MOST RECENT TRIAL RESULTS

March 23 and 24, 2019 ROOSEVELT RUMBLE

The annual “Rumble” in Roosevelt is always a trial that stands out on the Utah region spring trial calendar as a must attend. The Basin Crew, Lance, Brad, and friends always put on a great trial on grounds that differ a bit from our other trials. This difference in terrain brings excitement and diversity that keeps things interesting. You just never know what is going to happen at the Rumble, and this year was no exception. Early on the morning of Saturday, March 23, 2019, we gathered at the Pleasant Valley Hunting preserve to a chorus of Canada geese bellowing out their song in perfect harmony as they passed overhead. Under a perfect blue sky, the usual suspects were putting the final touches of preparation together. It wasn’t long before the fields were set and the dogs in the first brace were giving everything they had.

In A field Gary Chapman and His dog Jutta went 3/3 and a back to land in 3rd place. Brad Jenkins and Duece had a brilliant 4/4 run to score 808 only to be bested by Lance MacLennan and his dog, Chad who went 5/5 for 10006 to win.

B field would Shake out with Bret Wonnacott and Tic finishing in the third spot and Lance MacLennan placing second with Spoon and a 3/3 and a back to score 709.5. In the end, Will Thomas and Danny had the run of the day going 4/4 and scoring 731 for the win and their first ever in an NSTRA trial.

Will Thomas had his first ever placement eight long years ago. Since then it has been a long dry spell. Having a young family and other life responsibilities have kept him from trialing as much as he would like so he usually only makes it to one trial a year. His dog, Danny is an eight-year-old German Shorthair who has quite simply been a bird dog all his life. Will Said his first run wasn’t very good. So he wasn’t expecting much going into his last race of the day. Danny hit a point right out of the gate and before long had put 3 birds on the card. When Danny hit point on a fourth bird Will walked in excited and slightly worried he might miss. When the bird flushed, Will said he thought he let the bird get out there plenty far but when he pulled the trigger, the bird accelerated in a puff of feathers. The ever-reliable Danny still managed to complete the retrieve. It wasn’t until after the brace was over and he was going to put the dog away that Will realized that his 4/4 run was enough for first place. He was excited beyond words. It is easy for some of us to forget how emotional a first win can be. Will’s son, Preston was at the trial to witness the big victory. He was so excited that he insisted to be the one that broke the big news to mom. When they got home, Preston proudly carried the plaque into his mother, Cynthia who was shocked. In her response to seeing they had won first prize. She said to Will, “You seriously won? I thought you were just going to waste another $80.”

Will didn’t say if this would inspire him to compete more or not, but something tells me we might see a little more of Will, Preston and their dog Danny.