Result: National Amateur Quail and Amateur Derby Championships

Location: Greenville, Florida

Post Date: Apr 8, 2024

Submitted By: Piper Huffman

National Amateur Quail Championship (front, l-r): Matt Pendergest with Imagine and Woody Watson with Rester's Cajun Justice. (Behind): Dr. Fred Corder, Til Hankley, Maria Bassham, Piper Huffman, Gary McKibben, Kent Cantrell, Jim Pendergest, Julie Kimbrell, George Kimbrell, David Williams, Megan Henry, Buck Neil, Cecil Rester, Paul Daniel, Mike Lemmons, Holly Rester, John McCormick, Ben Melvin, Shannon Nygard, and Randy Floyd.

The National Amateur Quail Championship was held on February 26, 2024, at the beautiful Livingston Place, also known as Dixie Plantation, in Greenville, Florida.

Imagine, owned and handled by Jim Pendergest, set the bar early, putting on a performance that kept you high in the saddle for the entire 90-minute brace. He impressed with plenty of reach, style, and purpose to be named champion. He scored on four high-styled finds, displaying perfect manners at 5, 53, 1.10, and 1.32. This was a true all-age champion performance.

Rester's Cajun Justice, owned and handled by Cecil Rester, was named runner-up for a solid performance that was impressive to watch. He also showed true all-age abilities, moving with ease and class and plenty of strength the whole 90 minutes. He chalked up four handsome, high-styled finds throughout the brace with impeccable manners. A perfect stop to flush was displayed as well.

Greenville, Fla., February 26
Judges: George Kimbrell and Buck Neil
NATIONAL AMATEUR QUAIL CHAMPIONSHIP [Ninety-Minute Heats] - 31 Pointers
Winner-IMAGINE, 1693699, pointer male, by Touch's Grey Street-Dialed In. Jim Pendergest, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-RESTER'S CAJUN JUSTICE, 1691667, pointer male, by Whippoorwill Justified-Rester's Katie Lee. Cecil Rester, owner and handler.

National Amateur Derby Championship
The National Amateur Derby Championship immediately followed, with Coldwater Crackerjack earning the championship title for owner and handler Gary McKibben. He put down a strong performance complemented by two nicely styled finds showing excellent manners for wing and shot.
Game Nation was named runner-up for owner and handler Dr. Fred Corder. He put on a solid performance in his bid, with four well-executed pieces of birdwork and a handsome high style.

Judges: Mike Moses and Woody Watson
NATIONAL AMATEUR DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 14 Pointers
Winner-COLDWATER CRACKERJACK, 1702009, pointer male, by Coldwater Odyssey-Coldwater Fancy Like. Gary McKibben, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-GAME NATION, 1704928, pointer female, by Lester's Storm Surge-Game Belle. Dr. Fred Corder, owner and handler.

A big thank you to the four well-known dog gentlemen who rode the judicial saddles throughout the Quail Championship and Derby Championship. Dr. Buck Neil made the long drive from Fort Worth, Texas, and George Kimbrell from Fort Mill, South Carolina, to judge the Quail participants. Mike Moses of Florida and Woody Watson of Georgia judged the Derby participants. Their time and effort were appreciated, and these events could not have happened without them.

Til Hankley took charge of the dog wagon, helped me with all aspects of the event, and finished the Derby stake for me. All of your help is much appreciated.

The AFTCA appreciates the support and sponsorship of Purina and Garmin. Again, we could not have held these two prestigious events without them. All the winners received Purina dog food and Garmin collars. The AFTCA also provided Bruce Fox plaques to the winners.

A big shout out to Jason Hough of Red Hill Catering, who does an amazing job with any food he prepares. On Thursday evening, a Purina dinner was held, and Jason put on an awesome catfish dinner.

Thank you to John McCormick and Ben Melvin of Livingston Place for marshaling all week, along with AFTCA 2nd Vice President and Region 16 trustee Larron Copeland. He also marshaled all week and helped make sure the event was successful.
Randy Floyd of Livingston Place oversees the event, and his presence was much appreciated.
I want to personally thank Gloria Hagan, who was born on Dixie Plantation and still lives there today, for all her help with lunches, the Purina dinner, and the appetizers that were held throughout the week.
Thank you to every participant, and look forward to next year's events.

National Amateur Derby Championship (front, l-r): Bill Mason with Game Nation, Jennifer McKee, Rita Corder, and Maria Bassham. (Behind): Mike Moses, Randy Floyd, Til Hankley, Woody Watson, Ben Melvin, Dr. Fred Corder, Kent Cantrell, Paul Daniel, and John McCormick.