Pointer Open Grouse Championship

Natural-born bird sense, keen desire and youthful athleticism came together for a 1 ½-year-old white-and-liver Pointer named “Ivy” (CH Chasehill Poison Ivy) at the New England Open Grouse Championship. The powerhouse female topped seasoned field trial dogs to capture an impressive open win in her derby career.

Handled by pro trainer John W. Stolgitis of Ashaway, Rhode Island, and owned by Allen Raiano of Newtown, Connecticut, Ivy took to deep cover finding her first grouse within 14 minutes of the one-hour walking stake. Eight minutes later, she pointed a woodcock, followed by a second grouse find 20 minutes later. “It’s unusual for a dog to win an open championship in its derby year,” Stolgitis says.  

Ivy reminds Stolgitis of some of the five generations of Chasehill grouse champions behind her.  Her maternal and paternal great-grandsire, 19XCH 19XRUCH Chasehill Little Bud, was a winner across all-age and shooting dog horseback stakes as well as cover dog stakes. “Bud” was handled by Stolgitis to win the 2016 North American Woodcock Championship.  

Co-bred by Stolgitis and his daughter, Erin Stolgitis, Ivy’s litter was whelped Feb. 27, 2020, at their Chase Hill Kennels. Sired by CH Panola Bacon out of CH Chasehill Little Izzy, the Futurity-nominated litter produced four females running in trials. 

Prior to Ivy’s win at the New England Open Grouse Championship, three of the four littermates placed in the North American Woodcock Futurity in Canada. Little Miss Margaret took first, Ivy took second, and Chasehill Hidden Jewel took third.  

One month later, Ivy ran a flashy, forward race with impeccable bird work to win the Grand National Grouse Futurity. Often described as a breeder’s stake, the Futurity showcases up-and-coming stars. Ivy’s performance in the first brace did not disappoint.

“Ivy fully covered the course, going along the edge and then making a nice cross from right to left,” Stolgitis says. “She has a lot of style and hunt in her that will be fun to watch as she matures.”

Ivy is fed Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice.