Event: Grand National Grouse Futurity Presents the
Result: 76th Grand National Puppy Classic
Location: Elleburg, New York
Post Date: Jun 2, 2025
Submitted By: Thor Kain
Grand National Grouse Puppy Classic (l-r): Bruce Mueller, Scott Forman with Grouse Hill Buddy, Thor Kain, Greg Johnson with Northwoods Rip Roy, Deb Sloan, Adam Dubriske with Highfive's Balvenie, Eric Rizza, and John Capocci with Grouse Hill Patch.
The 76th Grand National Puppy Classic commenced on Friday, April 18, following the conclusion of the Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational Championship. This year's running was held on the Panther Forest Wildlife Reserve owned by Bill McFadden. These grounds and their purpose deserve some space in this report. Bill McFadden set out to purchase grounds that held grouse and woodcock habitat, with a vision of promoting coverdog field trials in the present and the future. In his quest to find grounds, he came into contact with Bruce Bennett. Bruce has spent many years and countless hours managing his land to provide exceptional wild bird habitat. In the fall of 2024, Bill purchased the land from Bruce and held true to his ultimate vision for the future of grouse and woodcock field trials. In a day and age where we often lament about the loss of wild game bird habitat and field trial grounds, it is invigorating to see someone with a passion for the future of grouse and woodcock field trials. On behalf of the coverdog community, thank you, Bill McFadden, for your generosity and commitment to the sport of field trialing.
The Grouse Futurity is driven by the breeders who carry on a long-standing tradition and goal of bettering the breed(s) of grouse and woodcock dogs. We are thankful to all who continue to support the Grand National Grouse Futurity. Judicial duties for this prestigious event were handled by two upstanding men, Bruce Mueller and Eric Rizza. Both are successful in field trials and have judged many big trials. They had a hard task as I walked every brace and sorted through that many puppies on race, with most having the potential to go on and win in their future; it isn't easy. Their decisions were well received, and we thank them for judging this event.
Eighteen puppies from litters nominated for the Grand National Grouse Futurity were drawn for this stake. Grouse Hill Buddy won the event with a huge forward race. He was bred and is owned by John Capocci. Buddy is out of champion male Grouse Hill Rambo and runner-up champion female, All On. Scott Forman handled Buddy to his big win. When I think of Scott, I immediately remember all the big running dogs he's had on his string over the years. He likes them to really roll, and Buddy fit that bill, having the running style and application that set him above the rest.
Second place went to Northwoods Rip Roy. Roy was bred by the Kolters of Minnesota. The Northwoods kennel name has been attached to many champions and great grouse dogs. He is owned and handled by Greg Johnson of Wisconsin. Greg handled him perfectly around the course. Roy hits the cover hard with speed and style. All who watched his performance knew he'd probably be in the mix.
Third-place honors went to Highfive's Balvenie. She was bred by Bruce Minard, and as with the other breeders, Bruce has a long history of producing winning grouse and woodcock dogs. Her owner, Deb Sloan, was on hand to watch Adam Dubriske handle Balvenie. She ran to the limits but showed herself when Adam wanted her to do so. As with the Futurity, the Puppy Classic gives out a fourth place. That went to Grouse Hill Patch. She is a littermate to Buddy and is owned by Michael Capocci. Scott Forman was also the handler of Patch. She is fast and fancy and applied herself to the cover. Although she didn't push the limits of the course as much as Buddy, her range was plenty big enough, and her future looks bright.
Thank you to Purina for their continued support and to Garmin International for their sponsorship. Also, thanks to all who came out and made it a memorable event. Look forward to seeing everyone this fall at the Futurity.
Ellenburg, N. Y., April 18 - One Course
Judges: Bruce Mueller and Eric Rizza
76TH GRAND NATIONAL GROUSE PUPPY CLASSIC - 13 Pointers and 5 Setters
1st-GROUSE HILL BUDDY, F1710157, pointer male, by Grouse Hill Rambo-All On. John Capocci, owner; Scott Forman, handler.
2d-NORTHWOODS RIP ROY, F1711135, setter male, by Woodville's Yukon Cornelius-Northwoods Redbreast. Greg Johnson, owner and handler.
3d-HIGHFIVE'S BALVENIE, F1709068, pointer female, by Little Traverse Django-Hifive's Top Shelf. Deb Sloan, owner; Adam Dubriske, handler.
4th-GROUSE HILL PATCH, F1710162, pointer female, by Grouse Hill Rambo-All On. Michael Capocci, owner; Scott Forman, handler.