National Amateur Championship Placements

2009 NAFC:  Ruger - owners Mark & Pam Spurgeon, handler Mark Spurgeon
2nd:  Rex - owner/handler Jim Gingrich
3rd:  Huck - owner Greg Ritchings, handler Grace Anne Lawson
4th:  Greta - owner Tom & Jeanette Steven, handler Mike Dalby

Friday Night Hijinx

National Amateur Championship - 1st series, day 2

Around clean with birdwork:

Molly
Zeko
Ginger
Darcy
Lotto
Rex
Ulee
Jack
Axel
Greta
Edie

Second Series announced, to start Saturday morning:
1 -Tzeitel & Greta
2 - Zeko & Brutus
3 - Lotto & Ruger
4 - Axel & Rex
5 - Darcy & Huck
6 - Paige & Jack

National Amateur Championship - 1st series, day 1

Seven braces of the Amateur ran today after the conclusion of the Derby.  Around clean with bird work:

Tzeital
Brutus
Rusty
Ruger
Huck
Paige
Boot
Octane

Eleven braces will run tomorrow.  Second series to be announced tomorrow evening.

Derby Classic Placements

1st - Calli
2nd - Blue
3rd - Stormy
4th - Remek
AOM - Buck
AOM - Tango
AOM - Mac

From 2009 VCA National Field Trial

2009 VCA NFC

The 2009 VCA National Field Champion is NFC FC Berry's Taking Chances ("Lotto"), owned by Michael and Carrie Syczylo and handled by Diane Vater.  Second went to DC AFC Bitteroot Semper Fi Cutter ("Cutter"), owned by Clint and Valerie Sails and handled by Clint Sails.  Third was FC AFC Bitteroot Stormy ("Stormy"), owned and handled by Howard Shultz.


Nine braces of the Derby Classic ran today with five braces remaining for tomorrow.

Third Day Highlights

First, a correction on the first day's report:  It was Luke who got around clean in the first series, not Hit.

This morning the last four braces of the first series for the National Championship ran, with Stormy, Jack (Yurek) and Ruger around clean.  First four braces of second series were run today.  Lotto, Cutter and Jack (Gingrich) all around clean with retrieve.  Stormy and Ruger to run tomorrow morning.  Mark Spurgeon got some awesome pictures during the 2nd series - hope I can share some here tomorrow.  Unfortunately my camera didn't make it out of the trailer.

The Derby Calcutta was this evening.  Top bid was around $265 but dang it, I don't remember who it was!  I think maybe it was for Buck (Long) in the 6th brace.  The Calcutta raised $2150 (50% to the club and 50 % split among the top three placements).  Many thanks to auctioneer Clint Sails.

Second Day of Running - National Championship

Today was a beautiful day for running dogs with sunny skies and high's in the 60's.  Twenty-three braces were completed by the end of the day, with the following dogs around clean for today:

Reba
Remington
Easy
Thomas
Cutter
Huck
Paige
Jack (Gingrich)
Rusty

Four braces remain in the first series for the National Championship.  The judges announced the first four braces for the second series, with the possibility of more dogs to be called back.  Those making the second series so far are:

1st brace:
Cutter - Lotto

2nd brace:
Paige - Brutus

3rd brace:
Greta (Dalby) - Yoghurt

4th brace:
Tzeitel - Jack (Gingrich)

First Day of Running

The first day of running for the National Championship started off with light to moderate rain and temps in the low to mid 50s.  The first few braces were rough with some dogs getting lost and some dogs going birdless.  The rain continued throughout the morning, and after 6 braces only 3 dogs were around clean.  After lunch the rain had subsided, but the temperature dropped to the upper 40s.  Dogs were findng more birds, however, and after 11 braces of running, another 6 or 7 dogs were around clean.

Those around clean after day 1:
Yoghurt
Edie
Octane
Hit (I think)
Lotto
Gretta II
Brutus
Potter
Tzeital
Tinker

Tomorrow's forecast is looking better with cloudy skies and temps in the upper 50s predicted.  If the rains hold off, I hope to get some photos.

Let the Games Begin

Particpants have been arriving the past couple of days to the beautiful grounds in southern Virginia.  Getting everyone's rig parked and hooked up has been quite the challenge, but thanks to the coordination by Valerie Sails, I think we have everyone accommodated now. 

Today a large number mounted up or rode on the tractor pulled gallery wagon for the course familiarization ride-around.  A special tribute was paid to Lisa DeForrest, who passed away earlier this year.  At the breakaway, Stella Lang, a long time friend of Lisa's, spoke about Lisa's love for the sport and how she wanted to go make it to one last Nationals.  Bob Seelye led Lisa's horse in the front of the procession down the breakaway, and some of her ashes were sprinkled along the course.  Lisa will be missed, but not forgotten in our sport.

Tomorrow the National Championship commences with judges Ed Hart and Ed Kerr presiding.

All Star Review

Judges for the All Star Review on Thursday evening in Charlotte were Terry Lucas, Dave Pomfret, and Peggy Schmidt, pictured here:

Twenty-seven dogs competed for the title of Best in Review. This year's winner was CH Barben's Strong Coffee MH.

Schedule of Events

The schedule of event for the field trial is posted on the VCA website:

Schedule of Events

Don't miss "real time" updates

I realize that some people cannot make it out to Virginia this year, so I am going to try to twitter updates during the National field trial.  If you're interested, follow me at "ricochetviz" on Twitter.  I will also attempt to post daily updates on this blog.

Bracing Sheets

Of course, after the bracing sheets were first published, the FT secretary gets the dreaded phone call - "why didn't you draw my dog?"  Yes, one dog was inadvertently left out of the drawing for both the National Championship and the National Amateur Championship.  The updated entry counts are 54 in the open, 39 in the amateur, and 28 in the derby.  Links to the updated bracing sheets:

National Championship Bracing

National Derby Classic

National Amateur Championship Bracing

Nice entry!

The drawing is complete and we ended up with 54 entries in the National Championship, 39 in the National Amateur Championship, and 28 in the Derby Classic.  Running order to be posted soon on the VCA website.

Entries Close in One Week

Just a reminder to all those procrastinators... entries for the VCA National Field Trial close in one week.  Reservations for dinners, horses, etc., close on Wednesday - just two days away. 

One More Month!

In one more month we will be gathering at the Cloverdale Farm getting ready to kick off the 2009 National Championship.  Autumn has arrived this week in Virginia with lows in the upper 40's and high in the low 70's.  Wouldn't it be nice if those temperature stuck around for the next month?

Here's an aerial shot of the grounds, compliments of Google Earth.

Information for Field Trial Participants

Some folks have contacted me with various questions about the services and amenities available at Cloverdale Farms.  Here are a few answers:

• Grounds will be open to participants at noon on Friday, October 30.
• Hay will be available for sale on the grounds.
• RV dump station is available on the grounds.
• A training / roading area is available.
• Parking will be assigned based on reservations received.
  
• Primitive camping is allowed at no cost.
• Electrical hookups are available for $5 per day - please see reservation form.
• Water spickets are accessible throughout the parking area.
  
• Horses may be staked out on the grounds.
• Horse corrals are available for $5 per day - please see reservation form.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner available daily at the lodge on the grounds.
• See reservation form for specific dinners requiring advanced reservations.

Reservation form available online at:  http://vcaweb.org/nat-events/nat2009/nat2009reservations_store.htm

Local trial before Nationals

The GSP Club of Central Virginia will be hosting an all-breed field trial the Thursday and Friday prior to the National Field Trial, October 29-30, 2009, at the Haynes Farm adjacent to Cloverdale Farms.  The event is listed on the AKC website:  Event #2009511202.  Contact Mary Durham, event secretary, at quailpoint1@hughes.net for more information.

Trophy Sponsorships Still Available

There are still some field trophies that are in need of sponsorship.  Here is the latest information from the trophy chairperson:

National Championship 1st Place Trophy	SOLD
National Championship Plaques (2nd-4th)	$35 ea
National Championship Rosettes (2nd-4th)	$20 ea
National Field Champion Rosette	$35
National Amateur Field Championship 1st Place Trophy	SOLD
National Amateur Field Championship Plaques (2nd-4th)	$35 ea
National Amateur Field Championship Rosettes (2nd-4th)	$20 ea
National Amateur Field Champion Rosette	$35
Derby Classic 1st Place Trophy	SOLD
Derby Classic Plaques (2nd-4th)	$35 ea
Derby Classic Rosettes (1st-4th)	SOLD
Judges' Award of Merit Rosettes (need 8)	$15 ea

Go to the VCA National Events page for information about how to sponsor a trophy.

Wanted: Raffle items

There will be a RAFFLE this year at the National Field Trial; the night isn't set yet but likely mid-week.

Donations are being accepted from individuals, businesses, and clubs that would like to donate a raffle prize. Horse and dog stuff is always appropriate.  Ditto gift cards from (eg) Cabelas, Bass Pro, Gander Mountain, etc. 

Please let me know if you're interested and I'll tell you where to send (if you're not bringing it to the trial!).  All donations will be gratefully acknowledged.

 

Shella Fuhrman

2009 NFT Raffle person

vcamembership@gmail.com

865-603-9335 (cell)

Field Trial Premium Now Available

The field trial premium is now available online at the VCA website:

2009 VCA National Field Trial Premium

Additional information may be found in the Information Booklet.  Please visit the VCA website and go to the National Events page for more information on merchandise, trophy sponsorship, catalog advertising, and the specialty events.

Social Hour Sponsorships

This year at the National Field Trial we have several social hours planned in the evenings. The social hours will take place at the Cloverdale Farm clubhouse on the porch which overlooks the property. It is simply a gorgeous view.

Donations are being accepted from individuals, businesses (kennels), and clubs that would like to host these social hours. The plan is to have beer, wine, soda, and light snacks setup each evening, so people can come gather and enjoy each others’ company. It’s a way to relax after a hard day of riding and watching all the nice dogs.

Please mail a check to Valerie Sails at the address below payable to the Old Dominion Vizsla Club if you are interested in sponsoring a social hour. A sign will be prominently posted each evening that will display the sponsor’s information.

Valerie Sails
3317 Midland Road
Midland, VA 22728

Award Sponsorships

Below are the 2009 VCA National Field Trial awards and their sponsorship amounts. Deadline for sponsors to be listed in the catalog is September 6, 2009. If you can't decide on a specific award, you may also earmark your donation for the General Trophy Fund or specify the Field venue fund. Any donation amount is accepted. For more information, contact Pat Ekendal, VCA National Award Solicitation Chairman, at melwenvz@comcast.net.

National Championship 1st Place Trophy SOLD
National Championship Plaques (2nd-4th) $35 ea
National Championship Rosettes (1st-4th) $20 ea
National Field Champion Rosette $35
National Amateur Field Championship 1st Place Trophy $200
National Amateur Field Championship Plaques (2nd-4th) $35 ea
National Amateur Field Championship Rosettes (1st-4th) $20 ea
National Amateur Field Champion Rosette $35
Derby Classic 1st Place Trophy $120
Derby Classic Plaques (2nd-4th) $35 ea
Derby Classic Rosettes (1st-4th) $20 ea
Judges' Award of Merit Rosettes (need 8) $15 ea

Don't Forget to Order DNA Kits

The closing for the VCA National Field Trial is just over four months away. Don't forget that all dogs must have a DNA Profile number to compete in the National events. You can order DNA kits from the AKC online here. Please allow ample time to order and receive your kits, submit your samples, and receive the DNA Profile numbers. This can take up to several weeks. The DNA Profile number must be included on the National event entry form.

Qualifications to Enter VCA National FT Stakes

Is your dog qualified for Nationals yet? If not, you have the rest of this spring until mid October this fall to qualify.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Open to any Vizsla six months of age or older that has ever placed first, second, third or fourth in an Open All-Age, Amateur All-Age, Open Limited All-Age, Amateur Limited All-Age, Open Gun Dog, Open Limited Gun Dog, Amateur Gun Dog, or Amateur Limited Gun Dog Stake in which at least 13 dogs have started in an AKC licensed or member field trial. Each dog shall be handled by the same handler in the First and Second Series.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP:
Open to any Vizsla six months of age or older that has ever placed first, second, third or fourth in an Amateur All-Age, Amateur Limited All-Age, Amateur Gun Dog, or Amateur Limited Gun Dog Stake in which at least 8 dogs have started in an AKC licensed or member field trial. Each dog shall be handled by the same handler in the First and Second Series.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR NATIONAL DERBY CLASSIC:
Open to any Vizsla over 6 months of age and less than two years of age on the first advertised day of the trial that has won a Puppy Stake or placed in a Derby Stake.

All Vizslas entered must be free of any disqualifying faults as stated in the Vizsla standard recognized by the American Kennel Club.

A Vizsla is ineligible to compete in the Vizsla Club of America National Field Trial if trained on the Field Trial Grounds one week ( 7 days ) prior to the first advertised date of the National Field Trial. (This does not include running on those grounds in a Field Trial or Hunt Test during the previous week.)

This Field Trial is held under Rules and Procedures of THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB.

DNA number required for ALL dogs entered.

Hotel information

I received an inquiry about hotels in the vicinity of the National Field Trial venue. Here's a list of some of the nearby hotels:

HOST HOTEL (tentative):
Comfort Inn & Suites
100 Tower Drive
Danville, VA 24540
434.793.2000

OTHER AREA HOTELS:
Best Western Windsor Inn - Danville, VA - 434.483.5000
Courtyard Marriott - Danville, VA - 434.791.2661
Hampton Inn - Danville, VA - 434.793.1111
Holiday Inn Express - Danville, VA - 434.793.4000 or 800.315.2605
Sleep Inn - Danville, VA - 434.793.6090
Super 8 - South Boston, VA - 434.572.8868
Quality Inn - South Boston, VA - 434.572.4311

You are encouraged to call to inquire as to which of these facilities allows dogs.

More Photos

I took a few more photos on course today while riding at the AKC Gun Dog Championship. Pictures don't really do the grounds justice. These are great grounds for showing all types of dogs - those that really get out and run and those that dig in and hunt.

Cloverdale Farm Photos

Check out the slide show on the right side banner for photos of the grounds and clubhouse at Cloverdale Farm. These first photos were taken during the AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship in March 2009. More photos will be added later.

Stay tuned...

Check back here for the latest information about the 2009 Vizsla Club of America National Field Trial.

Old Dominion Vizsla Club is hosting this year's trial to commence on Sunday, November 1, 2009, at the Cloverdale Farm owned by the Leggett family near Sutherlin, Virginia.