Johnson) took the runner-up title with a two-find performance. He exhibited similar traits as the winner, just not quite to the same level. Dan appeared in the sixth brace of the first day. Dan broke away at the top of Fox Hill with his running shoes on. He made a large move, taking the ridge on the right side in Sycamore Bottom. Dan stylishly backed his brace mate, Hunter, at 19. At 22, Dan was found standing in a briar patch, where course 2 and 3 share an edge, with Hunter backing. After being relocated, birds were produced with all in order. One minute after being cast off, he went on point at the beginning of the chute on the right side. Feathers from a hawk kill were produced. At 41, Dan had his second find along a fence line across from the pond on top of the hill. Again he handled with good manners. Point was called at 53 just before Bull Pasture. The handler was not able to produce birds and elected to move on. Dan finished the hour forward but not as strong as the winner.

THE OTHERS

DAWN ACRES READY TO ROLL (Richard Spaccarelli) – PIPER'S IVA DELL (Luke Piper) The Amateur began on Monday at 8am. The conditions were cloudy and cool, ideal for dogs. Both dogs started out a little erratic but soon settled in hunting hard. Iva struck first at 15 along the line on the right side just before the second creek crossing. She moved in a little too close and the bird popped, ending her day. Red continued on and had his first find at 22, just before Davis Bottom on the left. He then relocated himself, got too close and the birds popped, ending his bid.

RILEY MARKHAM (John Markham) – POINT BLANC'S RUSTY MIRACLE (Carrie Syczylo) Duke's hour was described earlier. Riley's never really got going and his day ended at 5 for failure to back.

FLOWERSTEP EHROS (Jim Blumentritt) – ONPOINTS GRAND FINALE (Julie Larue)

The brace began at the end of Sycamore Bottom heading up the chute. Ehros made a large opening move, disappeared to the front and was found up in the field by the hay barns. Taren hunted her way up towards the hay barn and struck at 11 along the fence line across from the pond. Two birds were produced by the handler with all in order. Taren struck again at 15 in a patch of scrub oaks past the blue house, with Ehros backing. Both dogs were mannerly to the flush and shot. Both dogs continued to work their way around the course and, at 50, they both went on point in a briar patch just before crossing the road. They were at opposite ends of the patch and each dog had their own bird. Ehros handled his bird with good manners. Taren was relocated and a bird was produced. She finished the hour at moderate range, and Ehros finished the hour with a large cast to the front.

ONPOINT'S BRUTUS BEEFCAKE (Barry Bassingthwaighte) – DEACON (Robert Tomczak) The hour began across the road heading back toward camp. Deacon and Brutus were released at the end of course three with both dogs hitting the edges and going to the front. As we passed the cemetery, Deacon rimmed the field and went through the crossing. Shortly thereafter Brutus followed. As the judges rode through the cut, Brutus was standing a third of the way down the line unsure of himself, flagging, with Bassingthwaighte cautioning. After his cast, Deacon came back down the line and Tomczak tried to take him on, but as he passed near the other dog the judges asked him to collar the dog for failure to back. Bassingthwaighte finally called point at 9, but no birds were found. Brutus was taken on but was picked up at 17 because he was not suiting his handler.

ONPOINTS FARLEY'S GOT SOUL (Barry Bassingthwaigthe) – FLOWERSTEP PELDA (Jim Blumentritt) The brace began on course 1 after a short lunch break. Both dogs opened up with large moves. Farley was found standing at 6. The birds released themselves and he went with them. Pelda continued to attack the course and was found standing at 19, just before Davis Bottoms. She maintained superb style throughout the flush and shot. She continued forward and struck again at 35, on the left side of Vacuum Hollow. Again she handled the flush with good style and manners. She disappeared to the right in the field before Horse Killer Hill. Scout Will Cooper found her standing and called point. As the handler road up, the birds lifted and she went with them. Up to this point she must have impressed the judges.

SAGINAW DIAMOND DAN (Mark Johnson) – HOMEAGAIN'S ISLANDTIME HUNTER (Bill Linnig) Dan's hour was described earlier. Hunter broke away at the top of Fox Hill. He hunted forward with good range and was rewarded with a find at 19, with his brace mate backing. All was in order with the flush. Hunter was moved on and backed his brace mate at 22. He finished the hour moving forward with good range with no additional bird work.

COPPER CREEK LEXI (Mike Lundy) – HOMEAGAIN'S LITTLE RED DOT (Bill Linnig) The dogs broke away by the blue house heading towards the hay barns. Both dogs started out strong. Lexi’s efforts were rewarded at 8 with a nice covey find 200 yards on the right past the hay barns. She displayed great style and manners throughout the flush. At 11, point was called for Dot on the left side. After a relocation effort produced no birds, she was moved on by her handler. Lexi had her second find at 13, just before the gate as you head towards the road. A single bird was produced and all was in order. Dot had a find at 16, in the briar patch before the road crossing. She handled the flush with good manners. After crossing the road, both dogs continued to hunt hard. Dot went on point at 28, on the left side in a hedgerow. While the handler attempted to flush, Dot released herself and ended her bid. Lexi finished the hour hunting hard, but was not able to maintain her range.

HOMEAGAIN'S ATTA GIRL PEARL (Bill Linning) – RASCAL (Robert Tomczak) The stake resumed Thursday on course 1 after lunch. The water receded enough to allow passage of the creeks. Dogs were allowed to be shuttled by horse across the creek if needed. The weather was sunny with a light breeze and temps reached the low 60's by late afternoon. Both dogs started out strong, with Rascal gaining the front. Rascal scored at 12 along a hedgerow shared by course 1 and 3. Two birds were produced by the handler. He showed good style and remained tight throughout. He continued on and was found standing on the back side of the island in Island Field. During the flush an animal was seen leaving the backside of a pile of brush, possibly a woodchuck. Rascal continued on attacking the course and struck again, at 51, along the fence on the left on top of Apple Tree Hill. He displayed great style and remained staunch during the flush. He finished the hour strong and to the front. His hour was worthy of consideration by the judges. As Pearl's hour went on, she settled in and hunted hard, but was not rewarded with a find of her own.

ONPOINT'S BRAVO HAULIN (Julie Larue) – ONPOINT'S SPINNING AXEL (Barry Bassingthwaighte) Haulin broke away at the beginning of Sycamore Bottom. She attacked the left side, rimmed the field and went on point at 4. The birds popped, ending her day. Axel started down the left side, also rimming the large field. He crossed the ditch and was found standing, at 7, to the left. The handler could not produce any birds and moved on. Axel hunted his way up the chute and was found standing along a fence line. He displayed good style and manners during the flush. He continued on and pointed again at 41, along the fence line by the blue house. No birds were flushed after the handler relocated his dog. Axel finished the hour short.

ONPOINT'S HITMAN (Barry Bassingthwaighte) – CRIMSON'S TWENTY GAUGE RUGER (Mark Spurgeon) The last brace began on course 1 and both dogs opened with nice moves. They continued hunting smartly and at 19, just before Davis Bottoms on the left side, both dogs went on point at the same time. Birds were produced and both dogs were moved on. At 27, Ruger went on point at the end of Davis Bottom on the left side, with Sammie backing. Ruger was relocated but no birds were produced and he was sent to the front. Just before the third creek crossing, at 34, Ruger went on point with Sammie backing. No birds were produced. Both dogs continued on and, at 56, both dogs went on point at the same time again. As handlers went to flush, a flying squirrel was seen leaving the area. Both dogs finished the hour at moderate range.

THE NATIONAL DERBY CLASSIC WINNERS

TOUCHDOWN KID exhibited a strong, powerful, forward race that included one broke find. He appeared in the eighth brace. The Derby was run as a single course due to the flooding that combined the latter part of course two and the first part of course three. Diamond was cast away and made an impressive move, rimming the entire field before heading up the chute. He disappeared to the front and occasionally showed in the distance. He was found standing at 11. just past a gate on the right. He handled the flush with good style and manners. He continued to put enthusiasm in his effort and disappeared to the front as time was called and showed a couple of minutes later. BRAVO'S OLYMPIC SPEED took second, appearing in the second brace. He exhibited a strong forward race that included two broke finds, but not to the level of the winner. JAZZAN ONTHE PLAZA rounded out the placements with third. He appeared in the third brace, having a find at 13 and finished strong making a large sweeping cast past the hay barns.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT

FLOWERSTEP PELDA (Jim Blumentritt) – POINTE BLANC'S RUSTY MIRACLE (Carrie Syczylo) Pelda started wide and had to be turned back to the front. Duke was seen pointing in Davis Bottoms, but unfortunately decided he would help his handler in the flushing attempt and ended his bid at 8 minutes. Two days prior, he had won the Amateur Championship with a great performance. In the mean time, Pelda, the 2007 National Amateur Champion at this event, carded a nice stylish find for Blumentritt and was taken on. She continued on with an attractive gait and flowing pattern, and was pointed again at 21. A covey was flushed, but Pelda took a few steps on flight. She finished the hour forward but not with the same zeal she started.

BERRY'S BAD BOY (Jerry Jordan) – HOMEAGAIN'S OPRAH (Dan Long) Oprah was not suiting her handler and was picked up at 15. Gus continued on course, carding a covey find on the fencerow by the twin barns. He had a move to mark on the flight but otherwise looked stylish. Gus is the 2007 VCA National Champion. He finished the hour, but not with the drive or performance needed to win this event.

STELLA ARTOIS (Bryan Long) – SAGINAW DIAMOND DAN (Mark Johnson) Both started strong and forward. After disappearing through the first creek crossing, the dogs were seen from afar at 11 with Dan pointing on a tree line in Davis Bottoms and Stella moving farther up the line. As the dogs were seen, Dan relocated himself and pinpointed the covey for Johnson. Handler Long elected to take Stella on where she was sucked up a draw. On a side note, Dan was announced as the 2008 RU Amateur Champion the day prior. All was in order upon flush, but unfortunately Dan let up in intensity upon completion of bird work and it may have been what cost him a placement in this stake. He continued on the course, covering ground well and staying on his edges. Stella and Dan were pushing forward with Stella on the left and Dan on the right. At 22, Stella was picked up for not pleasing the handler. Dan finished the hour strong and ended at the beginning of Sycamore Bottom.

BERRY'S TAKING CHANCES (Diane Vater) – UPWIND KISMET RAPID FIRE (Dave Pomfret) Mason had his first find at 6 just beyond the turn after Sycamore bottoms. Mason was the 2006 VCA National Champion but did not seem like he had his running shoes on today. Lotto was laying down a strong course and was found standing by an oak thicket near the bull pastures at 38. As Vater attempted to flush, only a rabbit was produced and Lotto was taken on. At the same time, Mason went missing. At 44, point was called for Mason from the rear, and he was found standing in some tall prairie grass and scrub oak. No birds were produced and he was relocated with no luck. This put him too far behind and ended his bid. Lotto continued to run strong, but tightened up a little on the top. She was found standing stylishly along a hedgerow just before the road crossing. All was in order as the handler flushed a covey from in front of her charge. After being taken on across the road, Lotto had a short absence once she disappeared in the creek bottoms. Upon her return, she appeared unwell and seemed to be cramping. She worked through it as time was called. She had a nice performance up till the end, and was recognized with an award of merit by the judges.

HOMEAGAIN'S ISLAND TIME HUNTER (Dan Long) – ONPOINT'S FARLEYS GOT SOUL (John Reid) They started off with a fast forward cast. Both dogs disappeared after the water crossing and were found pointing together at the left edge of Davis Bottoms, both dogs showing great style and intensity. A divided find was called and both handlers fired after the bird was flushed. This brace continued with intensity and excitement, with both dogs moving forward and showing great application. They both finished forward with Farley the stronger dog working the right line. Hunter was working forward in the brush and showing to the front, but behind Farley.

SEMPER FI COLONEL'S PRIDE (Dave Pomfret) – ONPOINT'S HIT MAN (John Reid) They were cast off on Course 2. Sammie started out strong, but seemed to run out of energy and his handler elected to pick him up at 45. Colonel moved along at a respectable pace. He had a covey find along the brushy fencerow by the twin barns. He finished the hour but not with the same zeal as in his youth.

UPWIND MOXIE (Dave Pomfret) – ONPOINT'S BRAVO HAULIN (Julie Larue) Both dogs were off hard to the front on course 1. Moxie had a find before the creek crossing, but birds lifted upon the judges and gallery's approach. Haulin charged through the deep-water crossing and worked up along the right line of the field before the road. Her scout and gallery got caught behind Moxie, who had trouble crossing the water and had to be carried across by her handler. Haulin went on point at 14, standing tall along the creek line. A single quail was flushed as the dog was cautioned and all was in order. Upon the shot, another bird was seen lifting from the milo strip far in front of the dog. Haulin proceeded to knock the front out of the course with fast, far reaching casts. Moxie continued to hunt to the front, but not with the range or speed of her brace mate. Haulin continued her fast pace and hung the edges nicely. Moxie disappeared before sycamore bottoms and was found pointing in the milo at 56. No birds were found and that completed her hour. Haulin finished strong to the front and everyone knew she would be tough to beat. This was a nice ending to the first day's running.

ONPOINT'S BRUTUS BEEFCAKE (John Reid) – TOUCHDOWN KID (Mike Lundy) Diamond was fresh off his win of the Derby Classic two days prior. This hard charging brace launched off the start of course one. Both dogs made excellent forward moves. At 9, Diamond took a hard left up on the ridge. His handler noted some deer bounding away and attempted to pull his dog from the chase without success. A few minutes later, the handler called for the tracker. Brutus moved forward with a find near the path at 14. After crossing the road, he worked the left side and had a stop to flush. Then, at the base of Horse Killer Hill at 44, he pointed in the thick brush. He was relocated, but no bird was found.

BRAVEHEARTS LADY EASY (Dave Pomfret) – HOMEAGAIN'S LITTLE RED DOT (Dan Long) Both dogs started well with Easy showing tremendous power on the breakaway at the end of Sycamore Bottom. Dot made good forward progress and had a nice point in the high grass at 14. Dan Long attempted to find the bird and the dog was relocated, but no bird was found. Long's horse ran off during the process and he decided to pick up the dog after her non-productive. Easy ran strong with animation and pleasure. However, at 30 she busted a 5 bird covey on the road above the Bull Pasture and was picked up.

TONKA UPWIND VICTORINE (Dave Pomfret) – HOMEAGAIN'S ATTA GIRL PEARL (Dan Long) This brace started on Course 1. Pearl had a nice start while Tori took a little to get going. At 6, Pearl pointed to the side of Davis Bottom. Pearl pointed with intensity and Tori offered a stylish back. Pearl had another bird at 13 and showed excellent style. After a deep water crossing, Tori was found on point at 16. Tori's style was good. Pearl failed to back and was picked up. At 20, Tori's handler picked her up, as her run was not to his liking.

KALCAM'S CALAMIDY JANE (Dan Burjan) – ONPOINT'S SPINNING AXEL (John Reid) This brace started out with a bang. They were cast off and in less than a minute into the brace, both dogs went to right edge and were found on point. Initially, it was called a divided find and John Reid flushed the 2 birds and fired. Both handlers collared their dogs and went on. In retrospect, the judges determined that Callie had the find and Axel offered an attractive back. Both dogs then moved forward at a nice pace with good application to the lines. Axel had a two-bird find at 57 in the fencerow across the field from the twin barns. Both dogs finished moving forward. Callie did not seem to have her usual level of intensity.

KALCAM'S DOZER (Dan Burjan) – FLOWERSTEP EHROS (Jim Blumentritt) They began on course 1. The cast was fine and both dogs moved along well. Dozer had trouble with the high water in the creek crossings, requiring Daniel Burjan to carry him across. At 10, Dozer had a point on the right side of Davis Bottoms. Ehros offered a nice back. Daniel relocated Dozer 3 times before a bird was produced. Ehros had moved on up the course and was found on point at 15 to the right. As the bird was flushed, he turned to mark and took a small step. Ehros finished strong with good application on his lines. Dozer got caught in the turn on top of Horse Killer Hill in the thick brush. He then made a nice cast to the front and Daniel found him ahead on course in the hedge line when time was called.

KALCAM'S ABILENE SUNRISE (Dan Burjan) – REMEK'S ROZALIA'S RED MOON (Bryan Long) Both dogs had a nice cast off. Rose was particularly strong making good forward movement. At 6, Rose had a bird on the left side and took a small step with the flush. They continued but both dogs were picked up by their respective handlers, Rose at 28 and Abbie at 35.