Result: Region 3 Amateur All-Age Championship

Location: Hoffman, North Carolina

Post Date: Feb 22, 2024

Submitted By: Paul Gadd

Region 3 Amateur All-Age Championship Winners (front, l-r): Storm's End with Jim Pendergest and Cape Hickory Bucky with Paul Gadd. (Standing, l-r): Matt Pendergest, Megan Henry, Matt Basilone (judge), Mike Hester (judge), and Greg Robinson.

The premier grounds at Hoffman, North Carolina, was the venue for the Region 3 Amateur All-Age Championship. Twenty-four entries were tested for this amateur championship event. The grounds were in good condition, with adequate birds for a quality trial, strong flyers, and numerous birds in the covey. Weather conditions were ideal, overall cold in the teens early in the morning and rising to the low 50s by afternoon.

Judges for the renewal were in capable hands, with two well-known professional trainers, Mike Hester from North Carolina and Matt Basilone coming from New Jersey. Both judges were attentive to each entry, and their expectations for all All-Age standards were adhered to. Their rendering decision was well received. Hopefully, each will join us again in a future running.

Thanks, and appreciation for the service of the dog wagon driver. Greg Robinson was in charge, always being where and when needed. Greg also provided warm coffee and treats for our break, as he has done throughout the season. Additional appreciation to Purina for their continued support and gifts of dog food.

A social Friday night was held at the clubhouse. The dinner was provided by Matt Pendergest, the young Kentucky sportsman, in honor of his championship placement for last year's winning with Storm's End--an enjoyable time for this festive evening.

The champion for this competitive event was again won by Storm's End for owner/handler Matt Pendergest. This charge was turned loosened on a cold Saturday morning on the No. 1 course. Storm's End ran big, handled well, stayed in touch, and worked for her handler. Matt gathered up Storm at the mile-long field, watered, and turned loose at 20; he let her go, and go she did with extreme range and hunt, showing all-age ability and desire. At the bottom of the hill below the clubhouse, Storm was pointed in the hedgerow with a find, all being in order. Again, loosened and finished strong to the front--a delightful hour of running.

The runner-up was highly challenged by Cape Hickory Bucky for owner/handler Paul Gadd. Bucky ran Friday morning on the No. 2 course. He, too, showed tremendous range while hunting, always to the front with little scouting for his hour of running. He was rewarded with a dug-up find after making the far turn and nearing the soldier's camp. His find was good, all in order, and his finish was strong, being the same throughout the hour. Again, a quality showing setting high standards for a demanding quality trial.
Deserving placement, good judging, availability of birds, and ideal weather all coupled for a good, enjoyable Hoffman trial.

Hoffman, N. C., December 15
Judges: Matt Basilone and Mike Hester
REGION 3 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 23 Pointers and 2 Setters
Winner-STORM'S END, 1687221, pointer female, by Dunn's Tried'n True-K F Prairie Storm. Matt Pendergest & Megan Henry, owners; Matt Pendergest, handler.
Runner-Up-CAPE HICKORY BUCKY, 1671550, pointer male, by Walnut Tree Fred-Home Boy's Girl. Paul Gadd, owner and handler.