Result: Venango Grouse Trial Club
Location: Marienville, Pennsylvania
Post Date: May 16, 2019
Submitted By: Joe Cammisa
Venango Derby Winners. From left front: Mark Hughes with Caliber Peak Gunslinger, John Stolgitis with Panola Bacon and Dr. Timothy Perschke with Chasehill I'm Oscar. Standing: Judge Dave Duell, Joe Cammisa and Judge Carlos Escalante.
MARIENVILLE, PA. -- The Venango Puppy and Derby Stakes ran in conjunction with the Ontario Grouse Dog Championship in the early days of April as has been customarily for a number of years.
Judges Carlos Escalante of Pittsburgh and Dave Duell of Sheffield, Pa., went right to work with 29 hopefuls coming to the line and in the wings.
Caliber Peak Gunslinger (Triggs), owned by Jesse and Sarah Gomes of Wellandport, Ont., and handled by Mark Hughes, drew brace "lucky 7" and set a pace from there that could not be toppled.
Hot on the trail was Panola Bacon, owned by Mac Stidham of Columbia, S. C., and handled by John Stolgitis, as they pushed the judges to a hairline decision. Bringing home the yellow ribbon was Chasehill I'm Oscar, owned by Elias Richardson and Erin Stolgitis and handled by John Stolgitis.
The 66th Venango Puppy Classic was judged by Rick Harp of Marienville and Dr. Bruce Mueller of Bedford, Pa. The stake drew 21 puppies each vying for this year's classic title.
Marc Forman guided French's Grouseringer Woody to the winners' circle for owner Brian French. Marc Forman also worked his magic to garner the red for new owner Shannon Humphrey. Owner-handler John Capocci took the third leg with Grouse Hill Smokey.
Marienville, Pa., April 7 -- One Course
Judges: Dave Duell and Carlos Escalante
OPEN DERBY CLASSIC -- 13 Pointers and 16 Setters
1st--CALIBER PEAK GUNSLINGER, 1677296, pointer male, by Cover Charge Search Engine--Double Deuce Molly. Sarah & Jesse Gomes, owners; Mark Hughes, handler.
2d--PANOLA BACON, 1675813, pointer male, by Daddy's Little Boy Butch--Richfield Rose. Mac Stidham, owner; John Stolgitis, handler.
3d--CHASEHILL I'M OSCAR, 1673001, pointer male, by Daddy's Little Boy Butch--Porter Meadow Bette. Elias Richardson & Erin Stolgitis, owners; John Stolgitis, handler.
Judges: Rick Harp and Dr. Bruce Mueller
OPEN PUPPY CLASSIC -- 7 Pointers and 14 Setters
1st--FRENCH'S GROUSERINGER WOODY, 1679375, setter male, by Ponderosa Mac--Grouse River Woodcock Annie. Brian French, owner; Marc Forman, handler.
2d--HERBIE'S FULL POWER, unreg., setter female, by Full Blast--Herbie's Asta La Vista. Shannon Humphrey, owner; Marc Forman, handler.
3d--GROUSE HILL SMOKEY, 1683013, pointer male, by Silver Ko Kane Ty--Smoke'm Up Jill. John Capocci, owner and handler.
Venango Puppy Winners. From left front: Marc Forman with French's Grouseringer Woody, Scott Forman with Herbie's Full Power and John Capocci with Grouse Hill Smokey. Standing: Judges Bruce Mueller and Rick Harp, and Joe Cammisa.