Result: Eastern Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: South Hill, Virginia

Post Date: Apr 26, 2023

Submitted By: Jeff Smith

The 2023 Eastern Open Shooting Dog Championship commenced on February 27 at the Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area in Boydton, Va. In judgment for the Championship was Larry King of Shepherdstown, W. Va., and Ashby Morgan from Mathews, Va.

Harbor City Sure Shot, a female pointer owned by Richard Gillis and Karen Lordi of Medford, N. J., and handled by Matt Basilone of Pittsgrove, N. J., emerged as the winner from brace No. 3. Sure Shot had five finds along with two backs to go with a good forward race.

The runner-up champion, also handled by Matt in brace No. 5, was Limbsmoke Urban Lullaby, owned by Lloyd Miller of Bethlehem, Pa. Lullaby had three finds and a very forward run.

Larry and Ashby also judged the Derby Classic. Iron Will's True Grit took first with one find and a good forward race. True Grit is owned by Robert and Lisa Brooks of Hammonton, N. J., and handled by Matt Basilone. Second place was awarded to L F Explorer, handled by Lefty Henry. Tim had two finds in brace No. 3. Third place was awarded to I Dream of Jeannie, a female English setter owned and handled by Kyle Whitfield of Seven Springs, N. C.

I want to thank Purina for their continued generous support for the Eastern Open Championship and Derby Classic. I would also like to thank the judges, Larry King and Ashby Morgan, and the many people that helped put on the trial--Ellen Clements, Pat Casey, Frankie Henderson, George Doyle, J. J. Doyle, Lyn Kessie, Bruce Conover, and Art Cohen. Thanks also go to the State of Virginia for the use of the grounds and to the owners and handlers of the dogs for participating in the trial.

South Hill, Va., February 27 - One Course
Judges: Lacey King and Ashby Morgan
EASTERN OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 14 Pointers and 5 Setters
Winner--HARBOR CITY SURE SHOT, 1668549, pointer female, by R J's Long Shot-Harbor City Sugar. Richard Gillis & Karen M. Lordi, owners; Matt Basilone, handler.
Runner-Up--LIMBSMOKE URBAN LULLABY, 1688113, pointer female, by Urban Fantasy-Diane Lane. Lloyd Miller, owner; Matt Basilone, handler.

OPEN DERBY CLASSIC - 7 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st--IRON WILL'S TRUE GRIT, 1697739, pointer male, by Hyhope Chipper-Iron Will Suzie. Robert J. & Lisa Brooks, owners; Matt Basilone, handler.
2d--L F EXPLORER, 1697306, pointer male, by Dunn's Hell'n Highwater-Dialing Kate. Thomas J. Liesfeld, owner; Robert Henry, handler.
3d--I DREAM OF JEANNIE, 1699099, setter female, by Hot Blooded-Shamrock's Miss Grace. Kyle Whitfield, owner and handler.