Result: U. S. Complete Northeast Regional Championship

Location: Exeter, Rhode Island

Post Date: Oct 2, 2023

Submitted By: William Bonnetti

This year's renewal of the U. S. Complete Northeast Regional Championship would be held at Arcadia Wildlife Management Area in Exter, R. I., starting on April 13th. Arcadia has been the home to this championship for several years. You never know what early spring in Southern New England will be like, but many times at this time of the year, we are still dealing with low temperatures, and at times, even snow! This year however, both days of the trial would reach mid to high eighties in temperature, unseasonably hot for this time of the year.

One would think that luck of the draw would have a significant impact at a trial under these conditions. Ironically, the judges would name Little Miss Margaret who ran in the hottest part of the day on day one, champion. Margaret, a petite, liver and white pointer female scorched the ground and tallied five impeccable finds. It was as if nothing phased her, in conditions that certainly would impact most dogs. Undoubtedly, this put an exclamation point on an already outstanding performance. Margaret is owned by Tim Cavanaugh and was handled by John Stolgitis. Duck Hook, white and orange pointer male, owned by Mike Flewelling, also handled by John Stolgitis emerged as runner -up. "Brute" as they call him ran in the first brace. He would get a little hung up after the initial cast off the breakaway but then settled in and applied himself well, scoring six times on birds.

Despite the tough conditions throughout the trial, the judges noted a few other dogs that had good performances in this trial.
In brace 2, setter female, Superstorm Liz owned and handled by Thor Kain had a strong race and tallied seven finds. What might have separated Liz from the winners was the fact that she got a little hung up and was a little out of packet prior to the finish. Liz's bracemate, Dun Rovens Midnite Ike (setter male) had good application and finished with bird work as well. Ike was handled by Robert Ecker.
Brace 6, with Attitudes True Grit handled by Robert Ecker and Cape Point Lucky Strike, owned and handled by Bill Bonnetti was another good brace. The two setter males applied themselves well and swapped points and backs a few times, a couple which were quite picturesque. Grit would end up with five finds, and Strike, with three.

I would personally like to thank the important people that made this trial possible, Judges, Tom Tracy and Alene Levasseur, both seasoned field trailers gave everyone their full attention in the extreme heat. Bob Fleury was on hand to make sure there was water on the course, and on the grounds. Bob also donated his side-by-side utility vehicle for planting birds. Jayne Fogarty, as always, went above and beyond providing meals and snacks throughout the trial. I would also like to thank Purina for their generous sponsorship of US Complete trials.

We look forward to seeing everyone in 2024!

Exeter, R. I., April 13 - One Course
Judges: Alene Levasseur and Tom Tracy
U. S. COMPLETE NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 9 Pointers and 10 Setters
Winner-LITTLE MISS MARGARET, 1693526, pointer female, by Panola Bacon-Chasehill Little Izzy. Timothy Cavanaugh, owner; John Stolgitis, handler.
Runner-Up-DUCK HOOK, 1668288, pointer male, by Erin's War Creek-Brave Heart Cassie. Richard St & Mike Flewelling, owners; John Stolgitis, handler.