Result: Grand National Grouse Futurity

Location: Oxford, New York

Post Date: Jan 13, 2026

Submitted By: Kelly Hays

Winner of the 2025 Grand National Grouse Futurity

The Winners of the 2025 Grand National Grouse Futurity
Awarded first place was "Legend" (PM), bred by John McKellop, owned and handled by Brian Ralph. Legend, a very striking black and white male pointer of sizable height, began like a shot and had a forward run for his 30 minutes. He established point early on at 12 down to the left in a thick multiflora patch. Due to the nature of this tangled vine, it took some time for Brian Ralph to reach him, although Legend was visible to the gallery. A woodcock was flushed for him with exceptional fall derby manners. Legend didn't move far before establishing point on his second woodcock find, all in good order. Legend stayed forward and was always found in likely bird cover with minimal handling and direction. He had another woodcock find at 23. He would not be denied first place.

Second place went to Watch Me Whip (ESM), bred by Steve McKalko, owned by Dr. Pershke, and handled by Mark Hughes. Whip, a small black and white setter male, ran his 30 minutes with as much style and grace as you would like to see in a setter. Despite his size, he had great presence with his run and was a pleasure to watch. He ran forward and showed himself nicely and handled with ease. He ran his 30 minutes without any bird contact and was chosen for a callback on quail. Whip was released onto the quail field by handler Mark Hughes and cautiously approached and pointed with a lofty head and mile-high tail.

Third place went to Seldom Rest Pork Chop (PM), bred by John McKellop, owned and handled by Brian Ralph. Pork Chop, like the first-place dog, has a sizeable presence and is a well put together liver and white male pointer. Chop ran deep and forward but always stayed in contact with his handler. Pork Chop was chosen for the quail callbacks. Pork Chop pointed his quail with respectful derby manners.

Fourth place went to Tuscarora Timber Ghost (ESM), bred by Ronnie Eldridge, owned by Andy Wert and Matthew Null, handled by Matthew Null. Ghost, a tri-colored male setter, is a young dog who is co-owned by an amateur handler. This dog hunted hard and worked in relatively close proximity to his handler. Ghost is no stranger to the grouse woods and is reflected in his style and the way in which he approaches appropriate cover. Ghost stopped at 20 and self-relocated; a grouse was flushed behind him with impeccable derby manners.
This event was proudly sponsored by Purina, Garmin, and Lion Country Supply.

Oxford, N. Y., November 2
Judges: Bill Bonetti and Kelly Hays
GRAND NATIONAL GROUSE FUTURITY - 23 Pointers, 13 Setters, and 1 Irish Setter
1st-SELDOM REST LEGEND, F1710621, pointer male, by Toth's Tornado Reloaded-Grouse Trails Warrior Cat. Brian Ralph, owner and handler.
2d-WATCH ME WHIP, F1711113, setter male, by Cash Van Pioneer Scouts Man-Ann Van Frutchey Ranch. Tim Perschke, owner; Mark Hughes, handler.
3d-SELDOM REST PORK CHOP, F1712849, pointer male, by Ralphy's Chasehill Rip-Grouse Trails Firestorm. Brian Ralph, owner and handler.
4th-TUSCARORA TIMBER GHOST, F1711236, setter male, by Ponderosa Mac-Eldridge's Beauty And Beast. Matthew Null & Andrew Wert, owners; Matthew Null, handler.