May 24, 2016
_ I would like to nominate Funseeker’s Rebel for the prestigious Field Trial Hall of Fame. I cannot think of a more deserving dog to be inducted into the Hall of Fame than Funseeker’s Rebel. Rebel’s win record as recorded in the Field Dog Stud Book shows: 2007 3d, Southern Pines Classic 2007 Wr, National Championship 2007 R-U, Continental Chmp 2007 Wr, Florida Open Chmp. 2006 1st, Dr. D. E. Hawthorn Border Classic 2005 WR, Tar Heel Open Chmp. 2005 1st, Sunshine Open Classic 2004 Winner, Masters Open Chmp. his 3rd birthday). After Fred Dileo’s untimely death, “Ty” was handled by Andy Daugherty and continued his winning ways. 2007 2d, Cecil Proctor Open All-Age 2007 3d, Southern Pines Classic 2007 Wr, Tar Heel N.C. 2007 Wr, Quail Chmp. Invitational 2008, Top Qualifying Dog Continental Chmp. In 2007-2008 Funseeker’s Rebel was the Purina All-Age Dog of the Year with a record 3968 points. In 2008, Funseeker’s Rebel also won the Joe Hurdle Top Dog Award. As impressive as Ty’s win record is, I feel that it is in the quality of his offspring that is most impressive. Ty was bred only a few times. Owner Frank Fonseca estimates that Ty had no more than 25 successful breedings. These few breedings have produced 46 winners which is an extremely high percentage. These few breedings produced such great dogs as Mohawk Mill Blaze, two- times National Amateur Champion and 2011 Purina Amateur All-Age Dog of the Year; Crouse’s Unforgettable, runner-up in the National Amateur Championsip, and Ch. Rivertons Funseek’n Scooter, which sired Ch. Just Irresistible. Irresistible won the 2013 Southeastern Open All-Age Championsip while still a Derby. Funseeker’s Rebel’s record of 16 wins, sire of 46 winners that have a total of 231 wins will continue to grow. Funseeker’s Rebel dogs are being successfully campaigned throughout the country with a great deal of success. Every issue of The American Field brings news of another winner with Funseeker’s Rebel as a sire or a grand sire. Fortunately, Frank and Mercy Fonseca drew several straws and have been able to breed females from many different pointer strains, all producing winners. To summarize: Ty won every major championship in the Southeast. Most of his wins were on wild birds. He matured early, winning his first championship before his third birthday. His 2007 Purina point total of 3968 is a record. He beat every dog on the 2007- 2008 major circuit. He was bred sparingly (25 times) and most of the breedings were from frozen semen and yet his get and their offspring are mentioned in The Field nearly every week. He was bred to bitches from several different pointer lines and all have produced winners. These are the characteristics that I want to see in a Hall of Fame dog. Please cast your vote for Funseeker’s Rebel for the Hall of Fame. Don Wood, Bryceville, Fla. |