Result: Powhatan Field Trial Club

Location: Buckingham, Virginia

Post Date: Apr 16, 2024

Submitted By: Trey Rector

The Powhatan Field Trial Club brought off a successful and well-attended trial on Saturday, February 24, on the beautiful quail habitat of Slate River Farm near Buckingham, Virginia. The weather gods presented a perfect day to make up for the rain cancellation of this trial's first scheduled Saturday back in January. Early sunshine gave way to overcast skies and a gradually rising humidity, making for fine scenting conditions.

Kathy Shannon graciously allowed the use of her Slate River Farm for another year. The cover is extensive but well-groomed, providing the best of both worlds. Her generosity was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.

Trial Chairman Dennis Kivikko combined attention to detail with a polite and easy-going style, making the trial efficient and just plain fun. The whole family made a big contribution, with Donna, Marge, and Darek Kivikko supplying and serving a beautiful lunch. There was plenty of great food for everybody, and the chicken pot pie set a new standard for deliciousness. Jennifer Rector chipped in with a variety of desserts for lunch and pastries for the morning. Kathleen Shorter also added a plate of brownies to the ample list of sweets.

Many thanks to Pat Brooks for the loan of his gallery wagon. Trey Rector and Andy Shorter took turns driving the tractor to pull the very attentive spectators. Steve Moore provided his side-by-side vehicle and Kirk Regensburg brought his four-wheeler for the handicapped handler designation.

Patrick Sheridan and Tyler Wolfe tirelessly and conscientiously planted birds, one of the most important tasks of the trial. The birds were excellent flyers, and their careful placement seemed to give every dog a fair and equal chance.
Last but certainly not least, big thanks go to stalwart sponsor Purina for providing their support and dog food coupons for the placements.

The Running
The Puppy stake started bright and early with cool temperatures. Kirk Regensburg and Trey Rector had the judging responsibilities. Steve Moore's young setter female, "Jade," won first place. Her graceful, tail-cracking gait and flashy forward race made more than one spectator secretly wish to take her home. She was in a brace by herself and a class by herself.
Jim Winnen and Pete Del Collo gave up their day to donate their expertise in evaluating the dogs in the Amateur Derby and the Amateur Shooting Dog. Always savvy and alert, they spent a long day watching what they characterized as an excellent field of competitors. Their judicial contribution was very much appreciated by all attendees.
Jenna Johnson piloted her French Brittany, "Tanzi," to second place in the Derby category. Tanzi had one find with derby broke manners and ran a big race characterized by sweeping forward casts with intelligent application to the birdy cover. Pointer female "Sugar" had one game contact to win first, under the guidance of capable young handler James Allred. Her snappy way of moving and classy bearing makes Sugar one of those dogs you can't take your eyes off.

The judges commented that they had many good performances to separate among the shooting dog participants. Shooting Dog honorable mentions go to "Louie," handled by Dennis Kivikko, and "Mugsy," handled by Jimmy Crandall.
Lee Flanders brought his tri-color male setter, "Jack," into third place. Jack had two finds and two backs and displayed his gorgeous trademark look in everything he did.
Verlene Stephenson's "Heart" had two finds and a strong forward race. The pointer female took second place while demonstrating the class on game that makes her a threat every time she runs.
"Jake" had three finds and the forward, seeking race of a dog with his mind on birds. Near the end of his heat, the pointer male disappeared over a small rise well out front. He was soon spotted on point at the far forward edge of the last field, a picture of frozen intensity. The spectators on the gallery wagon had a great view as handler Jimmy Crandall flushed and fired and then collared his flawless statue with 15 seconds left to close the book on a winning performance.

Buckingham, Va., February 24 - One Course
Judges: Trey Rector and Kirk Regensburg
AMATEUR PUPPY - 3 Setters
1st-WAYSIDE JADE, 1706544, female, by Blue Ridge Chance-She's A Jewel. Steven Moore, owner and handler.

Judges: Pete DelCollo and Jim Winnen
AMATEUR DERBY - 3 Pointers and 1 Brittany
1st-RED'S SNAKE EYED SUGAR, 1704659, pointer female, by Compton's Rail Sport-Knights White Dove. Ryan Allred, owner; Jamie Allred, handler.
2d-TANZI DE LA SOURCE HANNAHATCHEE, R323-040, Epagneul Breton female, by Newton De La Source D'Hannahatche-Barbadun Hada I. Jennifer Johnson, owner and handler.

AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG - 10 Pointers and 5 Setters
1st-JAKE THE JOKER, 1693052, pointer male, by Mohawk Mill Legacy's Pride-Mohawk Mill Dolly. Mitch Forrester & Jim Crandall, owners; Jimmy Crandall, handler.
2d-RINGO'S SWEET HEART, 1668688, pointer female, by Southbound Ben-Shadow's Carolina Molly. Verlene Stephenson, owner and handler.
3d-CHIPPOKES CRACKER JACK, 1691321, setter male, by Skyview New Edition-Grid Iron's Sorrell's Penny. Lee Flanders, owner and handler.