Result: Dixie Field Trial Club

Location: Leesburg, Georgia

Post Date: Apr 2, 2024

Submitted By: Billy Wayne Morton

This year's Dixie Open Classic was contested over the grounds of Round Pond Plantation. The Walker family graciously hosted this event, and as always, the property was in top-notch shape. The staff at Round Pond is second to none, led by Tracy Swearingen and his wife, Christy. Neil Walker was on hand daily to represent his family and make everyone feel welcome. The use of these grounds is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Alan York of Louisville, Georgia, and Squire Lee of Union Springs, Alabama, judged this year's All-Age competition. Both men agreed to fill in on short notice for the advertised judges due to unforeseen circumstances. We were very fortunate to find such willing and knowledgeable individuals at such a late date. They both rode hard and gave their complete attention to rendering a decision. From the field of 30 dogs, several worthwhile performances were rendered for the judges to choose from.

First place honors went to Haney's All In and handler Mark McLean, on the strength of a wide and forward-ranging all-age race. Coupled with three well-located finds, there was no doubt of the quality of this performance and that the bar had been set. All In is owned by Steve Croy of Richmond Hill, Georgia. This dog has enjoyed a remarkable season and promises to be a contender for years to come. Second place was awarded to Southern Thunder and owner Chris Campbell of Shreveport, Louisiana. Tom Shenker handled him. Southern Thunder had a strong race paired with two quality finds. Third went Erin's High Note. Owner Mike Sweet of Sebring, Florida, was in attendance to watch Judd Carlton handle his Pointer to this placement. High Note earned his placement on the strength of three clean finds and a superb ground race. These placements were well received.

Next up was the Dixie Open Derby. Stepping in, also on short notice, to judge were Gary Futch of Statesboro, Georgia, and Dan DiMambro of Big Rapids, Michigan. Once again, we were fortunate to find two attentive and knowledgeable judges to preside over the running of this field of derby contenders.

It was a short field of only 12 derbies this year, but the quality was second to none. This year's entry included two recently crowned derby champions and no less than six of the top 15 point-earning derbies in the country. Earning the top spot, again for owner Steve Croy and handler Mark McLean, was Haney's Easy Money. Easy Money had a far-reaching forward race and one find at pickup. Second place went to Erin's Happy Hour, owned by Mike Sweet and handled by Judd Carlton. Happy Hour had an unproductive early but overcame the early setback on the strength of his ground race coupled with a stylish find at pickup time. Third went to Woodville's Long Hard Ride. This stylish young Setter male had two flawless finds and a forward ground race, showing his willingness to work for handler Mark McLean. He shows great potential to be a strong contender going forward for owner Carl Owens.

The Dixie Field Trial Club greatly appreciates everyone who supported the trial this year. We appreciate the time and attention given by our judges. Once again, Purina and Greg Blair supplied dog food to the winners. Purina also contributed plaques for the winning dogs. Their continued support is invaluable. A big thank you goes out to Tracy Swearingen, Christy Swearingen, Luke Eisenhart, Judd Carlton, Jason Scott, Debbie Hofer (one of the finest cooks around), Billy Wayne Morton, and the Walker family. Without the work of these people, this trial would not have been possible.

Leesburg, Ga., February 24
Judges: Squire Lee and Alan York
OPEN ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 21 Pointers, 2 Setters and 7 German Shorthairs
1st-HANEY'S ALL IN, 1698756, pointer male, by Ransom-Haney's North Star. Steve Croy, owner; Mark McLean, handler.
2d-SOUTHERN THUNDER, 1695471, pointer male, by Lester's Storm Surge-Bryson's Dialing On Line. Chris Campbell, owner; Tom Shenker, handler.
3d-ERIN'S HIGH NOTE, 1696464, pointer male, by Dominator's Rebel Heir-Erin's Quickmarksman's Mae. Mike Sweet, owner; Judd Carlton, handler.

Judges: Dan DiMambro and Garry Futch
OPEN DERBY - 11 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-HANEY'S EASY MONEY, 1702602, pointer male, by Dominator's Rebel Heir-Haney's North Star. Steve Croy, owner; Mark McLean, handler.
2d-ERIN'S HAPPY HOUR, 1703435, pointer male, by Erin's Southern Comfort-Erin's Country Nell. Mike Sweet, owner; Judd Carlton, handler.
3d-WOODVILLE'S LONG HARD RIDE, 1705218, setter male, by Woodville's Saddle Tramp-Yukon Gold Rush. Carl Owens, owner; Mark McLean, handler.