by Lyle Johnson, Executive Field Representative
Ionia, Michigan was the site for the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America National Field Trial. The grounds were an excellent place for showcasing a good working dog. The area was groomed to near perfection with a lot of mowing and the planting of feed strips. All the amenities were available to make for a successful event. The beautiful clubhouse, the horse barn and the huge parking lot make for a great site for National Championship.
The derby stake was completed Monday evening and Randy Berry, a professional handler from California won 1st 2nd & 4th with his string of wirehaired Pointers.
The Amateur All Age Stake started on Tuesday morning and the dogs ran wel as the class progressed to the completion. The National German Wirehaired Pointer Amateur championship was won by DC AFC Jay-Mars Cina's Runaway Train MH, owned by Chris Kosman & Nickol Litwin
"Willie" ran in the third brace and broke away like he owned these grounds. He was gone for a time but was found up front on point. It was obvious that he was there for a while and the birds had moved. After relocation he again located and pointed the birds. Handler Guy Rezzardi flushed the birds and all was in order. "Willie" went on to have two more really nice finds. This dog was trained by Kieth Gulledge and Guy Rezzardi
Very close on his heels was a fine dog named "Stoney" , running in the 10th brace. He put on a show for the judges and gallery with at least three nice finds. This dog was trained by Geg Dixon and handled by his owner David Benson to be runner-up for the National Amateur Championship.
Click on image for larger view.
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