Myopia Gammell ’12, a proud son of Potomac Jefferson ’05, shown by huntsman Philip Headdon, was judged Grand Champion of the 2016 New England Hound Show. / Photo by Nature of Light Photography
Myopia Gammell 2012 is the second foxhound this season carrying the blood of the inimitable Potomac Jefferson to be named a Grand Champion of Show, this at the New England Hound Show held on Sunday, May 1, 2016.
Gammell was bred by now-retired huntsman Larry Pitts at Potomac, and drafted unentered to huntsman Tony Gammell at the Keswick Hunt (VA) in exchange for another breeding. Tony in turn drafted the still unentered pup to his pal, Brian Kiely, then huntsman at the Myopia Hunt (MA), who named the hound for Tony. Brian, of course, is now huntsman at Potomac, so that completes another circle, entirely!
Gammell is by Potomac Jefferson 2005 ex Potomac Thimble 2009—a powerful pedigree, top and bottom. Gammell’s sire Jefferson was Grand Champion at both the Virginia Foxhound Show and the Bryn Mawr Hound Show in 2007, winning the title of MFHA Centennial Foxhound in that MFHA hundredth anniversary year. Jefferson was knockout handsome, hands down the Clarke Gable of the American foxhound world in his day.
Gammell’s dam Thimble goes back three generations to Piedmont Watchman 1989 on both her top and bottom lines—sire and dam. Watchman is one of the legendary American sires of hounds known for their outstanding performance in the field.
“Gammell has it from both of them,” said Kim Brady Cutler, MFH and honorary whipper-in. “He’s handsome to look at, and, though we only hunt drag, he’s really good at it.”
“He was Reserve Grand Champion at last year’s New England Hound Show,” continued Cutler. “He’s was picked as Best American hound last year after being allowed to show off-lead, but in the Grand Championship Class he had to show on the lead. That was a disadvantage for him. This year’s judge, Colonel Foster, preferred to see the hounds moving off lead. Gammell’s a very good mover—perks up for the biscuit. He loves to show off.”
Participating hunts at New England along with Myopia were Green Mountain Hounds (VT), Norfolk Hunt (MA), North Country Hounds (VT), Old North Bridge Hounds (MA), and Wentworth Hunt (NH).
Hounds were judged by Lt. Col. Dennis Foster, Executive Director of the MFHA. Click for complete show results.
Posted May 18, 2016