106th Running of the Nat'l Championship
February 14 - 24,2005
The 106th Running of the National
Championship for all-age field trial bird dogs began with the
drawing on February 12, 2005. Thirty-three dogs were nominated
and drawn to start Monday, February 14th. One entry scratched
and the bye dog was moved up, so the competition was completed
by noon on Thursday, February 24th. Weather conditions were more
moderate this year as compared to years past with temperatures
ranging from a low of 37 degrees to a high of 73 degrees during
the competition. General conditions ranged from Sunny to partly
cloudy to rain and overcast skies. The National Field Champion
Association, Inc. secured outstanding sponsors for this year’s
event and were able to provided a Welcome Tent for participants
to get out of the weather and enjoy complimentary beverages,
donuts and snacks each day.
The winner of the Joe H. Hurdle Top Dog Award was Super Shadow,
owned by John Neely and David and Tee Reddish of Butler,
Georgia. Robin Gates handled Super Shadow during this past year
of competition and gained 2,389 points to win this prestigious
award.
The winner of the 2005 National Championship was Cypress
Gunpowder, pointer male, owned by David Nutt of Jackson,
Mississippi and Dr. Larry Mitchell, Franklin, Tennessee and
handled by Andy Daugherty of Grove Spring, Missouri. Cypress
Gunpowder ran in the 8th brace, with Harpeth Valley Hawk, on
Thursday of the first week and recorded eight finds, two backs
and a big race during his three-hour performance.