Event: Broomhill Open All-Age Classic
Result: Big Sky Field Trial Club
Location: Vinnett, Montana
Post Date: May 17, 2024
Submitted By: Austin Turley
Broomhill Open All-Age Classic (l-r): Gordy Jones with Costas and Sophia Robbins with Name Like Mike. (Behind): Taylor Todd, Chad Hanson, Ed Mayhew, Ben DeJonge, Mike Robbins, Alex Rickert (judge), Dave Noel, Tim Fullerton (judge), and Darrel Curtis. (Not pictured): Perkins Sawyer's Warrior.
The Broomhill Open All-Age Classic ran last in September 2019 in Broomhill, Manitoba, under the leadership of Colvin and Mazie Davis of Minter, Alabama. The Big Sky Field Trial Club was interested in running an Open All-Age qualifying trial for the National Field Trial Championship. Rick Carlisle coordinated with Colvin and Mazie Davis about the opportunity to revive the Broomhill in Montana, and Colvin and Mazie graciously agreed. One request of the Davis's was that a donation be made to a local charity for each running. This request was gladly accepted as the Big Sky Field Trial Club has donated to local charities in landowners' names for many years.
The Broomhill Open All-Age Classic is now run on the native sage prairies near Winnett, Montana. For years, the King family graciously allowed us access to their ranch for field trialing. Native grouse, as well as Hungarian partridge and pheasant, are available on the six continuous courses. Birds were plentiful, and opportunities were spread well across all the courses this year. We experienced some wind during the running, but otherwise, conditions were seasonal. Just days before, rain and snow had been prevalent in the surrounding areas, but somehow, largely missed the ranch.
Nutri-Source and Tuffy's Pet Foods once again donated to our trial. They have been a generous sponsor of our trials for over 20 years. Their pet food is of the highest quality, and I have been feeding it for over 20 years. SportDOG and Jim Morehouse once again donated collars to the winners. Their collars are put to good use by the fortunate winners. Bridger Transportation supported our trial again this year. Please support those who support our sport whenever feasible.
The Idaho and Utah contingent that supports these trials has been very formidable for many years. Once again, they were to be reckoned with. A thank you to Sophie Robbins needs to be extended for her getting her father off the couch and into the field. Sometimes, Mike Robbins and Gordy Jones get a bit stodgy, and thankfully, young Sophie came to the rescue.
Judges for the inaugural running were Tim Fullerton of Rigby, Idaho, and Alex Rickert of Bozeman, Montana. Tim is an old-time all-age trialer who also takes a few dogs in for training. Alex has dogs with professionals Ike Todd of Dancyville, Tennessee, and Mark McClean of Doerun, Georgia. Most notable of Alex's dogs have been Ch. Touch's Malcom Story, 2021 Purina All-Age Dog of the Year, and Touch's Gallatin Fire, 2024 National Champion. Tim and Alex gave every contestant a good look.
The Winning Dogs
In third place was Perkins Sawyer's Warrior, handled by Chris Perkins. "Jack" ran the third course of the first morning. Jack started strong and had a commendable find on grouse at 10. Jack's race stayed strong throughout his hour finishing to the front.
Second place was Name Like Mike with Mike Robbins. Mike ran on day two, course 4. He was strong on the ground and mostly forward. An unproductive was taken before the half, and he finished well to the front. Being found after time pointed.
First place was Costas, handled by Gordy Jones. "Bob" ran in the second brace of the first morning. Bob started his hour with a stop to flush on grouse at 5. Bob continued to run the front, being found pointed in the hills at 25, partridge produced. Bob was again pointed in the bull pasture at 45, partridge again produced. Bob sealed his win with a strong forward finish. Several dogs ran strong all-age races but finished without birdwork or did not finish. A couple of dogs had multiple birdwork but did not have the ground race of the winners.
Winnett, Mont., April 8
Judges: Tim Fullerton and Alex Rickert
BROOMHILL OPEN ALL-AGE CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 19 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-COSTAS, 1698042, pointer male, by Dominator's Rebel Heir-Searchin For A Rainbow. Gordon Jones, owner and handler.
2d-NAME LIKE MIKE, 1687329, pointer male, by Dominator's American Rebel-Searchin For A Rainbow. Mike Robbins, owner and handler.
3d-PERKINS SAWYER'S WARRIOR, 1694443, pointer male, by Touch's Grey Street-Intentional. Chris Perkins, owner and handler.