Diane Wheelock’s female setter, Angel Envy, won the 68th running of the Grand National Grouse Puppy Classic at Meredith, Michigan
April 16, 2016. Angel was handled by her breeder, professional trainer Dave D’Hulster.
Sired by Ch. Full Blast ex Springfield Showgirl, Angel bested a field of 34 setters and pointers with a 30 minute hunt that showed off her running class as well as her strong hunting desire and drive. She finished strong even though there was some tough going due to a late spring snowfall that refused to fully melt away. The Grand National Grouse Puppy Classic is judged on the potential that a pup shows in demonstrating the characteristics necessary to go on and win events at the top, such as the Grand National Grouse Championship. Envy proved she has those qualities.
Also, scoring 3rd in the Puppy Classic was a littermate owned and handled by Dave D’Hulster. Springfield’s Half Stache also impressed with his classy carriage, drive and determination.
It must be noted that this mating done by Dave D’Hulster breeding Full Blast to Springfield’s Showgirl produced last year’s 1st, 3rd and 4th place winners in the Grand National Puppy Classic. This repeat success has never been done before and demonstrates incredible consistency and high quality. This niche has thus produced 5 of the 8 placements (1st place in both instances) in the Grand National Grouse Puppy Classic in the last two years. This is not just a testament to quality of the the sire and dam but to Dave’s understanding of the available sires, their qualities and his insight needed for the planning of the mating.