Result: Quail Championship Invitational

Location: Paducah, Kentucky

Post Date: Dec 16, 2021

Submitted By: William S. Smith

The Winners. Front row, l to r: Steagan Smith with Touch's Fire Away, and Korry Reinhart with Lester's Shockwave. Second row: Ryan Eichelberger, Randy Anderson, Joy and Gary Lester, Janie Johnson, and Cora Clary. Back row: Todd Kellam, UKC representative; Mike Crouse, Dr. Stan Wint, judge; Mary Sue Schalk with daughter, Anna, Judges Jim Davis and David Johnson.

There has always been a competition between hunting dog owners and there will most likely always be. The boast, my dog is better than your dog, was the chief catalyst that formed the foundation for field trials. These were fighting words and nothing would deter the challenge to either put up or shut up. Sometimes these were friendly wagers; sometimes they were fiercely contested affairs.

In the pointing dog arena, Mr. W. W. Titus authored an article published in the American Field journal in May of 1895 in which he proposed what would become the Field Trial Champion Association. Pointing dog trials were being contested at the time, but a championship trial had yet to be established and therefore the best of the best could not be agreed.

The first meeting of the Champion Association took place in Newton, N. C., in November 1895. The new Association began immediately to plan a championship stake and the National Championship's inaugural running took place at West Point, Miss., on February 10, 1896. The goal of the National Championship was to "promote a championship through which superior bird dogs can be brought to the front; and that great quality--stamina--so necessary to a useful field dog, be encouraged."

The National heats were set at three hours. There was no mistaking that it would test the stamina of any dog who completed the grueling 180 minutes. Second series were common in the early years, but a callback was not mandatory in order to be crown the new champion. If a second series was required, depending on when the callback dogs had run in the qualifying series, the earlier a dog had run the better advantage he had because of more rest. A modern-day example is Native Tango that ran in the first brace of the National in 1984 in a field of 25 and was named the winner without a second series. If she had been called back, she would have been fully rested as compared to a dog that ran much later in the stake.

The National was the cr me de la cr me in the early 1900s but there began to be talk of a more rigorous event to test the stamina and overall qualities of a bird dog. The format proposed would be one-hour qualifying braces and then there would be a mandatory second series that would run for three hours. This new event was christened the Free-for-All Championship and the inaugural running was in 1916. Many felt this format was a truer test of stamina because of the qualifying series and then the three-hour championship heat. Today the callback time in the Free-for-All is only one-and one-half hours.

Toughness and strength continued to be a big topic in the field trial community and in 1935 the Continental Championship became a part of the endurance trials. The Continental's formant was a one-hour qualifying series and a mandatory callback of one-hour and fifty minutes.

To qualify for the National a dog had to have a previous placement. The Free-for-All took all comers regardless of breed or placements. These trials fulfilled their objective by testing the stamina and endurance of each individual and other qualities that make a class bird dog. But the requirements to enter these trials were not extremely restrictive.

Were these new champions really the best of the best? The new champions deserved their titles--they had earned them, but it was questioned if they had really competed against the best that field trials had to offer. Talk began of a new format.

The idea of a trial contested by invitation only began to take root. Those invited would be the dogs who were the most consistent winners on the circuit based on a point system developed by the host club. Members of the Southern Amateur Field Trial Club met in Albany, Ga., in the early 1940s decade to hammer out the details. The trial would be contested over three successive days. A qualifying series of one-hour heats would be run the first two days. At the discretion of the judges, three or more braces of a two-hour duration would be run the third day to determine the winner. The field would be composed of the sixteen dogs selected from the best performers on the circuit. Supposedly the best, most consistent sixteen dogs competing in field trials. The committee identified the trials that would be designated as "points trials" to be used to calculate the points earned by the placements in these trials.

Sixteen dogs were invited to the inaugural running of the Quail Championship held in Albany, Ga., on December 30, 1940. The winner received $1000, the runner-up garnered $500. The judges were Emory Beetham of Cleveland, Ohio and Henry Banks of Guerryton, Ala. The trial was run as advertised and The Texas Ranger emerged as the 1941 Quail Champion. He was handled by Jack Harper for owner D. B. McDaniel of Houston, Tex. Runner-up was Tarheelia's Lucky Strike handled by Earl Crangle for owner Gerald Livingston of Quitman, Ga.

The Plantations of Wildfair, Pineland, and Blue Springs near Albany, Ga., hosted the second running of the Quail Championship. The format was basically the same as the 1941 edition with the exception that all sixteen dogs would compete all three days. Emory Beetham and Henry Banks returned to adjudicate. Tarheelia's Lucky Strike had come close the previous year to gaining the top spot. He would not be denied in 1942. Earl Crangle handled again for Gerald Livingston. Spunky Creek Nina, handled by O. S. Redman for owner L. A. Henning was named runner-up.

World tensions interrupted the running of the Quail Championship after the 1942 edition and it would be 22 years before the trial would be resurrected in a new location with an expanded name.

The establishment of the West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area provided a venue suitable for championship caliber field trials. The West Kentucky Field Trial Club had a vision to host an open stake to be known as the Kentucky Quail Classic and in 1960 that vision became a reality. The club also had a secondary vision to rebirth the Quail Championship. In 1963, Purina established a Top Field Trial Dog Award program which allowed a means to identify the top performers of the field trial season. Consistency is the driving factor that allows these points to be harvested. With a points system in place, the club invited the top twelve performers to Paducah, Ky., to compete on the WKWMA grounds. The format would be the same as the 1941 and '42 events. The dogs would compete in one-hour heats on successive days in the qualifying series. Then the dogs called back on the third day would run for two-hours in the Championship series. The ancillary vision of the West Kentucky Club was realized when the Quail Championship was resurrected as the Quail Championship Invitational on December 9, 1964. Currently the Invitational is the only championship that requires a four-hour performance in a three-day period.

The winner of the Quail Championship Invitational must demonstrate the requisite qualities of the all-age class at a high level. The Invitational winner must:

* hunt boldly and independently throughout--should not require excessive direction

from the handler,

* demonstrate qualities of the finished dog by consistent coursing to logical

objectives, responsiveness to the handler, and maintaining a forward pattern,

* exhibit strength, courage, and an unquenchable desire to find game regardless of

cover conditions--not simply choosing the easy path but hunting through habitat

likely to hold game,

* exhibit style, speed, and stamina in action,

* handle game correctly--locate and point quickly and accurately using body not

ground scent, back without caution, be steady,

* demonstrate extreme character and finish around game--style, intensity, location,

and polish--must not show softness or apprehension.

The Quail Championship Invitational seeks to identify the epitome of the open all-age class of dogs, an individual with strength, courage, intelligence, and character at the highest level. A flawless performance of pedestrian quality should not be favored over one that, although imperfect, thrills with the magnitude of the effort. Above all else, the Invitational seeks to identify the endurance performer. If the judges are, to any extent, uncertain of the ability of an individual to continue at an all-age level of performance, then that dog should not be recognized as the Invitational champion. (The Invitational Champions, John Russell pg. xii)

The 2021 affair marked the 58th renewal of the Invitational. The only dog to win the Invitational three times is House's Rain Cloud and he did it impressively, winning in three successive years--1996,1997, and 1998. Cloud was handled by Mike Matney for owner Joe Don House in 1996 and owners Dr. Larry Mitchell and David H. Nutt in 1997 and 1998.

The only setter to be named the Invitational Champion is Hytest Sky Hawk in 2008. Hawk was handled by Ray Warren for owner J. W. Elliott.

Mary Sue Schalk is the chairwoman of the Invitational. She is only the fourth of that distinction succeeding Henry Weil, J. D. Boss, and John Russell.

The Quail Championship Invitational returned to the West Kentucky WMA on November 27. The West Kentucky Field Trial Club again hosted the running. Mary Sue Schalk is the president and her Dad, Mike Crouse, is the vice-president. The club roster identifies the remaining members as: Alan Benson, Don Wiggins, Michael Kennedy, B. J. Wright, Greg Veatch, Vincent Major, Gary Lester, Sarah Clary, and Joe Hopkins. The trial is a Purina Handler of the Year and a Top Dog Award points trial.

The drawing was held November 24 and the eleven pointer males and the lone pointer female were paired for the two-qualifying days' runnings.

Purina has been a consistent sponsor of this prestigious event for many years. Greg Blair coordinates Purina's donation of Pro Plan--one bag to each dog and eight bags to the new champion and four bags to the runner-up. They stepped up to the plate again this year by underwriting the ad on the American Field web page. They also sponsored a dinner for the judges, reporter, and volunteers on Saturday night. High visibility orange Purina logo caps were also made available to the judges and reporter. Purina's generosity is one of the reasons for the longevity of this significant and respected event. Thank you seems too little to say when Purina does so much for field trials.

Dogs Unlimited donated two $50 gift certificates to be used on the online auction. The proceeds of the auction provide financial assistance for the operation of the trial. Thank you for your generosity.

Tim Khrer manages the West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area. He and his staff of two had the grounds groomed and ready for the trial. There is much work to be done in order to maintain the courses and creek crossings. Tim and his crew are constantly looking for ways to improve the grounds. Their efforts were noticed and recognized by all.

Every year the West Kentucky FTC schedules a work day to perform tasks that are not included in the tasks of the WMA staff. Oiling hinges, trimming around the horse barns, and spraying unwanted vegetation are just a few of the things they do. Mike Crouse makes sure the mowers, trimmers, and all other needed equipment is in working order for the work day. All the members take part in the maintenance of the facility and all assist in the day-to-day operation of the trial. Their efforts are mostly unseen, but are greatly appreciated.

There is much involved in the preparation and in the running of this trial. As president, Mary Sue is responsible for the success of the trial, but she gives credit to all that share in the duties. She was a very busy lady making sure the trial went smoothly. She left no stone unturned. When asked why she was willing to take on such responsibility she responded, "It's a great trial and I feel like the people who come annually are family. We all do what we can to make it a success. The Invitational is people who love the sport of horseback field trialing celebrating one of the greatest trials in our life time."

Mike Crouse served as the head marshal, keeping us on the correct path. His service was invaluable. Alan Benson acted as the front marshal. If a judge had to stay behind for any reason, Alan stayed with him to make sure he was reunited with his judging partners. Michael Kennedy served as the rear marshal and he performed quite a feat by keeping the gallery from lagging behind.

Vincent Major made his debut as the dog wagon driver on Saturday and Sunday. He was punctual at every stop and he brought snacks and coffee with him. For his first time, he was excellent. The old pro, Greg Veatch, manned the dog wagon on Monday when Vincent could not attend. Cora Clary served as administrative assistant to Mary Sue. She assisted in any way that she was asked. She also rode every brace and is an accomplished ride for her young age.

United Kennel Club representative Todd Kellam was a special guest. He experienced his first horseback field trial and he "got the bug." He has plans to visit some of the major trials this season. His enthusiasm is indicative of the positive direction the UKC is taking for our sport. Welcome to our world, Todd Kellam, and the United Kennel Club.

The judicial panel invited to adjudicate this year's running brought over 100 years of experience raising, breeding, and training bird dogs. They have experienced the northern prairies, the western venues, and the piney woods of the deep south. They are not strangers to the judicial saddle--being in demand for their integrity, knowledge, unbiased decisions, and their understanding of field trials and field trial bird dogs. They looked for the championship qualities in the dogs and not for reasons to disqualify them. They told it like it was.

Jim Davis came from Pavo, Ga. He worked in plantation management for 34 years. In addition to the day-to-day operations, he also trained the plantation dogs. He has participated in the shooting dog circuit in the southeastern states for many years. He has also run in a number of All-Age trials. He and the late Fred Dileo shared a summer camp in South Dakota for a number of years before he established his camp in Timber Lake, S. D., where he hosted the Dakota Saskatchewan Shooting Dog Championship for several years. He trained with Robin Gates, whom he considers his mentor, when he first entered the pro ranks. He has judged such prestigious trials as the Continental Championship, the National Shooting Dog Championship, the Georgia Shooting Dog Championship, and many others. He brought a wealth of knowledge to Paducah.

David Johnson has over fifty years in the bird dog business. He began his career in the late 1960s when he went to work for John S. Gates and spent summers in Broomhill, Manitoba. When Cap'n John retired, David went to work for John Rex Gates scouting for him. He scouted some of the great Gates' dogs including Oklahoma Flush. After working for John Rex, he went to work for Stephen Harwood in Texas where he started two-time Quail Championship Invitational winner Rebel Wrangler. When Mr. Harwood moved on to other interests, David went to work for Stephen Walker. Bill Hunt was running the Walker dogs and David scouted for Bill during his tenure there. David moved on to work for the late T. Jack Robinson, where he helped develop the National contender Solid Reward. David still resides in Dayton, Tenn., assisting Fred Robinson by overseeing the Robinson Farm. David has seen most everything in his career. He knows a dog based on his half-century in the bird dog trade.

Dr. Stan Wint from Gardner, Kan., rounded out the panel. He has been involved with bird dogs and field trials for over thirty years. He has judged the National Championship in Grand Junction, Tenn., the previous three years. He began his career in walking dog stakes and won his first championship in 1992. He has adjudicated in AKC trials as well as horse back shooting dog and all-age American Field trials. He was the owner of the great performer and producer Honky Tonk Attitude. His experience coupled with his desire to recognize the qualities of an Invitational champion made him highly qualified to fill a judicial saddle.

The dogs that accepted invitations this year were:

Coldwater Thunder, the current National Champion, handled by Steve Hurdle; Miller's Speed Dial, the 2020 National Champion, handled by Gary Lester; Lester's Shockwave, also handled by Gary Lester; Touch's Blackout, handled by Randy Anderson; Touch's Fire Away, also handled by Randy Anderson; Hendrix's Touch Up, handled by his owner, Burke Hendrix; Ascension, handled by Steve Hurdle; Dream Chaser, handled by Andy Daugherty; Westfall's River Ice, handled by Andy Daugherty; Lowrider Frank, handled by Allen Vincent; Game Wardon, handled by his owner Dr. Fred Corder; and Westfall's True Grit, handled by Andy Daugherty.

THE RUNNING

Saturday morning, November 27, saw the mercury standing at 34 when the first brace of the Invitational kicked off. The breeze definitely had a chill in it when Coldwater Thunder and Westfall's True Grit started the action. David Russell, one of Thunder's co-owners, was riding. Grit was on the board first when the scout, Allen Vincent, found him standing at 10. Grit was hard to see standing in the thick cover. Daugherty put a covey to wing with everything in order. Grit was seen sparingly during the remainder of the hour, but when he was seen, he was in the front. Thunder handled by Steve Hurdle and scouted by Korry Reinhart made some big swings during her bid and was rewarded at 51 when Hurdle saw her standing on a woodsedge. Hurdle put the covey to wing as Thunder stood mannerly for the shot. Both dogs continued to search for the elusive quail until the end of the hour.

Brace No. 2. Dream Chaser was braced with Hendrix's Touch Up. Chaser suffered an unproductive at 15. Vincent found him pointing at 39 on the edge of a thicket at 39. Daugherty flew the birds and Chaser stood for the shot. Chaser was pointing again at 43 and when Daugherty flushed the birds, Chaser took too many steps and Daugherty put him in a harness. Touch Up backed Chaser at 15. Touch Up made some nice moves the remainder of the hour and scored a picturesque find at 55 on a woodsedge to end the hour.

Miller's Speed Dial and Touch's Blackout were credited with a divided find at 15. Dial was seen sparingly the remainder of the hour. Blackout was pointing at 18 and Anderson claimed a pile of feathers after a flushing attempt. Blackout was in and out until 35 when Marshal Mike Crouse spied him standing at the woodsedge. Blackout was standing with his tail to the wood and facing an open field. Anderson rode almost on top of the dog before he saw him. When Anderson stopped his horse, birds lifted in front of and behind Blackout. No exception was taken at the shot. Blackout finished the hour without any other bird contacts, but was going away at time.

Lowrider Frank was braced with Game Wardon. Frank's Co-owner, Dr. Jim Mills, was riding. Frank scored his first find at 10 on the edge of a soy bean strip. He was on the board again at 21 when he was standing in a mowed strip and when Vincent flushed, the covey lifted to the left of Frank. Frank stood rigid at the shot. Frank ran a forward race and made some big moves until 48 when Vincent saw him standing for the third time. He had the birds perfectly located with everything in order at the shot. He completed the hour always to the front and going away at time. Wardon did not have the benefit of any bird work during his bid. He made some good moves during the first half of the hour but was seen sparingly during the second half.

Westfall's River Ice probably ran the best forward race of the day. Birds eluded him today but it was not because he didn't hunt the likely places. Lady luck just was not with him today. He was always forward and he finished his bid to the front going away. Touch's Fire Away scored an unproductive at 25 when Smith found him standing on a lateral move. Smith found him for the second time at 48. When Anderson flushed the birds, Away marked flight but stopped at Anderson's command. Away was in and out the remainder of the hour.

No. 6. Ascension went up against Lester's Shockwave. Shockwave had a picturesque find at 24 when he was standing 10 yards off the edge where the birds were sitting. Shockwave was standing gain at 34 on an edge just off a gravel road. Ascension was backing from the other side of the road. After an extended relocation, Lester finally put feathers in the air. Ascension scored next at 48 on a woods edge. Shockwave came in to back on his own and was standing at least twenty yards away from Ascension. A divided find was recorded at 54 and that ended the bird work. They were out the front end when time expired.

SECOND DAY

The mercury stood at 40 Sunday morning, but the wind made it seem much colder when Game Wardon and Westfall's River Ice toed the mark. Wardon scored first on a covey between a soy bean strip and a woodsedge. Ice backed mannerly. Ice notched a find at 19 standing just inside the treeline. Daugherty's cap was in the air again at 27, but the flushing attempt was barren, an unproductive here. Wardon found his second covey at 29 with everything in order at the shot. Wardon hunted to the front at a good distance and was rewarded with a third find at 53 just before crossing the dirt road. Daugherty was missing Ice and decided to go back to look for him. He found Ice at the Handicap Lake standing. The whole gallery had ridden past him as he was standing about ten feet to the left of the course. Daugherty flushed and Ice stood solid for wing and shot. Ice regained the front at 56. He and Wardon both finished going away.

Lester's Shockwave and Lowrider Frank were braced in No. 8. Dr. Jim Mills was in the saddle again for Frank. Both dogs went through the country with speed and purpose. They kept handlers and scouts busy staying in contact. They were forward and seen sparingly, but when seen they were where they should have been. Rinehart found Shockwave standing at 41 on a limb find. The birds were where he said they were and no exception was taken at wing and shot. Four minutes later, at 45, Vincent discovered Frank standing on a limb find and he flew a big covey. The last 15 minutes were fun to watch as both dogs ate up the country, but no other bird work was recorded.

Touch's Fire Away and Ascension comprised the ninth brace. Away carded his first find at 13 after he was asked to relocate. Ascension backed on his own from 30 yards away. Away scored several absences before he was found at 38 looking into briars at a road crossing for his second find. He was seldom seen until 49 when he pointed a single bird. He finished to the front. Ascension scored a nice find at 18 and his style classy. He was running big and was pointed out to the front an several occasions. He scored his second find at 29 with everything in order. He suffered an unproductive at 37 when a relocation failed to produce feathers. He continued to cover a lot of country until time was called.

In No. 10, Westfall's True Grit was out of pocket and Daugherty took the retrieval device at 16. Touch's Blackout was seen once shortly after breakaway.

Hendrix's Touch Up and Miller's Speed Dial followed. Handlers and scouts were riding hard to stay in contact. Lester called point at 13 for Dial who was standing on the far edge of a soy bean field. It was a long ride to the dog. Up came in to back on his own. Lester flew the birds and both dogs were mannerly at the shot. Up was not seen again until Hendrix spied him standing down a long, mowed strip at 21 standing on the wood's edge. He was solid at the shot. He sped away to the front and was seen always to the front. The gallery spotted Up standing at 35 and Hendrix was summoned. Up had his second find in the books. Dial continued his torrid pace and Lester continued to show him to the front. Smith discovered Dial standing at 45 south of the steam plant. Lester arrived and put the covey in the air as Dial stood rigid. Rinehart found Dial at 53 and Lester flew another covey for Dial's third and final find of the hour. Lewis found Up standing at 59 and Dial came in to back. Hendrix flushed a covey as Up watched them fly away ending the hour.

Dream Chaser was disqualified in brace No. 2 when Daugherty put him in a harness for taking too many steps on a covey rise. Coldwater Thunder was the sole occupant in brace No. 12. Thunder's co-owners David and Rachael Russell were mounted to watch the action first-hand while Doug Arthur was in the road gallery. The only female in the competition showed her heels early. She was in and out until 14 when Hurdle saw her standing just inside a woods. She had them located properly and was staunch at the shot. She made some big swings and was seen across the front several times before she crossed a road and stacked up in a weed patch at 38. She had them pinned again and Hurdle put the birds in the air, everything in order. From there she showcased her all-age form as she toured the venue. Her last find was at 55 at the end of a big cast. She marked flight when the birds flew, but no exception was taken by the judges. She finished going away and Hurdle and Reinhart rode for her.

THE CALLBACK

After two days of the qualifying heats, the judicial panel called back four dogs to compete for the Championship. The callback dogs were:

First brace: Touch's Fire Away handled by Randy Anderson and scouted by Steagan Smith. With Lester's Shockwave, handled by Gary Lester and scouted by Korry Reinhart

Second brace: Lowrider Frank, handled by Allan Vincent and scouted by Andy Daugherty. With Coldwater Thunder, handled by Steve Hurdle and scouted by Korry Reinhart

Two dogs were placed on standby: Hendrix's Touch Up, Burke Hendrix; and Miller's Speed Dial, Gary Lester.

Monday morning dawned with a very heavy frost covering the ground and the thermometer reading 22 . The start was delayed for 30 minutes to allow the welcome sun to dissipate some of the frost. The delay was beneficial as much of the frost melted away and the temperature rose to 29 . Although the mercury had risen, it was still cold and the ever-present cold wind prevailed.

The call to "turn 'em loose" came at 8:00 a.m. They were together through the treeline and both dogs went to the right side in the open field and both scouts were dispatched. They raced through the next scope of woods and the handlers said the dogs went to the right, on course. They turned into the first big soy bean field and both dogs made good showings as they rimmed the field with Shockwave the faster of the two. Shockwave was on the board first when Lester spied him standing near where the old iron bridge used to be at 14. They crossed the creek and Shockwave showed on a good cast across the top of the rise around the sage field. Away went into the woods but came out as Anderson continued to call on him. They were together as they went under the power lines at the top of the five-point field. Away was standing at 16 but it proved to be a barren stand when Anderson could not produce feathers. They were seen at the Handicap Lake--away on the east side, and Shockwave on the west side.

Shockwave crossed the road past Handicap Lake and turned right up the hill, Away was not seen crossing the road. At 41 judge Johnson saw a dog standing in a mowed strip facing the woods. Both handlers came to investigate and found Away standing with Shockwave backing. Away's first find was in the books with everything in order. Score tied one to one. They crossed the ditch together under the power lines and went right. They were not seen before reaching the woods and Anderson called point at 51. Both dogs were standing side-by-side almost touching west of the power lines at the edge of the woods. Both handlers flushed and shot when the covey took to wing. A divided find was credited here.

They crossed the railroad tracks together and raced ahead to the paved road crossing. Across the road Away was in the lead by the second hour break away with Shockwave close behind and they were pointed out ahead by Moonlight Hill. Anderson had his cap in the air at 1:06 for Away standing pointing into a bramble of briars. Anderson flushed, the birds flew, Anderson shot, Away stood rigid. Five minutes later at 1:11 Away scored for the fourth time when he penned a single on the edge of a mowed strip. Shockwave continued to hunt the likely places and was still moving seemingly without tiring. Away was also covering a lot of ground. The birds seemed to have shut down and the next contact would not come until 1:55 when Shockwave's scout found him standing southwest of the Steam Plant. Lester flew the covey, everything in order at the shot. Four minutes later, at 1:59, Away's scout found him standing south of the Steam Plant. Anderson was summoned and was informed by the scout that some birds had taken to wing. Anderson gambled on a sleeper and his gamble paid off when the sleeping single rose out of the sage. Judge Wint informed Anderson that time was up. Shockwave was collared by Lester who rode for him--still running to the front. It was an exciting two hours.

The second callback brace began when Lowrider Frank and Coldwater Thunder were loosed at the Ogden Landing Road breakaway point at 10:22. One of Frank's co-owners, Dr. Jim Mills, was mounted to cheer on his entry. Both Frank and Thunder had completed the two-day qualifying series by being consistent. Thunder had scored a find on the first day and had scored three finds on the second day. She had run a big race and she had plenty left in the tank after the second day. It was not surprising that she was called back. Frank had notched three finds on the first day and another nice find on the second day. His race was powerful and to the front. He deserved to be called back. Lady luck withheld her blessings from either dog today. Thunder was only seen once until Hurdle decided it was useless to continue and he asked for the retrieval device at 37. Frank was also seen once until Hurdle saw him standing at the little pond road crossing and notified Vincent. Frank was a pretty picture pointing into a tangle of weeds and briars. Vincent flushed and the birds flew. Frank stood for the shot. Unfortunately, Frank would not be seen again and Vincent threw in the towel at 54. A bad luck day for both dogs.

The standby dogs were not called.

Paducah, Ky., November 27

Judges: Jim Davis, David Johnson and Dr. Stan Wint

QUAIL CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL [One-Hour Qualifying Heats on

Consecutive Days; Two-Hour Third Day Finals] -- 12 Pointers

Winner--TOUCH'S FIRE AWAY, 1679602, pointer male, by House's Ring of Fire--Touch's Maswood Anne. Greg & Carmen Adams, owner; Randy Anderson, handler.

Runner-Up--LESTER'S SHOCKWAVE, 1681623, pointer male, by Ransom--Beane's Line Dancer. Tommy & Bonnie Hamilton, owners; Gary Lester, handler.