Tully and James came to the line at 10:01 am
F – Nice job on a long bird!
R – Bird landed in the open and she went straight to it!
Monday, October 7, 2024
15. SKYWATCH HELL’ OR HIGH WATER, “Crockett,” LM, Ray Vreeland
Crockett and Ray came to the line at 9:57 am
F – Low flyer, across the terrace, looped right to hunt his bird and he got it!
R – Across the field, into cover, in and out of the cover along the cover rim, back into the cover to hunt. He hunted behind the gunners in the cover and finally located his bird.
14. FIELD OF DREAMS WHO’S MY DADDY?, “Shaq,” LM, Brad LaFave
Shaq and Brad came to the line at 9:45 am
F – Across terraces, nice high flyer - Shaq went out and straight to his flyer!
R – Across the field, into cover, looping and hunting in the cover - got his bird after a short hunt.
13. I WANT TO BE A COWBOY, “Dutton,” LM, Steve Amrein
Dutton and Steve came to the line at 9:42 am
F – Out across the terraces, made a right turn and he was to his bird.
R – Across the field, along the cover, back and forth - then into the cover to get his bird.
12. RED SQUADS ROCKET QUEEN, “Bindi,” LF, Cole Baker
Bindi and Cole came to the line at 9:38 am
F – Hunted close to the guns for a couple turns and then moved right and she got it!
R – Out wide right behind the guns and into cover - circled behind in the cover and she located her bird.
11. BTHR ONE & ONLY D-O- DOUBLE - G, “Snoop,” LM, Caleb Brown
Snoop and Caleb came to the line at 9:35 am
F – Out to the area, turned right - a couple quick turns to the bird.
R – Out to the cover, 1 quick turn and he got it!
Rerun 4. MIDDLE CREEK’S COOL ME DOWN, “Jerry,” LM, Erik Thompson
Jerry and Erik came back to the line at 9:31 am
F – Out under the arc and right to the bird.
R – Into the cover, came out very wide left - back into the cover and missed again - third time is the charm - he got it!
10. GLEN EDINS EVERYDAY IS A HOLIDAY, “Doc,” LM, Steven Goetze
Doc and Steven came to the line at 9:26 am
F – Arrived left of the flyer - worked the area around the terrace and located his bird.
R – Established a small hunt but he got it!
9. WOOD RIVER’S IZZY A SURE BETT, “Mookie,” LM, Rick Wilke
Mookie and Rick came to the line at 9:23 am
F – Very nice!
R – Took a little look left ... and he got it, nice bird!
8. SHOOTER’S BLACK PEARL NELLIE, “Nellie,” LF, John Besgrove
Nellie and John came to the line at 9:21 am
F – Very nice mark.
R – Entering the field wide left, she swings right and hones in on her bird. Got it!
7. WATERMARKS MALLARD, “Mallard,” LM, William Hillmann
Mallard and William came to the line at 9:17 am
F – Across the field towards the guns - turned right and went straight to the bird.
R – Straight into the cover and got his bird.
6. TOMA’S TWELVE UNDER - TIGER, “Tiger,” LM, Cole Baker
Tiger and Cole came to the line at 9:14 am
F – Long bird - came in by the guns - turned right and went all the way to the bird!
R – Straight into the cover and the bird.
5. PR’S HERE TO FINNISH, “Toivo,” LM, Ryan Hendrickson
Toivo and Ryan came to the line at 9:10 am
F – Straight to his bird
R – Into the cover and missed - back out of the cover for a loop - then back into the over and missed again - worked deep and then back right. Hunted over until he found his bird.
No-bird 4. MIDDLE CREEK’S COOL ME DOWN, “Jerry,” LM, Erik Thompson
Jerry and Erik came to the line at 9:07 am and received a No-Bird on the flyer.
They will return after 6 running dogs to rerun.
3. PEPPER JACKS BLUE MACK TRUCK, “Mac,” LM, Darin Quigley
Darin and Mac came to the line at 9:04 am
F – Out to the area, a quick left and then right. Over the terrace and on to the bird.
R – Very nice recovery of his bird.
Rerun 56. BLACKWATER SIMMONS, “Doobie,” CBRM, Bill Burks
Doobie and Bill came back to the line at 9:00 am
F – A little loop left and then onto the bird.
R – Tight hunt and he had his bird.
2. DRAKE’S BAY MIDNIGHT TEXAS DIVA, “Skyy,” LF, Rick Wilke
Skyy and Rick came to the line at 8:56 am
F – High bird - hung in the air - beautiful bird and very nice work.
R – Brief loop in front of the guns - went a little deep - then quickly into the cover for her bird.
1. JLP MASTER JEDI, “Mara,” LF, Christian Alt
Mara and Christian came to the line at 8:53 am
F – Long bird - straight to the area and got it!
R – Ran just past it - quick turn into the cover and came out with her bird!
60. FLAWLESS RING OF FIRE, “June,” LM, Justin Allen
June and Justin came to the line at 8:49 am
F – Extended hunt pattern, but she got it!
R – Out to the area and she went left and then quickly turned to located her bird.
59. TOMA’S BANK ROLL, “Milli,” LF, Cole Baker
Cole and Milli came to the line at 8:42 am
F – Milli arrived to the area but turned left to initiate a hunt but seems committed to the area between the gunners and terrace. Her hunt pattern grew larger and she moved right and into the bird.
R – Very nice mark!
58. COOLWATER’S PUT ME IN COACH, “Coach,” LM, Gwen Jones
Coach and Gwen came to the line at 8:34 am
F – Long flyer for Coach! He went out across the terraces and straight to his bird!
R – Out across the field, and straight into the cover to get his bird!
57. BEAVER CREEK RETRIEVER’S BLACK ICE, “Ice,” LF, Josh Conrad
Ice and Josh came to the line at 8:31 am
F – Across the terraces, right to her bird!
R – Across the field again, into the cover and she got it!
No-Bird 56. BLACKWATER SIMMONS, “Doobie,” CBRM, Bill Burks
Doobie and Bill came to the line and received a No-Bird on the Flyer
They will wait 6 dogs and run again
No-Bird 55. DRAKES BAY’S NELLI, “Nelli,” LF, Rick Wilke
Rick and Nelli came to the line at 8:23 am and had a no-bird on the flyer
F - Multiple shots on this long flyer - Nelli went out and worked the back terraces, but not far enough.
This is being considered a No Bird, and They will get rerun at the end.
54. DAYBREAKS KING DAVID, “David,” LM, John Lynch
David and John came to the line at 8:20 am
F – Nice long flyer over the terraces, chased down his flyer and he got it!
R – Across the field, hooked around the tree, into and out of the cover, back into cover again to get his bird.
53. GREEN RIVER’S KOUNTRY GIRL, “Maggie,” LF, Marc Patton
Maggie and Marc came to the line at 8:16 am
F – Over the terraces, a loop straight to chase down her bird.
R – Across the field, into cover, out of cover, looped in the short grass then back into the cover and she got her bird.
52. FALL CREEKS GIBSONS CLUTCH HIT, “Clutch,” LM, Caleb Brown
Clutch and Caleb came to the line at 8:12 am
F – Nice line - over the berm and onto the bird.
R – Bending out left of the mark, Clutch began to hunt left. He worked his way through the cover deep, and came out of the cover right of the gunners - made a pass left and he was onto the bird.
51. FULL SEND, “Valley,” LF, Joel Bodenman
Valley and Joel came to the line at 8:09 am
F – Valley was off for her long flyer! She went out left to make a loop and then back to scoop up her bird.
R – Straight to her bird!
50. NESHOBA COUNTY MAN OF DISTINTION, “Judge,” LM, Mike Bassett
Judge and Mike came to the line at 8:06 am
F – Shorter bird - had a brief hunt and then he got his bird.
R – Out to the fall area - made a few turns and he got it.
49. MILLCREEK’S DRAKE’S BAY HANNAH, “Hannah,” LF, Brad LaFave
Hannah and Brad came to the line at 8:02 am
F – Out to the far area - circled left and right several times - worked right and out to her bird.
R – Down the terraced hill - busted into cover - but missed - back into the cover for her bird.
1st Series Test Dogs
Hurricane Lake Holy Roller, “Daphne,” BLF
Owner: Kody Reynolds
Handler: Kody Reynolds
First test dog to the line was Daphne with handler Kody Reynolds .... Daphne came to the line at 7:44 am
Flyer – Across the field to the back side of the terrace – Smack!
Right – Out into cover - a loop around and then came out to her bird.
Handler: Kody Reynolds
First test dog to the line was Daphne with handler Kody Reynolds .... Daphne came to the line at 7:44 am
Flyer – Across the field to the back side of the terrace – Smack!
Right – Out into cover - a loop around and then came out to her bird.
Owner: Wayne Turczi
Handler: Wayne Turczi
Second test dog to the line was Breeze with handler Wayne Turczi .... Breeze came to the line at 7:48 am
Flyer – Out across the terraces - on the back side of the far one, he got his bird quickly.
Right – Down and across the terraced field - bird thrown into the edge of the cover, a couple quick turns and he got it.
Handler: Wayne Turczi
Second test dog to the line was Breeze with handler Wayne Turczi .... Breeze came to the line at 7:48 am
Flyer – Out across the terraces - on the back side of the far one, he got his bird quickly.
Right – Down and across the terraced field - bird thrown into the edge of the cover, a couple quick turns and he got it.
1st Series – Test Description
Good morning from the 2024 National Derby Championship held at Wood Dale Farm in Sedalia, MO. Thank you to the Hayden family for sharing their beautiful property with us.
We are in the Terrace Field and it is a cool, clear morning. 46 degrees with a 4mph NNE wind.
We are in the Terrace Field and it is a cool, clear morning. 46 degrees with a 4mph NNE wind.
58 dog/handler teams are starting this morning, after having traveled from all over the US to compete here at the 8th Annual National Derby Championship.
The running mat sits on top of a large mound, facing South West, overlooking a terraced field with light cover.
Bird #1 is a dead Rooster Pheasant, thrown right to left, landing 164 yards from the line. The bird is thrown angled-back into a thick band of cover. We will refer to this bird as R for Right.
Bird #2 is a Rooster Pheasant Flyer, shot left to right, landing 188 yards from the line. The flyer lands just beyond the crest of a terrace. We will refer to this bird as F for Flyer.
This test is taking approximately 3 minutes per dog to complete.
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SERIES 1
Land Double with a Flyer
The running mat sits on top of a large mound, facing South West, overlooking a terraced field with light cover.
Bird #1 is a dead Rooster Pheasant, thrown right to left, landing 164 yards from the line. The bird is thrown angled-back into a thick band of cover. We will refer to this bird as R for Right.
Bird #2 is a Rooster Pheasant Flyer, shot left to right, landing 188 yards from the line. The flyer lands just beyond the crest of a terrace. We will refer to this bird as F for Flyer.
This test is taking approximately 3 minutes per dog to complete.
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Good Morning! – Day 1
Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to the 2024 National Retriever Derby Championship!
This morning we are kicking off the event at the 1st series test location. First, we will be singing the National Anthem at about 7:30 am, then we will have a brief presentation by Retrieving Freedom directly following that. Test dogs will come to the line after the presentation and then we will have our first running dog, #49 shortly after test dogs have run.
Today we have 58 Dogs Starting this Series. (2 dogs have Scratched: 31 and 46)
Currently it is a crisp 45 degrees here, with clear sunny skies. Today has an expected high around 73 degrees and we look forward to sunny skies all day. We will update you with changing conditions as the day goes on. For now, stay tuned as we prepare to begin the running of the 8th Annual National Retriever Derby Championship!
Congratulations to everyone that has qualified to be here, and Good Luck to all the teams this morning!
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| View from the line this morning at the 1st Series |
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| National Anthem |
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| CEO of Retrieving Freedom – Brandon Butler |
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| Service dog "Ellie" and her handler from Retrieving Freedom |
Sunday, October 6, 2024
2024 National Retriever Derby Club Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting was called to order in Sedalia, MO at the headquarters hotel at approximately 3:00 pm on October 6, 2024 by President Bob West.
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| Bob West, NRDC President |
President Bob West welcomed all to the 2024 annual meeting and led the assembled members and competitors in the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence for the people and dogs that are no longer with us.
Bob then introduced the NRDC Officers and Directors, and thanked them for their work leading up to this event. Special thanks was given to Terri Curtis (Event Chairman) and the “driving force” behind the success of this week!
2024 Officers
President – Bob West
1st Vice President – Russ Hardy
2nd Vice President – Dave Kress
PRTA Director – Rick Stawski
Secretary / Treasurer – Steve Roegiers
Bob mentioned that this is this highest percentage of Qualifying Dogs that have Entered this National trial. Clearly, the event is growing and is well respected by all!
Secretary Steve Roegiers took the podium next and conducted a roll-call. This year, 147 clubs were billed, and 138 dues received. To reach a quorum, 25% of the member clubs must be present. 63 return membership applications with a vote/proxy, so a quorum was reached.
Steve put forth a motion to accept the 2023 Annual Meeting minutes as read, and President Bob West provided the second to motion. The vote to approve was carried by the members present.
Steve put forth a motion to accept the 2023 Financial Statement as read, and President Bob West provided the second to motion. The vote to approve was carried by the members present again.
Bob West announced the 2025 NDRC Officers:
President – Russ Hardy
Vice President – David Kress
2nd Vice President – Randy Spangler*
PRTA Director – Rick Stawski*
Secretary/Treasurer – Steve Rogiers
The 2025 Chairman will be Derrick Smith.
*new to board
Bob then recognized Dennis Bath, whom this trial is dedicated to. His “heart of gold” left a lasting impression on the retriever community and was instrumental in the creation of the National Derby.
Next, Bob announced that the NRDC club applied for, and was granted, a grant from the Sedalia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in the amount of $2000. Thank you to the city – and please support the local businesses in Sedalia while you’re here!
2025 NRDC Announcement
Bob then announced that the 2025 National Derby Championship will be held October 6 – Oct 10, 2025, at Wood Dale Farm in Sedalia, MO.
The Judges will be:
West – Sonya Jackson
South – Bill Goldstein
North / East – Dave Robertson
Bob took a moment to thank the Hayden Family, who is incredibly generous with their property and hospitality.
Up next, Corporate Sponsor Liaison Gwen Jones took the podium to thank our sponsors. From monetary donations to equipment that we use in the field, we could not do this event without Purina, Avery, Garmin, Kent Ammunition. The Sponsors were then presented with gifts and thanked with a standing ovation.
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| Gwen Jones, Corporate Sponsor Liaison |
Last year’s winner was then introduced by Bob West. Dave Kress presented Paul and Susan Young and “Edge,” Mileage Hone A Fancy Saber with a portrait that was sponsored by the Hayden family and painted by Stephanie Schafer.
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| Paul and Susan Young with "Edge" |
Terri Curtis took the podium to thank our landowners, Jerry Mann of the AKC, announcers Kathy McGinn and Alex Washburn, Retriever News and the official photographer Hannah Wren.
Terri then introduced our 2024 Judges.
Northern Region – Chris Van Eimeren
Southern Region – Bubba Joiner
Western Region – Bill Barstow
Terri emphasized that the Judges worked incredibly hard this week to plan challenging and fair tests. We look forward to the week!
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| Bob West with Terri Curtis |
Hospitality Announcements!
- Tonight’s cocktail party – doors open at 5:30 with light appetizers, dinner begins at 6. All are welcome!
- Tuesday Night – 5:30 (or after last test) Participants Party! At Bob Hayden residence, our traffic committee will be providing signage and directions.
- Winner’s Party – at Sweed’s Hill at the conclusion of the 10th Series.
Terri Curtis then introduced our Chief Marshal, Randy Spangler.
Randy took the podium, and thanked his committee who worked tirelessly to put on this National. In addition, Randy thanked our land owners, Judges and the set-up crew who have positioned us to have a wonderful event.
Special Thanks to Jimmy Darnell and William Forbes for set-up!
Randy addressed our handlers/competitors, and advised:
1. Take your time, and breath!
2. Enjoy the experience and treasure the memories
3. Don’t rush yourself or your dog – don’t get caught up in the fast pace at the line
4. Stay focused on picking up one bird at a time.
5. Have fun. Everyone that is involved in putting on this trial is rooting for you!
6. Wear your bib!
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| Randy Spangler, Chief Marshal at the podium |
Test Logistics and Procedures:
The 1st Series – Test 1 will be at the Terrace Field at the Bob Hayden property. Follow the signage, property is off Highway EE. Entrance N of main gate into property.
The test will be a land double, consisting of a Pheasant Flyer and a Dead Rooster Pheasant.
National Anthem will be sung at 7:30 am, followed by the Retrieving Freedom presentation.
Randy Spangler introduced the Test Dogs:
Male: Ebony’s Call Be The Breeze. Owned/Handled by Wayne Turczi
Female: Hurricane Lake Holy Roller, Owned/Handled by Kody Reynolds
15 min after we run the two test dogs, the 1st handler must be in the last holding blind. There will be three total holding blinds set up for this series. If we can’t keep holding blinds full, we will add more to following series.
Delma Hazzard is our holding blind Marshall and will ensure the holding blinds are full, and has organized logistics should there be a no-bird, etc.
Important: After you run your dog, you’ll exit left of the tent. Put your dog on lead, cross the road and head to the Purina Tent and Photographer station.
Bitch check will be done immediately following this meeting, held in the NW corner of the Best Western Host Hotel. All females must be checked.
After we run test dogs, first 6 handlers will be allowed to view the test from the mat. They will then be dismissed, and the rest of the competitors will be allowed to view the test.
Viewing of the line will be allowed every 15 dogs – these will be short and sweet! Handlers MUST be wearing their bib in order to be allowed to view the line.
Randy emphasized that this event relies heavily on volunteer help. Please chip in, help wherever you can! Marshals, bird throwers, grounds, etc need help!
Contestants that are in contention that have not yet run are not allowed in the field, or as final holding blind attendant.
An exercise and airing area has been set up near Tangle Nook road, past the Retrieving Freedom facility. Look for signage, “Airing.”.
Once you’ve been moved into the final holding blind, wait there until you are called to the line. We will play several seconds of your song and introduce your dog before calling you. You may bring your dog to the line on leash if you like, BUT you are not allowed to point out gun stations with the leash attached.
No Bird Procedure
- 1st no bird – Go back 6 dogs, will be 7th to run
- 2nd no bird – Go end of rotation, last dog to run
- If you have a no-bird, please check in with Delma to ensure running order is correct.
Scrapped Tests
If a test is scrapped, and another set up that day, the dog that was in final holding blind waiting to run will be first to run the next series.
If a test is scrapped and a new test is started the NEXT day, the original starting dog # starts.
Other Notes
In the spirit of good sportsmanship and fairness, do not view the test and leave the grounds to go train on it.
All flyers shot over water will be sluiced.
In closing, Randy would like to make a special request. Mr. Bob Hayden has not yet been conducted into the Retriever Hall of Fame. His contributions to the sport are significant. Please consider him in future nominations.
Paul Young with 2023 National Derby Champion "Edge" was called to select the 1st series running dog.
Dog #49 will start!
2 Scratches have been reported - #31, #46
The Rotation will be:
1st Series - 49
2nd Series -4
3rd Series - 19
4th Series - 34
President Bob West called for a motion to adjourn, which was given, seconded and the Annual Meeting was concluded.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Getting Set Up!
Last years' winner NDC High Mileage Hone A Fancy Saber, "Edge," being ran by Paul Young for set-up week! Paul is here at the National Derby helping out and is also the chairman of the grounds committee. Thanks Paul!
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Photography Sale!
2024 NATIONAL DERBY PHOTO SUPER SALE
Sale now until Oct. 6 @ midnight, get over 50% off photo packages!!
Click the link below to check out the special photo package offers
Don’t miss out!! Get Your Photo Package!
>> CLICK HERE <<
Hannah Wren – 2024 National Derby Official Photographer
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