Result: Pinehurst Field Trial Club

Location: Hoffman, North Carolina

Post Date: Apr 8, 2024

Submitted By: Paul Gadd

The Pinehurst Field Trial Club ran on the famed Hoffman grounds from February 16-18. This 108th running was permitted after the regular scheduled date was canceled due to inclement weather.

Twenty-seven all-age and six derbies were contested for this three-day event. Weather conditions were ideal, blending for a quality trial with several good performances and covey finds.

Again, commenting on these prestigious grounds, we are fortunate to have a state facility ground developed for field trialing. Our trialing use typically is 80 days per year. Hoffman grounds were developed in 1953, and the first trial ran in 1955. These are expansive running grounds of approximately 9,000+ acres. There is a 56-stall barn with attached kennels, free-standing kennels, recently constructed corrals, and a clubhouse. This is a dream place and ideal for a running dog. All of this is further enhanced with the NCFTA and bird program that is in place.

The six one-hour courses extend approximately 38 miles for a day of running. No training is allowed on these trial grounds. We only have praise and appreciation for the NC Wildlife Resource Commission. Yes, we are very fortunate that these grounds were developed for bird dog field trialing. There is no better place. Many grand champions have run on these grounds, and great ones are still competing by both amateurs and professional trainers.

The Pinehurst trial, the oldest amateur trial in North Carolina, began with the late James Walker Tuft, the sole owner and developer of Pinehurst Village, which was noted worldwide for its grand golf courses and hotel. Originally, this trial was held in Pinehurst. In 1972, Jimmy Tuft moved the trial to the Hoffman grounds. The inaugural trial was won by King Kong for the late Bill Andrews, who was then the secretary and later the president, followed by Dr. Aubrey Morgan and now myself. Thus, there were only four presidents during this span of time. The Tufts and Bill Andrews laid a tradition for the Pinehurst trial, and the spirit continues. Hopefully, others will continue to reflect and comment on the history of Hoffman, as so much would be of interest.

This trial was capably judged by Larry Cox and Dennis Snyder. Their standards and decisions rendered were all well regarded.
First place in the Derby stake was awarded to I'm The Lone Ranger, handled by Sammy Giddens. Ranger was credited with one find with style and manners through flush and shot.
In second place was Mac's Slim Jim for Ohio sportsman Tim McClurg. Jim ran a forward-reaching race with hunt and an attractive gait.
Third place went to Buffalo Junction Calico for Dr. Allen Dahl. Calico had a pleasant forward race and was attentive to its owner in handling.

Rocky River Loaded won first place in the All-Age for now-owner Grayson Francis. "Gus" was previously owned and competed by the late Ray Joye. Gus ran on the No. 3 morning course, credited with three finds, one of which was a divided find and two backs, all in order with a strong race.
Second place went to Dialed In, capably handled by Jim Pendergest. Grace ran with the winner, showing plenty of run and style, being credited with a find, divided find, back, and unproductive. This brace had plenty of action with two good performances.
Third place was I Dream of Jeannie for owner Kyle Whitfield. Jen ran on course 2, credited with a good covey find at 30 and 40, and then an unproductive. Jen showed forward-reaching with hunt and style.

Hoffman, N. C., February 16
Judges: Larry Cox and Dennis Snyder
AMATEUR ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 24 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-ROCKY RIVER LOADED, 1696572, pointer male, by Broken Halo-Morgan's Mountain Maggie. Grayson Francis, owner and handler.
2d-DIALED IN, 1655274, pointer female, by Miller's Dialing In-Rester's Zumba Girl. Jim Pendergest, owner and handler.
3d-I DREAM OF JEANNIE, 1699099, setter female, by Hot Blooded-Shamrock's Miss Grace. Kyle Whitfield, owner and handler.

AMATEUR DREBY - 5 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-I'M THE LONE RANGER, 1703796, pointer male, by Mohawk mill Trail Warrior-B K Deighton's Jewel. Sammy & Nida Giddens, owners; Sammy Giddens, handler.
2d-MAC'S SLIM JIM, 1700897, pointer male, by Mac's Silver Chief-Mac's Silver Shadow. Tim McClurg, owner and handler.
3d-BUFFALO JUNCTION CALICO, 1707590, pointer female, by Erin's Redrum-Calico's Country Strong. Allen Dahl, owner and handler.