Result: Ames Amateur Joe G. Walker Memorial Field Trial Club

Location: Grand Junction, Tennessee

Post Date: Mar 6, 2024

Submitted By: Kent Walker

The origin of the Ames Amateur Field Trial Club dates back to 1977. This year marked the 47th running of the trial created by Joe Walker and a few other local bird dog enthusiasts. Joe was the last living charter member of the club until his passing in June of 2022. For his years of dedication and commitment to the preservation and success of the club and upon his death, it was decided to amend the name of the club to the Ames Amateur - Joe G. Walker Memorial Field Trial Club in his honor.

From its early days, the thought was to provide amateur field trialers the opportunity to run their dogs on the same grounds as the National Champion. With the cooperation of Ames Plantation managers Jimmy Bryan, Jim Anderson, and Rick Carlisle, the dream became reality. Today, the Ames Amateur - Joe G. Walker Memorial continues to be one of the premier amateur all-age events in the country. Each year, contestants from far and wide travel to run their dogs on the famed Ames Plantation. It is this legacy that I am committed to preserving.
This year, the trial began on New Year's Day 2024. Weather conditions for the trial were consistent with morning temperatures in the low 20s to low 40s in the afternoon with mostly overcast skies. Thirty-six all-age dogs and 20 derbies were drawn for the running.
Besting the field in the all-age was Haney's Silver Dollar for owner Chris Cagle. Running in the last brace of the first day, Dollar recorded three well-spaced and mannerly finds to go with a forward and searching ground race. Taking second place honors was Haney's Hurricane Seeker. This talented youngster, owned and handled by David Russell, had one quality find in his hour to go with his always impressive ground performance. Earlier this season, David qualified this dog for the National Championship. Garnering third place was a consistent performer and three-time winner of this stake, Misty Morn Masked Man for Joey McAlexander of nearby Holly Springs, Mississippi. "Tonto" ran the first brace of the stake, recording two well-handled finds compiled with a good forward race.

Judging this year's events were field trial veterans Ross Leonard and Joe Rentz. My thanks to both of these Georgia boys for their time and dedication in the saddle sorting through all the contestants. Their decisions were all well received.

In the companion derby stake, Cocklebur Ranger Danger put down an exceptional 30 minutes. Ranger had one find divided with his bracemate to go with a big forward, well-handled ground performance for owners Bubba, Amy, and Colt Spencer. The dog was handled by Bubba and scouted by Amy. Ranger's bracemate, Southern Shadow's T-Bird, took second place honors with the divided find and a good forward race for owner Lance Servais of Cecil, Alabama. Another Servais/Peterson entry took third with Southern Shadows Kingpin. Kingpin was placed on ground race. Lance and Brian have had great success with their young dogs this year, and congratulations to all.

As with any trial, it takes a team to put it on. This club has an outstanding supporting cast! Ken Blackman drove the dog wagon, provided snacks, and collected entries--a yeoman's task well done. Mrs. Vera Courtney was roadside for safety and, of course, taking those fabulous pictures everyone remembers. Sherry Walker jumped in and handled the daily lunches, providing delicious soups and sandwiches. As always, my partner from the Ames Plantation, Chris Weatherly, was there to tirelessly marshal every brace of every stake. Lastly, and certainly not least, my hat's off to Sportsman's Pride Dog Food, who provide dog food for the winners. Their commitment to this trial and others throughout the Midsouth Field Trial Association and Region 6 is much appreciated.

The dedication and commitment from all these people and the Ames Plantation makes for a smooth running and that's what makes a successful trial.
Until next year....

Grand Junction, Tenn., January 1
Judges: Ross Leonard and Joe Rentz
AMATEUR ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 30 Pointers and 6 Setters
1st-HANEY'S SILVER DOLLAR, 1698758, pointer male, by Ransom-Haney's North Star. Chris Cagle, owner and handler.
2d-HANEY'S HURRICANE SEEKER, 1698759, pointer male, by Ransom-Haney's North Star. David Russell, owner and handler.
3d-MISTY MORN MASKED MAN, 1667341, pointer male, by Miller's Dialing In-Mac's Inspiration. Joey McAlexander, owner and handler.

AMATEUR DERBY - 18 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-COCKLEBUR RANGER DANGER, 1702765, pointer male, by Game Heir-Cocklebur Regent Runaway. Bubba, Amy & Colt Spencer, owners; Bubba Spencer, handler.
2d-SOUTHERN SHADOWS T-BIRD, 1705877, pointer male, by Southern Shadows T Rex-Southern Ritz Lane. Lance Servais, owner and handler.
3d-SOUTHERN SHADOW KINGPIN, 1705878, pointer male, by Southern Shadows T Rex-Southern Ritz Lane. Lance Servais, owner and handler.

Cocklebur Ranger Danger, First in the Amateur Derby.