Memories of the Invitational

Tomorrow begins the Quail Championship Invitational, the three-day contest for the twelve top all-age pointing dogs measured by their Purina points collected over the preceding twelve months. It’s unique format — races of an hour, an hour, then two hours, all judged as one performance — measures the consistency of contestants and reduces the luck of the draw. The trial celebrates the true all-age contender, a dog with range, drive, class. First run in 1941, it’s running was suspended for WW II through the Fifties, then resumed at Paducah, Kentucky in the early Sixties and continuing today on Thanksgiving weekends.

I reported the Invitational in 1996 and for a decade after and witnessed many thrilling races there, including the record three consecutive wins of House’s Rain Cloud handled by Mike Matney, a dog overdue for Hall of Fame induction.

Henry Weil, Arthur Curtis and J. D. Boss were instrumental in reviving the Invitational at Paducah. Professor John Russell of Bowling Green succeeded Mr. J. D. as chairman and for many years devoted himself to maintaining its excellence, selecting knowledgeable judges always including a pro handler as one of three arbiters. This year veteran Colvin Davis fills that role. Members of the West Kentucky Field Trial Club serve as marshals and sponsor following it All-Age and Derby Classics offering Purina Points.

John Russell will soon publish a detailed history of the Invitational and its winners, a Who’s Who of All-Age greats. Best of luck to all of this year’s Invitational contenders, including English setters Erin’s Hidden Shamrock and Awsum in Motion, winner of the 2017 Continental Open All-Age Championship. Best of luck also to all competing at Paducah next week in the Classics.

Ch. House’s Rain Cloud