Presents:

2008 Winter Classic's

Nite Hunt & Bench Show Winners

 

Kalamazoo, Michigan, January 28 - 30 – The female Treeing Walker Coonhound named “Hard Knockin Big Mama”, owned by Brian Hartrum and Todd Brady of Nashport, Ohio, and handled by Shane Groves, scored an impressive victory this past weekend by beating out over 550 other dog/owner teams from across the country to win this year’s Overall Nite Hunt competition during the UKC Winter Classic in Albany, GA.

 

Photo Caption: 2008 Overall Winter Classic Winner: GR NITE CH ‘PR’ Hard Knockin Big Mama, TW female, owned by Brian Hartrum (left) and Todd Brady of Nashport, Ohio. Handled by Shane Groves (center), 1,100. Also shown are Jeremy Kollek, Mike Parish, Angela Sawvel and David Gardin. Photo credit: Jessica McLean, United Kennel Club, Inc.

 

Now in its 21st year, the UKC Winter Classic event is one of the three largest coonhound events in the country and draws over 15,000 spectators each year. “Mama” and Shane impressed the crowds during the two-day event and secured their position as one of this year’s top coonhound teams. Their win places them in the running for the year long UKC Triple Crown competition as well as the chase for the Purina Points - Purina Outstanding Coonhound of the Year award.

In addition to seeing the outstanding performance by “Mama,” Brian, Todd and Shane during the two Nite Hunt competitions (in accordance with UKC Rules and Regulations, no game is taken and no firearms are allowed), spectators also enjoyed the two Bench Shows on Friday and Saturday. Nationally recognized vendors also offered dog and pet products to fill every need.

The female Treeing Walker Coonhound named “Diamond Ridge Triple Threat Jazz”, owned by Vera Bergbauer of Hartford City, Indiana, and handled by her daughter, Nicole, scored an impressive victory this past weekend by beating out some of the best dog/owner team from across the country to win this year’s UKC Winter Classic Bench Show in Albany, GA.

Photo caption: 2008 Overall Winter Classic Bench Show Winner: CH ‘PR’ Diamond Ridge Triple Threat Jazz, TW female, owned by Vera Bergbauer of Hartford City, Indiana. Handled by Nicole Bergbauer (shown). Photo credit: Jessica McLean, United Kennel Club, Inc.

 

“Jazz” and Nicole impressed the crowds during the two-day event and secured their position as one of this year’s top coonhound Bench Show teams.

In a continuing effort to promote responsible dog ownership and education, spectators to this weekend’s event were also treated to the unique Dog Showcase in which many of the coonhounds entered in the events are also on display to view and meet. UKC offers features such as the Dog Showcase to encourage spectators to talk with dog owners and breeders to learn about breeds temperaments, abilities, training, ownership and handling.

UKC congratulates “Mama” and her owners and handler along with Vera, Nicole and “Jazz” on a successful 2008 season and wishes them good luck as the 2008 coonhound event season continues.

Handy links: _________________________________

 

For more information, contact: Tanya Raab at traab@ukcdogs.com

Complete post-event coverage of this year’s Winter Classic and details about upcoming events are available at the UKC Coonhound home page at www.ukcdogs.com/HPCoonhounds.htm.  For more details about this year’s Purina Points Race and please visit http://www.ukcdogs.com/CoonhoundEvents.htm

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Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its 12,000 annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training and instinct. UKC prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events. To find out more about registration and events, call or visit our website. Phone: (269) 343-9020; Fax: (269) 343-7037; www.ukcdogs.com