Above; Bernie Rall with Snr Maiden Champion hound
'Stracken' and daughter Denise Kepple with Senior Champion hound
'Magics Choice' both of Mayfield Club
'Magics Choice 2009 Season'
Date Club Drag Results (Points)
01/03/09 Southern Harriers 1st (8)
04/03/09 Re-run 1st (8)
08/03/09 Northern United 4th (3)
11/03/09 Re-run 1st (8)
15/03/09 Clogheen Harriers 1st (8)
17/03/09 Charity* Drag at Bottle Hill 2nd (5)
25/03/09 Douglas Re-run 1st (8)
13/04/09 Blackpool 3rd (4)
19/04/09 ICDA 4th (3)
26/04/09 Kerry Pike 1st (8)
29/04/09 Re-run 2nd (5)
02/05/09 Griffin United 5th (2)
06/05/09 Mayfield Re-run 6th (1)
10/05/09 International at Grange, West Cork 1st
24/05/09 John O Leary Mem 1st (8)
03/06/09 IHT 4th (6)Dbl Points
07/06/09 ICDA 6th (1)
14/06/09 Southern Harriers 1st (8)
21/06/09 Northern United 1st (8)
12/07/09 Munster Champion. 4th (3)
23/08/09 Fairhill Harriers 1st (8)
06/09/09 Clogheen Harriers 4th (3)
13/09/09 Douglas Harriers 2nd (5)
23/09/09 Fairhill Re-run 2nd (5)
Total Points 126 (* Charity: Lets Get Together Suicide Foundation)
Breakdown of Results
1st 11 wins (inc International)
2nd 4
3rd 1
4th 5
5th 1
6th 2
Above; Supporting members of the Mayfield Club meet at the clubs venue, The Cow Bar, thrilled with the accomplishments 'Magics Choice' and Stracken' has made for their club this season....
Going back on the history in this site, are just a few of the outstanding finishing performances we've had as spectators in last years season. I suppose to own a hound of this ranking must be very assuring to husband & wife trainers Leslie & Denise Kepple and father Bernie Rawl . Born and bred in Cork, this hound has had an incredible career to date and is still only a young energetic 3 year old now, still hungry to get out in front. I met up with Leslie & Denise Kepple and her Father Bernie Rall to get more of an inside to this 2009 Senior Champion Hound.......
Well I suppose most of us following this site will have seen photos and heard a lot of weekly mentioning of the hounds name 'Magics Choice' since this site set up mid last season, what people won't remember is what 'Magics Choice' was like as a pup, so we'll start from the beginning.....Bernie ' Well I bought two pups from Pat 'Magic' O Callaghan of Fairhill, they were off of Kieran Lynchs 'Music' and Conways 'Tico'. There was no fireworks shooting off, bought 'Magics Choice' first as a present to my daughter
(Denise says this was just to keep her involved!!!) and a week or so later I bought a second pup from Pat. We got them as raw 8 week old pups, nothing special only that they looked nice and cute cause they were young ! We were having fierce slagging with Pat at the time, so when time came for entries to our secretary Marie Keating, we named them after himself, hence the names 'Magics Choice' and 'Pats Pick', my own fella.
Anyhow, the months went by and we decided to start them off and trail them. As you'd expect they both started off slowly, and after a few trails the penny dropped with 'Pats Pick', grand job. When it came to 'Magics Choice', jaysus I thought He'd never get it. He was an absoloute nightmare to pick it up. Talk about pennies dropping, I was wishing for bolts of lightening to hit this fella. He just couldn't grasp it. We changed kennels, 'Magics Choice' came over to mine. Myself and Leslie wanted to bury him, as you could imagine the frustration, but oh no Denise loved him. Even back then her excuse was that he was very good on the call. Onwards anyway and after roughly 2 months and a different kennell he started to show an interest, and yes, the penny eventually dropped. I suppose when I took my 'anger goggles' off, Denise was 100% right, he was good on the call. He was actually very good on the call, and the rest is history.
The puppy season started and he got 2nd in the Clogheen drag and went out and won the Douglas drag. He also ran in the Senior All Ireland that year and after this drag Denise took him back to her own kennel.
The following season
(last year) we lined 'Magics Choice' up as senior maiden and he won the first 4 drags. This seen him promoted to the senior ranks. He was still quite young and in-experienced, as far as, he was only a pup the previous year. This didn't change his ability though, he was learning all the time and this matured him, He proved a lot to us and ran a great season. Most memorable finishes for us last year would have to be the Donal O Mahony at Blarney where he took a very tight 2nd to 'Merlin', as you know is also a great dog for the call, and they both put on a showcase finish, nobody could deny that, it's the kind of finish that will never be repeated again, outstanding '
(This website report from the 2008 Donal O Mahony Drag at Blarney last year........)
'When the hounds came on the finish it was a very competitive race in the last 2 fields. Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' was battling hard to stay in front because of the pressure he was under from Denise Kepples 'Magics Choice' of Mayfield. Even though 'Merlin' pulled away from the pack for the call to take 1st prize, it can't be taken from 'Magics Choice', who finished 2nd, neck in neck with 'Merlin', how this drag wasn't dead heated is beyond me........... they were neck in neck crossing the tape. I've yet to see a hound get anywhere close to 'Merlin' on the finish, but for 'Magics Choice' to finish a fraction behind him is priceless. A few lengths behind 'Magics Choice' came Gary Sullivans 'Black and Tan' who took the third ticket.' Video of Magics Choice who was 2nd to Merlin at the Lets Get Together Suicide Foundation drag at Bottlehill earlier this year....'The Snr John Callaghan memorial drag is another great example of how this hound can finish and also sticks out in our heads as another great day '(Reports from the 2008 John O Callaghan Memorial drag at Bartlemey.... )
Denise Kepples 'Magics Choice' of Mayfield showed 5th jumping over the last ditch, but turned this around dramatically once the call went up. He came at an almighty pace to pass 4 hounds to push him out in front. He battled hard to fight off club mate 'Westgate Storm', also of Mayfield, and did so on the line to win first prize with 2 lengths to spare on 'Westgate Storm', who had to settle for 2nd. John O Callaghans winner of the senior table 'Is It It' finished a close 3rd for Douglas. And of course let's not forget the 2008 Senior All Ireland where he had a great battle on the finish to take the 3rd ticket........ A proud and great achievement for us and also for the Mayfield Club
(This sites reports from the 2008 Senior All Ireland.......)
It was an outstanding finish. So this years Senior All Ireland honours went well deservingly to the very consistent and talented 'Black and Tan' which left her owners, Father and Son, Gary & Adam O Sullivan, totally thrilled and bouncing around like they were dancing in a 'cheile'. John and Christine O Callaghans 'Is It It' took the 2nd ticket which was very close. Denise and Leslie Kepples 'Magics Choice' stormed over the line next to take the 3rd ticket for Mayfield....
You know for a two year old, he really did a great job. He won 'Best home bred hound' at the end of season 2008 and he still had a lot more to come. 'Magics Choice' is all about the finish, that's his strong point, He's happy enough to get around any drag in the first 6, but when he hears that call, that's when he ups his gears and runs very hard to make sure he gets out in front. We were excited and anxious starting off this years season. You know what you're hound is capable of, and you really want him to give his all, not just in the major festival drags but to also prove himself in the weekly club drags. Luck plays a big role in any drag, it's no good being 10th all around a course and breaking your heart on the finish to try and win it, sometimes he'd need to be closer before the call goes up. He's crabbit and lucky enough be in the right position when he does win.
Bernie, Denise by the end of March 'Magics Choice' had a whopping 5 wins, one 2nd and one 4th place, at the end of this season he ended up with 11 wins, four 2nd, one 3rd, five 4th, one 5th and two 6ths.......... Ye must have been thrilled..........What sticks out in ye're mind looking back on this season......Magics Choice crossing the last road at the red gates in 4th position, he went on to win this Clogheen drag.'Yes this was a fantastic seasonal performance put on by 'Magics Choice', but not without it's hiccups either. He's had a few minor injuries which seen him out for a few weeks. Even at that though we couldn't fault his efforts. The highlights would definately have to be winning the International. For most of us, to win a weekly club drag is momentous enough, but to win the International this year is just beyond belief. It takes a lot of heart for a hound to even get around these courses, there very long open courses with groups of dogs. I think there was close to 50 hounds competing in that race, just imagine them queueing up to get over gaps etc, it's a great achievement for us to take home the International cup. That was brilliant. '
(report from this site on the 2009 International at Grange, West Cork )
Well down to the most important race of the day, the senior drag. Of all the top quality hounds, it's hard to pick out just one. 'Merlin', Magics Choice, Is It It, Callums Ryan, Black & Tan.............the list is just endless, but who would you have betted on to come up trumps in front. . . . . Reports from the roads tell us that Gary Sullivans 'Black & Tan was stuck in almost all of the drag, though she never managed to finish in the first 6. Denise & Leslie 'Magics Choice' was stuck in all of the drag, crossing roads 5/6th, Paddy Carrolls 'Callums Ryan' ran a great race, although he didn't manage to get a ticket either. At some roads Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' and John Callaghans 'Is It It' were in leading bunch but seen in the middle of the pack at other roads. So, yes fair to say, it was a long and tiring drag for most, but the finish gave the best of the hounds their justice. Going to drags every week, you could nearly pick the first 6 because of their determination and strong hearts. I think there's nothing more annoying than a hound who does nothing all year, come to these major festival drags, and win. Thankfully this didn't happen at this International, the places went to talented hounds who weekly put on top class performances at practise and club drags. This is not to take it from any of the competing hounds who weren't in the first 6, it's just my opinion. After an anxious age of 47 minutes, three top class finishing hound, Magics Choice, Is It It and Merlin, showed on the finish more or less together. It was a nerve wrecking moment for all three trainers. The call went up and these 3 upped their pace to the finishing line. In a driving finish, Denise & Leslie Kepple 'Magics Choice' put all his strength into every stride to pull away from 'Is It It' and be crowned the 2009 Senior International Winner for his overwhelmed owners, and once again finished very strongly in style. John O Callaghan 'Is It It' repeated last years All-Ireland where he finished a strong 2nd place, and Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' tried his best to narrow the gap before jumping the line for 3rd place. Well done to all.
+bernie+and+international)
Pictured above; Celebrating victory at the Cow Bar after the International Drag...........
I'd also class when he won the Kerry Pike drag as another great race. The way he finished, he came like a rocket and got in front of 'Merlin' to win 1st place again.
I know now we're talking about the background if you like of 'Magics Choice'. To me, what he did this season is absoloutely exceptional. You must realise that the Senior Champion Hound title has not been won by Mayfield Club in 34 years. Even then, 34 years ago, a hound named 'Guinness' owned by the late Paddy O Brien was the last time we as a club won this title. And even at that, Paddy O Briens 'Guinness' actually dead heated with a hound named 'Druid' of Owenabue Club. Previous to this, a dog named 'Chancer' won senior champion hound in the late 50's for John Herlihy. And we did it this year, he's achieved so much, not only for us, but also for Mayfield Club, bringing back a title that hasn't been won by this club in 34 years, and to top it off I won Senior Champion Maiden Hound with 'Stracken'. I suppose you could say double glory.
Well Bernie, on that note, I'd just like to say it must be a great feeling to not only get the title of Senior champion hound but also to get senior maiden champion hound in the one season for the same family, your family. For you and your daughter Denise, this is an outstanding achievement for you, father & daughter in the one year, probably never to be repeated again. Maybe we should talk now about 'Stracken', tell me about his background...... 'Stracken' season 2009
First - 4, Second - 2, Third - 1, Fourth - 4, Fifth - 0, Sixth - 2
08/03/09 Southern Harriers re-run 4th (3)
15/03/09 Clogheen Re-run 4th (3)
29/03/09 Carrigtwohill 6th (1)
01/04/09 Carrigtwohill Re-run 6th (1)
02/05/09 Griffin United 1st (8)
04/05/09 Mayfield Re-run 3rd (4)
06/05/09 Griffin United Re-run 2nd (5)
03/06/09 IHT 1st (16) dbl points
03/08/09 Griffin United 2nd (5)
23/08/09 Fairhill Harriers 4th (3)
06/09/09 Clogheen 1st (8)
13/09/09 Douglas Harriers 1st (8)
23/09/09 Fairhill Re-run 4th (3)
'Well thankfully he was no bother to trail, and picked it up fairly lively. He's bred out of 'Gypsey' and 'Blue Rocket' from the County. Once the puppy season started last year he had 4 wins. I'll never forget the win he had at, Ballinhassig, it was Daithi Harrington of Owenabue memorial drag. Coming on to the finish there was wire and he was in the pack coming to the call. Once they got to the wire the rest of the pack hesitated but he just jumped the wire and crossed the line with about 3/4 lenghts. Brilliant win.
I lined him up maiden this year and he's done alright once he gets out. He's a very slow starter and is determined to get away from the pack. If ever there's a check, you'll never see him circling looking for the hunt with the rest, he'll just pick it up himself and drive on. He'' try his best to stay clear of the other hounds. He'll always run either side of the hunt just to avoid the hounds. Once he goes out the start though, he's flying then. I don't mind him being behind at the start cause he's well able to make up ground. He's a good driving dog, and can also finish very well.
He won Griffin Uniteds first drag on the 2nd of May this year, and won it very well, he lined up on the Wednesday and was 2nd at the re-run. Another great performance. I suppose the most recent wins stick out in my mind and that would have to be the Clogheen drag where, out the roads he had 3 fields of law on the rest of the hounds and finished in the same position. When he showed crossing the last road to the finish, there was nothing near him, a fantastic performance. He actually won the IHT drag earlier in the year down the county in the same way, solo again on the finish. He's a great nose on him.
(report from the Clogheen drag 06/09/09)....
.........the senior maidens were more strung out I think. 16 lined up to follow same course. I'm not sure who led what roads, but the finish was a solo performance. Because of the mist and fog, it was hard to make out what hound was coming on it's own to take 1st. It was Bernie Ralls 'Stracken' of Mayfield. He crossed the line at his ease with at least 20 lengths to spare on his follower. Charging for 2nd place came Michael & Leanne Harringtons 'A Lot Of Spots' who had also distanced himself a good few lengths from the chasing pack behind him. Although the first 2 places came independantly, they were running to the line like scalded cats and finished very strong. Michael Heffernans 'Bellman' made up a lot of ground on the call and finished 3rd just a head in front of Noelle McCarthys 'Barney' who took 4th.........
Bernies proud grandkids showing off this seasons wins.......
The Douglas drag on the 13th of September, he displayed another great finish. At the 2nd last road he was driving at a fast pace with Damian Wades 'Tomahawk'. Even the two of them had a lot of law on the group chasing them. Complete different story at the finish though, he came on his own again with no hound evern close to him. I reckon he finished solo with a good 4 fields on the rest.'
Report from the Douglas Drag .....
Senior maidens followed and another finishing performance put on by Bernie Ralls 'Stracken' where he crossed the line 1st place fields clear of Damian Wades 'Tomahawk' and Tim Herlihys 'Shane' who took the 3rd ticket just half a length in front of 'Westgate Tally' of Mayfield. Bernie Rall has secured the championship senior maiden title now with 'Stracken' hopefully making this a double for his family as his daughter Denise has currently a 12 point lead over John Callaghans 'Is It It' of Douglas in the senior championship table with 'Magics Choice'. With two senior drags to go, it could go either way. Best of luck to both.....
Of course this being his 4th win, he was promoted up the ladder to join the seniors. So the next drag at Fairhill, he ran a fantastic race all the way around this course. At the finish he got 4th, but he was stuck in all of this drag, I was very happy with him, who knows, this may suit him better for next year.
On how he forecasts next season...........
I have 2 pups for next year, saying I, I really mean the 3 of us cause we do everything drag wise together as a team. Leslie and meself would pull the drags and denise would set them off, so there's no 'I Have' or 'Mine', their our hounds. We got them from Sheila Cummins in the County. Their bred out of 'Sonnys Choice' and 'Brave Return'. We've just started to trail them, and they look quite promising even at this stage so fingers crossed.
I'd like to say a special thanks to Pat Heffernan & Jimmy Carey for their help and hard work within the club and I'd also like to especially pay tribute to and thank John Doolan of The Cow Bar in Mayfield who is very supportive of our club. Thank You
Above; Senior Puppy Hounds getting ready to go.
International Results:
