Pre National Activities

Sunday, 10 th September, started with a clear blue sky and cool North breeze with a definite hint of autumn in the air. After last night’s opening banquet, most competitors tried to relax the day before the scheduled first test on Monday. Today would be vet check for the female dogs as well as handler and dog photos for the 67 competitors. A total of 69 dogs had entered but #46 and #57 became scratches yesterday.

The Saturday night Banquet was a great start for the host Pine Ridge Retriever Club members who had been working hard for many months preparing for this event. After the traditional opening procession led by piper, Connor Cooper, PRRC President and MC Jim Ling welcomed all. After National Anthems and Toasts, we all had a moment of silence for those trialers lost this past year and most recently, Corrine Hunt and Joyce Little. Jim introduced the 3 judges, Marg Murray, Western Zone, Fred Benjaminson-Central Zone and Nancy Fraser-S. Ontario Zone. They had arrived Wednesday to set up tests among the rolling pastoral hills and ponds near Brighton, Ontario on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

NRCC President Gerry Burmaster reported that the afternoon Directors Meeting approved next years National Amateur to be held near Logan Lake, British Columbia in July 2007 with Judges, Jim Green- S. Ontario Zone, Art Roy- Eastern Zone and Phil Macmillan- Central Zone.

The major Sponsors for the NRCC were recognized as vital to the future of Canadian Nationals, They included Nestle Purina Petcare, Official Dog Food Supplier, Eukanuba, an Official Major Sponsor, Tri-tronics, Official E-collar Supplier, Winchester Canada, Official Ammunition Supplier, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Canadian National Sportsman Show and Dogs Afield. A huge selection of Silent Auction items attested to the many other sponsors and patrons.

After a homestyle dinner, and more presentations as well as reports by Chief Marshall, Dan Yeomans and the judges, the starting dog number was drawn by Carol Brethet and Diana Howard. Dog # 24 was the lucky starter. A lively Calcutta then ensued, led by Dave Thompson, Field Trial Chairman but also well-known for his auctioneer skills. The highest bid went to Jim Swanson’s, FTCH AFTCH Seasides One to Many, top point dog in Canada this year with over 90 points. Next highest bids went to Dennis Voigt’s, NAFTCH FTCH AFTCH AFC Prairiemarsh Madness and Anne Marshall’s, NFTCH FTCH AFTCH FC AFC Comstock’s Bodacious. Speculation was prevalent on who the Finalists would be. Next Report will be Monday night after the day’s tests. A land triple is scheduled for the opener.

PRCC President, Jim Ling led by traditional piper at the Opening Banquet.	Jean-Luc Maheux receives handlers packet from NRCC President Gerry Burmeister and Eukanuba Rep. John Sharpe

 

Top bid in Calcutta auctioned by FT Chairman Dave Thompson, went to Jim Swanson and dog #14	Trailers set up at Gahonk Kennels, National HQ near Brighton, ON on the shore of Lake Ontario