Result: 77th Grand National Puppy Classic

Location: Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Post Date: Jun 18, 2026

Submitted By: Thor Kain

77th Grand National Puppy Classic (back row, l-r): John McKellop (judge) and Doug McMillen (judge). (Front row, l-r): Brian Ralph with Seldom Rest Louie, John Stolgitis with Chasehill Little Boy Bingo, Robert Ecker with Sunrise Double Barrell Star, and Owen Comeau with Chasehill Little Lucey.

The Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational Championship concluded on April 10, and immediately following the announcement of winners, the Grand National Puppy Classic commenced. This year's running took place on the scenic Black Moshannon State Forest near Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Neither trial could run without the tremendous amount of work Jeff Keller has put into making this a top-notch place to run a grouse trail. Many thanks to Jeff and his crew for all their work.

Sixteen puppies were entered from litters nominated for the Grouse Futurity. The breeders in the grouse dog community take great pride in their breedings, and the Grouse Futurity is thankful for all of their support. Judging this year's event were Doug McMillen and John McKellop. Both men have bred, developed, and won many championships with their dogs and are sought-after as judges for their extensive knowledge and fair decisions. On behalf of all the members of the Grand National Grouse Dog Club, thank you, Doug and John, for your dedication to grouse trials and your time spent judging.

It was warm and dry when the first brace cut loose, and for many of these puppies, it was the warmest weather they'd been in since early fall. Seldom Rest Louie (PM), bred by the Minards, owned and handled by Brian Ralph, took home first-place honors. Louie hammered to the front, and every time he got big, he'd show up exactly where you'd want him to. He was lucky enough to have a beautiful find on a woodcock and a big finish to cap off his exciting performance. The red ribbon went to Chasehill Little Boy Bingo (PM). Bingo is owned by Erin Stolgitis and bred and handled by her dad, John Stolgitis. He ran the limits of the course with ground-scorching speed. The more the brace went on, the stronger he got, and it took a little work to get wrangled after time. His strong performance impressed all who watched, and the judges agreed. Sunrise Double Barrell Star (ESM) earned third place with his exciting performance. He had speed, style, and mature application to the course. He was expertly handled by Robert Ecker, bred by Steve McKalko, and owned by long-time grouse dog enthusiast, Dr. George Najor. Rounding out the placements was Chasehill Little Lucey (PF), bred by John Stolgitis, owned and handled by Owen Comeau. She earned the fourth-place ribbon with her fancy running style and forward application.

Thank you to Greg Blair and Purina for their continued support of Grand National events. Also, a big thank you to OnX for their support. Hope to see everyone in the fall at the Grouse Futurity.

Philipsburg, Pa., April 10
Judges: John McKellop and Doug McMillen
77TH GRAND NATIONAL PUPPY CLASSIC - 8 Pointers and 8 Setters
1st-SELDOM REST LOUIE, F1722001, pointer male, by Ralphy's Chasehill Rip-Hifive's Unsweetened Brandy. Brian Ralph, owner and handler.
2d-CHASEHILL LITTLE BOY BINGO, F1723080, pointer male, by Daddy's Little Boy Butch-Mohawk Mill Double E. Erin Stolgitis, owner; John Stolgitis, handler.
3d-SUNRISE DOUBLE BARRELL STAR, F1721031, setter male, by Sunrise Star-Mia Star. George Najor, owner; Robert Ecker, handler.
4th-CHASEHILL LITTLE LUCEY, F1723083, pointer female, by Daddy's Little Boy Butch-Mohawk Mill Double E. Owen Comeau, owner and handler.