Result: Missouri Open All-Age Trials

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Apr 23, 2024

Submitted By: Bonnie Hidalgo

Missouri Open All-Age (front, l-r): Judd Carlton with Erin's Perfect Storm, Luke Eisenhart with Haney's Silver Dollar, and Matt Cochran with Westfall's Wheels Up. (Behind): Douglas Spale, Jarrett Bell, Mark Verdoorn (judge), Bill Westfall (judge), George Hill, Andy Daugherty, Bonnie Hidalgo, Bob Rankin, Mike Lemons, Tim Self, Kipp Linard, and Ike Todd. [All photos are credited to Dennis Hidalgo].

Haney's Storm Warning captured the highly sought title of Missouri Open Champion. This title comes with an automatic qualification for the 2025 National Championship. The Missouri State Field Trial Association hosted the Championship as it has since its inception in 1953. Haney's Storm Warning, a pointer male, is proudly owned by Chris Cagle of Woodlawn, Tennessee. He was expertly handled by Luke Eisenhart. Rester's Cajun Spirit was named runner-up in this 38-dog stake. The pointer male is owned by Allen Linder, Livingston, Tennessee, and was capably handled by Judd Carlton.

Luke Eisenhart swept the top two placements in the Missouri Open All-Age stake. The winner was Erin's Perfect Storm, a pointer male owned by Brad Woodie, Waxhaw, North Carolina. Second-place honors went to Haney's Silver Dollar owned by Chris Cagle, Woodlawn, Tennessee. Westfall's Wheels Up was a strong third in this star-studded stake. He is owned by Bill Westfall, Liberty, Missouri, and was handled by Andy Daugherty. The Field Trial Sportsmen's Association of Southwest Missouri sponsors this National qualifying stake. It also hosts the Don Fox Memorial Derby.

Ike Todd handled the top two derby dogs in the Don Fox Open Derby. Dr. Fred Corder of Corinth, Mississippi, owns the winner, Game Star, a pointer female. Bandit's Hill Avenger, a pointer male owned by Ann Forrester of South Fulton, Tennessee, earned second. Rampage, a pointer male, was third for handler Luke Eisenhart and owner Tucker Johnson of Hobe Sound, Florida.

The drawing was conducted at the home of Andy and Sharleen Daugherty on Saturday evening, March 16. Sharleen conducted the draw with Andy's assistance. The Missouri Open All Age attracted a field of forty, an increase of two over the 2023 draw. The Don Fox Memorial Derby drew 21 entries, also up by two from the previous spring. The Missouri Championship drew 38 dogs, just as it did in 2023. The previous trial had been delayed by the Missouri Open Shooting Dog Championship's large entry, which forced this trial to delay its start by one day. This trial commenced on Tuesday, March 19, with the running of the Missouri Open All-Age stake. The Don Fox Derby followed, starting on Friday afternoon and completing on Saturday morning.

The Missouri Championship commenced on the afternoon of Saturday, March 23, and concluded on Wednesday, March 27, due to one day of rain delay.

The Missouri Open Championship was originally held at the Busch Wildlife Area outside St. Louis, beginning in 1953. By the mid-'90s, the Busch area had a serious road problem due to the amount of people recreating there. The Missouri Field Trial Association experimented with holding the event at Grovespring for a few years in the mid to late '90s. Back then, it was a working cattle ranch owned by Rudy Lehar, who had pointers with Andy Daugherty, including CH Lehar's Main Tech and CH Lehar's Perfect Tech. When Rudy was ready to quit ranching in 2000, Springfield sportsman and philanthropist Lee Cruse arranged to purchase the portion of the ranch used for field trials; the deal was completed in 2001. Lee Cruse donated it to the Field Trial Sportsmen's Association to run as a publicly available venue. By 2005, with the Grovespring grounds being groomed for field trials, this set of National qualifiers permanently moved to Grovespring and the Field Trial Sportsmen's Association grounds. The 2024 trial was the 20th consecutive running of the Missouri Open on these grounds; it was the 71st running of the Missouri Championship (not held in 2004).

These grounds are some of the finest in the country. They are groomed for field trials, which means that the courses have a good flow to them. The Sportsmen's Association releases 1,500 quail every fall. Feed strips, natural cover, and regular spreading of feed keep these birds on the courses. Most trials also supplement the coveys by planting birds during their events. There was no shortage of birds at this trial. Multiple dogs had 3-5 finds in their hours. Some of this year's handlers remarked that they like to come here because there are always plenty of birds.

The ability to use ATVs to plant the courses and to follow the gallery to pick up and release braces when it's too wet to take the dog wagon is invaluable. The convenience of ample horse corrals and dog kennels is a huge bonus. The clubhouse, with its kitchen, dining area, showers, and bunkroom, gets lots of use. "Per dog" grounds fees and donations keep this place afloat. If you have ever enjoyed the sport here, you might consider contributing to its welfare. The Field Trial Sportsmen's Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contact Sharleen Daugherty or any of the Association's Directors, including Andy Daugherty, Bob Burchett, and Tony King, to donate.

The Missouri Open All-Age stake judges were Jarrett Bell of Troy, Missouri, and Mark Verdoorn of Platte City, Missouri. Jarrett trains and handles his own vizslas and pointers and has won numerous championships with them. Mark owns and handles German shorthaired pointers and has enjoyed much success over many years. They were cheerful and friendly, but most importantly, they paid attention to the performances.

Dave Capstick of Jonesburg, Missouri, and Kipp Linard of Foristell, Missouri, officiated the Don Fox Derby. Both gentlemen have extensive experience as handlers and judges. Dave has had success in the Brittany world, having owned, trained, and handled a National Champion. Kipp has competed successfully with pointers and has judged numerous major all-age trials. They kept a steady pace and watched the dogs carefully.

Popular Indiana sportsmen Mike Jackson and Keith Wright were the judges for the Missouri Open Championship. Mike has trained and competed with his own pointers in amateur all-age and amateur shooting dog championships and enjoyed much success. Mike resides in Battleground, Indiana. Keith Wright, Covington, Indiana, is the founding owner of the Touch bloodline of pointers. Keith has trained and campaigned his own dogs and has enjoyed great success with dogs such as House's Ring of Fire and Touch's Grey Street, to name a few. Keith has also placed dogs with professionals who have won for him on the major circuit; Ike Todd and 2011 National Champion Touch's White Out come immediately to mind. Mike and Keith saw eye-to-eye, kept in good humor, set a near-perfect pace every hour, and knew what they were looking for. Their decision came as no surprise.

Mother Nature treated the 2024 renewal reasonably well, with the sun showing its face often. There were a few frosty mornings and some cloudy, windy days, but only one day of rain. The rain was heavy enough to halt the running on Monday of the second week. Luckily, it wasn't enough to flood the creeks; the running was able to resume the next day.

Purina's support of this event is highly valued by the club members and participants. This year, changes were implemented on how dog food donations and judges' gifts are contracted. Purina got together with AFTCA; now, clubs can order gifts, trophies, and dog food through the AFTCA online store. This appears to be working out well for the clubs and Purina. The Missouri State Field Trial Association and the Field Trial Sportsmen's Association are grateful to Purina for their continued support in this time of skyrocketing expenses. This trial is a Purina points trial, which adds to its prestige and popularity with the handlers, most of whom feed Purina's top product, Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20.

Sharleen Daugherty provided cocktail hour on five evenings during the event. Unless you have been here to experience one of Sharleen's social hours, you cannot imagine the scope of the spread! Thank you, Sharleen!

The John Evans Memorial fish fry was held on Thursday evening, March 21. Betty Evans, Bonnie, and Dennis Hidalgo sponsored it. John was a 20-year member of this group that hosts the Missouri All Age trials. He loved the grounds, the people, and the camaraderie found at this particular field trial. A big thank you is extended to Allen Vincent and Andy Daugherty for cooking the fish, fries, and hush puppies, and to Sharleen for the side dishes and for all the arrangements for putting this meal together. Dave Capstick and Tim Self were great assistants to the chefs and helped to serve the meal. The efforts of all are greatly appreciated. Thank you to the clean-up crew of Piper Huffman, Tommi Smith, Marian Mills, and Sharleen Daugherty!

The Champion's dinner was held on Sunday, March 24, at the clubhouse. It was a delicious steak dinner sponsored by Jamie Daniels and the 2023 Missouri Champion, Miller's Blindsider. The meal was delicious! Randy Anderson and Kipp Linard were cooking, assisted by Dave Capstick and Tim Self. Sharleen helped put the sides together and did clean up, along with Piper Huffman. There was a large and appreciative crowd in attendance.

George Hill served as chairman of the 2024 renewal of this highly respected open all-age trial. George attended his very first Missouri Championship in 1970. He went to Busch Wildlife Area to see what this event was all about. According to George, he was hooked and decided to give up calf roping for field trials. His involvement during his early years revolved around school teaching and coaching, but he helped when he could. By the 1980s, he took on more responsibility and became chairman of the Missouri Championship trial in 1985. That is a position that George Hill has held for 40 years! Under his guidance, this trial runs like a well-oiled clock.

In March 2023, George announced that he would be retiring from chairmanship after one more year. This was met with great disappointment by his committee and by those who regularly compete in this field trial. The 2024 renewal is the final time George will chair, but he has admitted that he'll "probably show up next year, as long as he gets to choose what job he does and when he does it."

The people who work with George to make this trial a great success are dedicated sportsmen and women who get along great and have fun in the process. Dave Capstick planted the course in the early morning, every morning except one. Tim Self handled dog wagon duties with some assistance from George, Dave, and Dennis. Tim also assisted Dave with the early morning plant. William Smith replanted the course every morning behind the gallery. Dennis Hidalgo planted birds one early morning, marshaled the course in the afternoons, and filled in wherever a hand was needed. Kipp Linard marshaled the afternoon braces of the Championship. Lunches were set up and cleaned up after by Tommi Smith, Piper Huffman, and Dennis Hidalgo.

George has selected his replacement in Bonnie and Dennis Hidalgo; it will take two co-chairs to fill the shoes George has worn! Sharleen Daugherty will be the Secretary/Treasurer of the Missouri Field Trial Association, just as she is for the Southwest Missouri Field Trial Sportsmen's Club. Most of the committee members have already committed to sticking with it. It is planned to keep this trial running in the manner to which all have become accustomed. The Missouri Open has been called "the best trial all year" by the trainers who patronize it, and we're all going to keep it that way!

Missouri Open All-Age
Judges Mark Verdoorn and Jarrett Bell had a quality-packed stake to select their winners. In addition to those placed, several noteworthy performances were given. In order of appearance, these dogs were Erin's High Note, Haney's Storm Warning, I'm Gallant, World Class Instigator, Rester's Johnny Ringo, and Westfall's True Grit. Their performances can be found under "The Running."
The Winners
Erin's Perfect Storm, handled by Luke Eisenhart, ran a big, predominantly forward race for the win. He scored at the clubhouse gate at 36 with a high-tailed find. On the far end of the Clubhouse loop at 44, he pointed beside the pond with excellent style and manners. Storm was forward past the barns and through the alley. He finished the hour with a big move on the far-right edge. He is sired by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt; his dam is Erin's Bet On Me. He is owned by Brad Woodie.

Haney's Silver Dollar started from the top of Don Fox Hill; owner Chris Cagle Jr. was on hand for the show. Dollar was handled to second by Luke Eisenhart. Dollar scored on game at 8, just before Little Vine road. He showed magnificent style and manners. At the corner of the alley and Sycamore, Dollar was pointed again at 29. His stance and intensity were perfect, as were his manners at the flush. He went wide as the course went up into Little Vine but showed forward. Dollar's third find was at 37, on a big covey on top of Daugherty's Ridge; his posture and decorum were flawless. He scored another quality find at 43, on the right before the old house site. Dollar's race was fast and far forward for the hour. He was exciting to watch. Haney's Silver Dollar was sired by Ransom out of the top producing female, Haney's North Star.

Westfall's Wheels Up was handled by Andy Daugherty to third place. Wheels was released at Little Vine; his owner, Bill Westfall, was there to watch him. Wheels Up scored his first find at 9, just out of Little Vine loop. He was high and tight for flush and shot. He made a nice move through Sycamore bottom and was rewarded with a find on the hillside at 20, all in order. Up the hill and down Daugherty ridge he went, wasting no time. Point was called for him at 26, on the ridge. His style and manners were beyond reproach. He showed forward beyond the barns on the left edge and carried it into the bull pasture. At 37, Wheels Up pointed quail below the first draw. Again, his birdwork was attractive and mannerly. Wheels was briefly absent before the Clubhouse gate but caught the front at the pond. At 58, he notched his fifth and final find. His was an impressive hour. Westfall's Wheels Up was sired by Westfall's Black Ace; his dam was Westfall's Quick Trick.

The All-Age Running
Big N Wild (Cochran) and Touch's Cocaine Blues (Anderson) were released at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. They were quickly away to the front. At 13, Wild was pointing on the far edge of Double Gates field. He was high and tight on both ends through flush and shot. They raced on through Davis bottom, where Blues scored a find with Wild backing. All was in good order for both dogs at 25. The pair moved rapidly down the lines of the Island field. Point was called at 34, both dogs were present; things took a bad turn, and they were both up.

Haney's Silver Dollar (Eisenhart) was braced with No Strings Attached (Anderson). The former placed second, and his performance is described above. Strings was predominantly forward in his pattern but found no game.

Westfall's River Ice (Daugherty) ran with Erin's High Note (Judd), headed up the hill into Clubhouse loop. Ice was lost early. High Note made nice moves through the loop and past the barns. At the end of the alley, he pointed at 28; relocation was necessary, and he did a prompt job, pointing in brush on the hillside. His bird was flushed at 33; he made a quarter turn to mark. Taken on, he crossed the road and headed toward the cemetery, pointing on the right at 42. This was a beautifully executed find. He went wide left at the Ridge loop, showed to the front, and finished his hour going away in the meadow.

Mayfield Storm Charger (Vincent) and Painted Owyhee Breeze (Ledington) were first up after lunch. Both dogs were seen forward at 8 but were gone briefly after the rocky creek crossing. Charger showed forward heading to the next crossing. Breeze went right on the south line of Double Gate field, but her handler turned her quickly. They crossed into Davis bottom, with both hitting a good lick. Charger was seen pointing on the left line at 25; all was in order on his find. At 28, point was called for Breeze; she was pointing attractively in the far-left corner of Davis bottom. She stood mannerly while her birds were produced. The dogs continued their forward quest through the Island field. Charger got out of pocket near Horse Killer hill and was up early. Breeze continued forward until the hour expired.

Haney's Storm Warning (Eisenhart) and Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty) were released at Little Vine. The latter placed third and his hour is recounted above. Storm ran a huge race, showing from time to time to the front. His first find occurred at 44 in Climer's pasture. He displayed high style and intensity throughout the birdwork. At 54, on the ridge past the clubhouse gate, he could be seen making game, but he corrected on. At 55, a pre-release covey could be seen lifting from the south side of a cedar; then Storm was spotted standing staunchly on the north side. Storm readily backed his bracemate at 58.

Valiant Heir (Vincent) and Miller's Wide Out (Anderson) were the final brace on Tuesday and were released in the west end of Clubhouse loop. Heir's owner, Robby Robinson of Dardanelle, Arkansas, was riding. At 4, Robby spotted his dog on point near Climer's gate. He stood with great poise while his handler and judge rode to him. The birds were put up for the handsome pointer with all in order. Up the hill to the barns, they raced and into the alley. At 10, Heir was found standing on the brushy hillside; this find was superb. At 15, point was called by both handlers, and then a dog was seen moving through the cover. Heir was found standing near the original location. Wide Out was pointing on the corner of the feed strip. Birds were put up in front of Wide Out. Vincent collared his dog. The dogs continued across the road and to the cemetery. Approaching the clubhouse, both dogs missed the crossing. Wide Out came across further on; Heir was picked up. Wide Out made the entire Ridge loop and was picked up in Breakaway meadow.

Erin's Southern Comfort (Derrig) and Erin's Rambling Fever (Eisenhart) were released in Breakaway meadow on Wednesday morning. They were forward in pattern. Fever was gone for a while at the Island field. He returned to Apple Tree hill and was picked up. Comfort consistently showed to the front until late in the hour but found no game. At Little Vine, he crossed the road to the south, and Derrig asked for the tracker at 52.

Erin's Wild Atlantic Way (Eisenhart) and Dunn's True Reign (Vincent) turned loose from Little Vine road. The setter was forward to Sycamore bottom, but little was seen of him after that. Reign showed on the Little Vine loop and again before Sycamore. He hunted the right edge of Sycamore all the way to the crossline. Reign was taken up at 22. Atlantic's tracker came out at 34.

Westfall's Mandalay (Daugherty) and Miller's Speed Dial (Anderson) turned loose near the pond beyond the barns. Mick Marietta was riding to watch Speed Dial. Bill Westfall was present for Mandalay. Mandalay was on point at 2, on the left fence line. He showed great style and manners. He made beautiful moves through the bull pasture. At 14, he pointed on the left in Climer's first pasture, all in order. His handler opted to pick him up. Speed Dial made short work of the bull pasture, showing on the right in the first field and on the ridge to the front in the next field. Speed Dial showed on the left in Climer's and then was found pointing on the hill just out of Climer's. He exhibited good style and behavior there at 18. He got out of pocket in the Clubhouse loop but caught up on the second ridge. Anderson opted to pick him up.

Rester's Cajun Spirit (Judd) and Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) broke away at 1:30 p.m. Spirit ran his edges correctly and was predominantly forward but went without bird contact. Vette made some nice moves early but seemed to be affected by the warmth of the afternoon. He was picked up at Davis bottom.

Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) with Painted Owyhee Toad (Ledington) turned loose onto Apple Tree hill. Forget Me Not pointed along the ditch at 21, showing good style. He made a quarter turn to mark. A minute later, Toad was pointed further down the ditch and scored a successful find. Into the next field, Forget Me Not, pointed again at 28. Toad backed but was not quick enough for his handler, so she opted to pick up. Forget Me Not slowed in Sycamore and was on the hook at 34.

Erin's Perfect Storm (Eisenhart) and Touch's Fire Away (Anderson). Storm's winning performance is described above. Fire Away was consistently forward for the hour, making some attractive moves. He went without game contact.

World Class Instigator (Cochran) and Rester's Johnny Ringo (Eisenhart) were the first brace on Thursday morning. Jeremy Gulick was riding to watch Instigator. Johnny was pointed with high style on the south edge of Double Gates field at 12. Instigator was across the road in Sycamore at that time. Both dogs were forward into Davis at 18. Instigator took the left hillside while Johnny was on the right edge. Instigator scored a find at 26 in the right corner of Davis. It was quality work. They scored a divided find at 48, just beyond Apple Tree hill. Both dogs were mannerly. In the hill loop of Little Vine, both dogs were found pointing at 59 in the far corner. Instigator was buried in the cover, close to the birds; Johnny was on the edge of the thicket, pointing with high style. It was their second divided find, and the hour expired as the work completed.

Nosam's Sweetwater (Huffman) with Westfall's True Grit. (Daugherty) broke away from Little Vine road. Sweetwater scored a nice find at 5 in the corner of the loop. He showed high style and good manners. True Grit was big from the get-go, he made short work of the hill loop and was absent by the bottom of it. At 14, he was found to the front on point. He was high on both ends through flush and shot. Grit flew down Sycamore's left edge, crossed the front, came up the right edge, and was turned back. Grit took the right edge all the way to the road, where he pointed game at 24. He looked good and had them well-located. Sweetwater made a nice big move down the right edge of Sycamore and crossed the front on the ditch line. He then crossed back and took the right edge toward Parks Creek road. Sweetwater had a natural back near the road at 24. Grit was fast away up the hill and was out of sight on the ridge. At 36, Daugherty called point for him on the forward fence line, south of the barns. The flushed birds flew low over his head, and Grit turned his head to watch them go. He headed to the right edge of the next field. Both dogs went down the hill upon entering the bull pasture. Near D Highway, the scouts could be heard calling point. Grit and Sweetwater were standing loftily, side by side, for a divided find at 45. Grit was seen on the north ridge of the bull pasture at 50, then not seen again until 57, coming in from the left in Climer's second pasture. He took the left edge forward and pointed on the fence line at 59. Sweetwater came in for a natural back. All was in order for both dogs, but Sweetwater's pads were gone, and he was picked up. Grit finished going away in Horse Corral bottom.

Bonner's Bullet Proof (Anderson) and Blackhawk Lucky Charm (Vincent) were released into Clubhouse loop; Jim Mills was riding to watch Lucky Charm. Both dogs were forward to the hill before the clubhouse. They showed up in the parking lot but were soon back on track. Bullet went out of sight to the front. At 14, Lucky was pointed stylishly when the bird flew toward her, and she jumped for it. Bullet was still absent by the end of the loop, and his tracker came out.

Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Vincent) and Nighthawk's Rebel (Eisenhart) were released at 1:30 p.m. Both showed well through Breakaway bottom. Sugar was last seen before the road crossing; her tracker came out at 21. Rebel ran a strong, forward race but found no birds.

Dream Chaser (Daugherty) and I'm Gallant (Anderson) were released up Little Vine hill. Point was called in the back corner at 5; Gallant was pointing with Dream Chaser honoring. All was in order. Dream Chaser was lost. Gallant had his second find at the end of Sycamore, and he was high and tight for the flush. At 54, Gallant notched a good find at the end of Climer's pastures. Upon release, he raced down the hill and up the next to score a fourth find at time. He ran a nice, forward race.

Westfall's Power Trip (Daugherty) and Erin's Code of Honor (Eisenhart) were up before the hour since they weren't challenging the leaders.

Texas Wild Rex (Vincent) and Miller's Heat Advisory (Carlton) were first up on Friday morning. Point was called at 13 for Heat Advisory; he stood stylishly on the south edge of Double Gates field. His manners were perfect. Rex backed him with good manners. Rex scored a nice find in the corner of Davis bottom at 28. Heat was lost before Horse Killer hill; Rex wasn't challenging the leaders and was picked up.

Pioneer Pete (Daugherty) and Slick Water Frac (Anderson) turned loose onto Apple Tree hill. Pete scored a pretty find at 7, with Frac honoring beautifully. They were both up before the hour.

Grovespring, Mo., March 19
Judges: Jarrett Bell and Mark Verdoorn
MISSOURI OPEN ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 38 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-ERIN'S PERFECT STORM, 1692323, pointer male, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Erin's Bet On Me. Brad Woodie, owner; Luke Eisenhart, handler.
2d-HANEY'S SILVER DOLLAR, 1698758, pointer male, by Ransom-Haney's North Star. Chris Cagle, owner; Luke Eisenhart, handler.
3d-WESTFALL'S WHEELS UP, 1680653, pointer male, by Westfall's Black Ace-Westfall's Quick Trick. Bill Westfall, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.

Don Fox Derby
Judges Dave Capstick and Kipp Linard had the pleasure of deciding the winners from a great group of young dogs in this extremely competitive open derby stake. Twenty-one of the season's best gathered here; unfortunately, only three could be placed.

Game Star won this stake for owner Dr. Fred Corder and handler Ike Todd with a fine performance. Released into the Clubhouse loop, she went quickly up the hill. Game Star pointed beautifully at 8 and was rock solid through flush and shot. Her second find came at 12, on the west side of the loop. She exhibited beautiful style and perfect decorum on her game; her race was excellent from start to finish. This nice young dog was sired by Lester's Storm Surge and is out of Game Belle.

Bandit's Hill Avenger, handled by Ike Todd and owned by Ann Forrester of South Fulton, Tennessee, placed second in this hotly contested derby stake. Avenger scored a solid find at 5 in the far corner of Little Vine loop, all in order. In the valley beyond the loop, he was pointing again at 13. He showed high style and great manners. At the end of Sycamore, both dogs pointed and backed, but the handlers felt they were backing each other and took them on. At 24, Avenger honored his bracemate's point. He went up on Daugherty's ridge for a strong finish. Avenger was sired by Touch's Smooth Rider and is out of Bandit's Hill Daisy.
Rampage was handled to third place in this tough derby stake by Luke Eisenhart. Rampage is owned by Tucker Johnson. Rampage put down a powerful and forward race. He pointed birds in the far corner of Davis bottom at 27, showing high style and perfect manners. Rampage was sired by Touch's Red Rider; his dam is Southpoint's Dixie Chick.

Don Fox Memorial Open Derby (front, l-r): Luke Eisenhart with Game Star, Ike Todd with Bandit's Hill Avenger, and Judd Carlton with Rampage. (Behind): Tim Self, Bonnie Hidalgo, Dave Capstick (judge), George Hill, and Kipp Linard (judge).

Judges: Dave Capstick and Kipp Linard
DON FOX MEMORIAL OPEN DERBY - 19 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-GAME STAR, 1704929, pointer female, by Lester's Storm Surge-Game Belle. Fred Corder, owner; Ike Todd, handler.
2d-BANDIT'S HILL AVENGER, 1702642, pointer male, by Touch's Smooth Rider-Bandit's Hill Daisy. Ann Forrester, owner; Ike Todd, handler.
3d-RAMPAGE, 1705323, pointer male, by Touch's Red Rider-Southpoint's Dixie Chick. S. Tucker Johnson, owner; Luke Eisenhart, handler.

Missouri Championship
The Winners
Haney's Storm Warning, handled by Luke Eisenhart, emerged as judges Mike Jackson and Keith Wright's choice for champion. His performance made him an obvious one. Haney's Storm Warning is owned by Chris Cagle. He began his hour-long exhibition in the west end of Climer's pasture; he was forward through both pastures. Storm went left into Clubhouse loop when the course went right, and he was absent for several minutes. Storm Warning was found on point at 19 on the west end of the loop. He was class-personified and high on both ends throughout the work. Storm scored his second find at 28, beyond the barns; again, he was flawless in every aspect. He flew forward down the alley and into Sycamore bottom, where he stood along the old fence line at the road and carded another great find at 37. His fourth and final find came at 40, just beyond Double Gates near the pond. Top style was evident, as were exceptional manners. He sped forward, past the cemetery and the corrals, showing beautifully on the forward lines. Storm Warning was sent down the valley on the right of Ridge loop, and he swung up the hill to show well in front. Off the hill, he turned left as time expired. His handler and scout collected him in short order. This performance was a thrill to witness.

Rester's Cajun Spirit, handled by Judd Carlton and owned by Allen Linder, was a popular choice for runner-up champion. He turned loose, heading onto Apple Tree hill. Spirit scored a very classy find at 8, coming into Little Vine. Spirit was on point again at 19, and it was a perfectly executed find. In the top end of Sycamore, Spirit pointed on the left at 28. It was a difficult flush due to an old dead tree, but the bird was eventually produced. Spirit was high and tight throughout. He went through Sycamore on a full head of steam, showing nicely. Spirit pointed at the far end at 34, exuding high style and excellent decorum. He came from the right on Daugherty's Ridge and worked the ridge to the twin barns. Spirit took the right side beyond the barns and was not seen again until he crested the far hill in the bull pasture 13 minutes later. He went on to finish going away in Climer's pastures. His was an excellent performance, marred only by the absence.

The Championship Running
Miller's Heat Advisory (Carlton) and Slick Water Frac (Anderson) were the first brace of the Championship, which cast off in Breakaway field on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Heat had a nice dug-up find across the creek, near the cemetery, at 8. He pointed on the line below Daugherty's house at 13. Heat showed high style and great manners. Frac scored a good find at 14 in Double Gates on the south line. Judge Wright reported that it was a good one. Both dogs were forward into Davis, and Heat appeared to be a handful. Heat pointed at the cross row, Frac came by, and they both went on. In the corner by the creek, Heat pointed again; Frac ran around him and was picked up at 30. Carlton took Heat on without attempting to flush, signifying that the birds had been pushed out. He guided his dog closely through the tight spot and waited to show him in Island field. Heat put on a good show around the left edge, to the front, and on to Horse Killer hill. He made quick time across Apple Tree hill and finished the hour near Little Vine road. He is a powerful dog.

Pioneer Pete (Daugherty) and Erin's Wild Atlantic Way (Eisenhart). Pete scored a stylish find just out of Little Vine loop, with Atlantic Way honoring at 10. Atlantic Way scored a nice find at 39 on the right edge of the field beyond the twin barns. Relocation was required and was performed quickly and correctly. He was good for flush and shot. As we caught the front at 41, Daugherty was putting a lead on Pete, and Judge Wright reported that he had "run over a bird." Atlantic continued forward into the bull pasture and through Climer's, where the hour expired.

Ramblin Rivers Unplugged (Gingrich) and Valiant Heir (Vincent) were released into Clubhouse loop; Heir was lost early. Unplugged scored a find at 38, which was very nice in every aspect. His race began well but became inconsistent, and he was up at 45.

Painted Owyhee Breeze (Ledington) and Erin's Code of Honor (Eisenhart) started the day's running at 8 a.m. Breeze was wearing boots but didn't like them. Once they were off, she started to run nicely. Breeze ran the hour without bird contact. Erin's Code of Honor started strong. He scored his first find at 7, with all in perfect order. Point was called for him at 13, and he stood stylishly on the south edge of Double Gates field. His birds were produced while he stood high and tight. Honor took the right side of Davis bottom forward but crossed the ditch and entered the Island field, where he pointed on the west edge feed strip. He was there for a while as it was a difficult location to get to. He stood loftily but took steps on the flush at 29. This find was in a spot that was to become "the front," so his handler opted to wait for his bracemate. His next find was at 40; before Horse Killer hill, he showed class and flawless manners. Honor's fifth find was on Apple Tree hill at 49. His style and manners were excellent. Erin's Code of Honor ran a huge, forward race. He was exciting to watch.

Dunn's True Reign (Vincent) and Miller's Speed Dial (Anderson) broke away, heading up Little Vine hill. Reign pointed attractively at 15, showing good behavior for the flush. He pointed again at the end of Sycamore bottom at 25, but it was unproductive. His handler opted to pick up. At that same time, Anderson took the tracker for Speed Dial, who had been AWOL for some time.

Touch's Fire Away (Anderson) and Haney's Silver Dollar (Eisenhart) were up the hill out of Sycamore in a flash. Fire showed a few times on Daugherty ridge; Dollar was nowhere to be seen. At 16, they were found on the left edge, beyond the big pond. Dollar was pointing with Fire Away backing. All was in order for both pointers. They made some big moves through the bull pasture and into Climer's pastures. Fire Away scored a good find at 32 in Climer's. Both dogs took a brief tour of Horse Corral bottom before swinging into Clubhouse loop. Fire was forward off the hill and past the clubhouse gate; Dollar returned on the second ridge. Fire pointed convincingly on the west end, but no birds were produced. Both dogs were forward to the twin barns, but Fire disappeared there. Dollar scored a pretty find just south of the barns at 58. He was forward in the alley when point was called for Fire Away, far to the west. Fire Away stood attractively, but only feathers were found. Dollar showed up by himself and backed politely, but time had expired.

Erin's Rambling Fever (Eisenhart) and Nosam's Sweetwater (Huffman) were released at 1:30 on Sunday afternoon. Fever got into trouble at 6 and was up. Sweetwater scored a nice find at 7, with all in order. He pointed again at 18, but it was unproductive. He was up at 22.

Westfall's True Grit (Daugherty) and Rester's Johnny Ringo (Eisenhart) were released into Davis bottom. Ringo was absent at the end of Davis bottom but showed in time to look good through the Island field. Ringo found no birds and was up before the hour elapsed. True Grit went on a big running, bird-finding expedition. His first find came at 3, on the left edge of Davis; he showed high style and flawless manners. In the left corner of Davis bottom, he slammed into point at 9. The bird eventually flushed, and the dog never moved a muscle until collared. True Grit made a big sweeping move down the right side of Island field and was found pointed in the next field at 23. He had his birds well-located, and his demeanor was flawless. He made short work of Horse Killer hill and showed forward on Apple Tree. He pointed near the deer stand at 32; it was another textbook find. He was seen on the right line beyond Apple Tree, then was absent. William Smith spotted the dog in the woods at the end of the field; he was staunch on point. Daugherty was called back from the front and produced birds for the veteran bird dog at 44. He was sent up into Little Vine at 53, and that was the last seen of him under judgment. Grit's performance up to the time he disappeared had been flawless.

Bonner's Bulletproof (Anderson) and Westfall's Power Trip (Daugherty) were turned loose at the gate beyond the Little Vine loop. Trip was not suiting his handler and was up in Sycamore bottom. Bonner's Bulletproof ran well forward through Sycamore and was seen coming off the ridge. Anderson collected him and directed him up Daugherty ridge. He showed appropriately on the ridge but was absent at the barns. Into the next field, he looked good on the far-left side. Bullet was fast and forward into the bull pasture, where he was found pointing on the right; unfortunately, he went with the birds to end his bid.

Erin's Perfect Storm (Eisenhart) and Touch's Cocaine Blues (Anderson) ran the first brace on a cold and windy Tuesday morning. Storm was picked up early. Blues crossed the road into Sycamore, and the scout was dispatched. He was found pointing on the west side of the fence, and birds were flushed at 23. His next find was in the far corner of Davis bottom at 40, all in order. He was forward through the Island field and up Horse Killer hill, where time was called. Blues was found on point near the deer stand a few minutes later. He made a quarter turn to mark the flush.

Rester's Cajun Spirit (Carlton) and Texas Wild Rex (Vincent) turned loose, heading into Apple Tree. The former is the runner-up champion, and his performance is listed above. Rex backed stylishly at 8. Rex scored a find in the far corner of Little Vine at 13, but it didn't suit his handler and he was up.

Haney's Storm Warning (Eisenhart) and No Strings Attached (Anderson) started on the west end of Climer's. Haney's Storm Warning, as befits the champion, has his hour related in "The Winners" section. Strings was forward through both pastures. Into Clubhouse loop, Strings went right. At 17, Strings was pointing near the back pond but self-released during the flush attempt and was picked up.

Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty) and Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) were released after lunch on Tuesday. At 14, point was called for Vette. He was standing on the south edge of Double Gates field, showing high style and intensity. His birds were well-located, and he was perfectly steady. Both dogs were forward into Davis bottom and showed well. In the far-right corner at 27, they were near each other when they hit scent and slammed to a stop; a very nice, divided find was credited. They were forward through Island field. Wheels pointed prior to Horse Killer hill at 42; Vette came upon the scene and honored naturally. The work proved unproductive, and Wheels was put in harness. Vette continued predominantly forward until the hour expired.

World Class Instigator (Cochran) and Mayfield Storm Charger (Vincent) released into Little Vine. Instigator pointed in the corner at 5, with Charger backing correctly. It proved to be unproductive for Instigator. He carded an attractive find at 27, at the road end of Sycamore bottom. Near the barns, Instigator pointed but was too close to his birds, and he was up at 36. Charger pointed on the right line, to the west of the barns at 37. No birds were produced, and he was done.

Westfall's River Ice (Daugherty) and Painted Owyhee Toad (Ledington) found action quickly. Toad pointed with beautiful style on the left line, near the former blue house site. Ice backed with tremendous intensity. When the birds flushed, Toad broke point and was up. Ice remained mannerly and continued into the bull pasture. His scout called point for him at 9; he was standing at the fence along D Highway, a pretty sight, high on both ends. A covey was flushed as he stood tight. Ice continued forward through Climer's, down the hill, continued straight down the Horse Corral valley, and was absent for a few minutes. Upon his return, he was steadily forward through Clubhouse loop, where he carded another nice find at 40. Up the hill to the barns he went, and was found on point south of them. His birds were well-located, and his manners were perfect for the flush. Ice made quick work of the alley and showed well on the far end of Sycamore as time was called.

Erin's High Note (Carlton) and Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) were the first brace on Wednesday morning. At Double Gates field, High Note took the south line to the west fence before he turned around and headed to the front. Forget Me Not came into Double Gates and crossed into Sycamore. On his way back to his handler, he pointed along the south line of Double Gates at 21, and all was in good order. Forget Me Not pointed on the left edge of Davis at 28 but went with the birds. High Note made beautiful moves through Davis bottom on the right edge and was rewarded with a nice find at 31. His next find was in Island field at 42; it was well executed. Before Horse Killer hill, he notched a beautiful find at 46. High Note finished his hour to the front.

Dream Chaser (Daugherty) and Miller's Wide Out (Anderson) were released in Little Vine. Dream Chaser pointed next to the ditch at 11; Wide Out failed to back and was up. Chaser was perfectly steady through the commotion. Before Sycamore, he ignored his handler's demand and went left into a cut. When he didn't return in short order, his handler took the tracker.

Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Vincent) and I'm Gallant (Anderson) were released at the top of Sycamore bottom; they both took the left edge and flew down to the crossline. Gallant turned and crossed the front; Sugar disappeared and was not seen again under judgment. Gallant was running a nice, forward race when he pointed at 19, below the barns. Unfortunately, he went with the birds.

Westfall's Mandalay (Daugherty) and Nighthawk's Rebel (Eisenhart) broke away at the barns, headed west. Mandalay was found pointing near the old house site at 15. He was statuesque, and his manners were great. At 31, in the Clubhouse loop, he scored another high-quality find on the hillside. Near the clubhouse gate, he pointed staunchly, but it proved to be a barren stand, and Daugherty opted to pick him up. Rebel was running a big race and got out of pocket in Climer's pasture. The tracker was eventually needed.

Missouri Open Championship (front, l-r): Luke Eisenhart with Haney's Storm Warning and Judd Carlton with Rester's Cajun Spirit. (Behind): Mike Jackson (judge), Keith Wright (judge), Bonnie Hidalgo, George Hill, Tim Self, William Smith, Dave Capstick, and Kipp Linard.

Judges: Mike Jackson and Keith Wright
MISSOURI OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 36 Pointers and 2 Setters
Winner-HANEY'S STORM WARNING, 1691416, pointer male, by Valiant-Haney's North Star. Chris Cagle, owner; Luke Eisenhart, handler.
Runner-Up-RESTER'S CAJUN SPIRIT, 1695796, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-Rester's Amazing Grace. Allen Linder, owner; Judd Carlton, handler.

George Hill, chairman of this event since 1985, is now retiring.