Bill was bred by Robin and Angeline Mudgway from Waipukurau. His parents were GFTCH Heketara Supersonic (Sire) and GFTCH Ripia Speckle (Dam). He was owned and handled by Peter O’Neil. Bill won a total of 198 challenge points over his trialling career, a record that is at least double that of any other Gundog (irrespective of breed) in New Zealand history. He was Gundog of the year continuously from 1996 to 2004. His wins included the following: New Zealand Spaniel in 1996 and 1997. Sth Island Spaniel in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003. Nth Island Spaniel in 1996. Sth Island All Breeds in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003. Nth Island All Breeds in 1999, 2002, 2003. Horowhenua Jubilee 1997 - All Breeds and Spaniel. Wairoa Jubilee 1999 - All Breeds.
Peter took Bill to America in 2001 to hunt upland game and also competed in Spaniel trials. He ran in 8 trials and placed 2nd, 3rd and was awarded guns choice in fields of 55-75 dogs. He also qualified for the US Nationals. Most dogs in these trials were professionally trained and of a very high standard. If Peter had been able to stay longer, Bill was only one more placing away from becoming an American FTCH. Peter described Bill in the following way: What set Bill apart from most dogs was his 100% commitment to being my dependable mate. Ignoring other dogs and people, intent on being in my company and prepared to bend over backwards to please me. I maintain that it seemed that he was born half trained, as every facet of his work came naturally. His high drive, hunting style, pin point marking and high intelligence made him an impressive hunting and trailing dog. I can take no credit for Bill’s success. I didn’t breed him. I didn’t even pick him from the litter, that was done for me. Bill then took care of the rest. He was truly my dog of a life time! I wish you all to have a dog like this in your lifetime and experience the joy this brings!