Event: Kentucky Quail Classic & Derby Stake
Result: West Kentucky Field Trial Club

Location: Kevil, Kentucky

Post Date: Jan 23, 2025

Submitted By: Mary Sue Schalk & James Kleve

Kentucky Quail Classic (l-r): James Kleve (judge), Lester's Storm Surge with Korry Rinehart (scout), Mary Sue Schalk (handler), Crouse's Comeback Kid with Alan Benson (breeder), Lester's War Bird with Gary Lester (handler), and Justin Crook (judge).

The 2024 Kentucky Quail Classic All-Age and Derby stakes were held beginning December 3, 2024. The trial began immediately following the Quail Championship Invitational. This year, the National Championship Qualifier had a smaller-than-average draw of 16 dogs, but the Derby stake maintained a solid draw of the same number, 16.

James Kleve of Paris, Kentucky, and Justin Crook of Jasper, Missouri, filled the judicial saddles for both advertised stakes. Although small, the All-Age stake ran in cold, challenging conditions, as did the Derby Stake. The judges, both respected professionals on the walking circuit, gave due diligence to all competitors. Their time in the saddle was more than appreciated by all participants.

The Winners and Others
Taking top honors at the Kentucky Quail Classic was Lester's Storm Surge, handled by Gary Lester. Storm Surge was in the third brace on Tuesday morning, with favorable weather conditions. His birdwork showed exceptional style and manners. His ground application was reaching but still purposeful every step of the way. His strength was evident by his final move, strongly going away with the same pace he had started his hour with.
Second was Crouse's Comeback Kid, handled by Mary Sue Schalk. Comeback Kid had a consistent hour showing his desire to work for his handler. His strong build carried him well around the fifth course. He seized the right moments to show well and was consistent on the ground. Dug into a briar thicket, he shared a divided find with his bracemate, Lester's Shockwave.
Third was Lester's War Bird, handled by Gary Lester. This young dog showed his strength on the ground from the start. Requiring a little more guidance from his handler helped separate him from the top two winners. Consistently taking in every edge available he made covering the grounds appear to be easy. At time, he was found far to the front standing with immaculate style on a covey.

Two other dogs of mention were Haney's Hurricane Seeker and Lester's Shockwave. Seeker had two finds at 15 and 22 with good style and an attractive way of moving. His reach slightly shortened the back half of his hour. The old warrior Shockwave laid down a solid performance with two pieces of birdwork. His ground race was reaching, he required a little extra help at moments, thus slipping him off the podium.

Kevil, Ky., December 3
Judges: Justin Crook and James Kleve
KENTUCKY QUAIL CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 16 Pointers
1st-LESTER'S STORM SURGE, F1681624, pointer male, by Ransom-Beane's Line Dancer. Tommy & Bonnie Hamilton, owners; Gary Lester, handler.
2d-CROUSE'S COMEBACK KID, F1701214, pointer male, by Crouse's Heart of Dixon-Crouse's Skiptomylu. Mary Sue Schalk & M. D. Crouse, owners; Mary Sue Schalk, handler.
3d-LESTER'S WAR BIRD, F1705485, pointer male, by Lester's Storm Surge-R W Suzie Q. Gary Lester, owner and handler.

The Derby Stake Winners
Sixteen young dogs were drawn for the Kentucky Quail Classic Derby Stake. Only one derby carded a solid find during the eight braces. RW Sweet Crude, owned by Roger Watson and handled by Gary Lester, applied himself to the course in a strong, forward manner. He also carded the lone piece of birdwork for the Derby stake. An honor well deserved for the team; he was named first in the Kentucky Quail Classic Derby stake. Second place was garnered by a liver and white Pointer male, handled by Ike Todd. The flashy Pointer dug into the front and hunted diligently for his handler. Beeler's Master Design is owned by Gordy Jones and shows strong potential for his future. Taking the third-place spot was a full-speed-ahead English Setter male, owned by Chris Cagle and handled by Ike Todd. Shagtime Bill took the edges of the beginning of the fifth hour with a vengeance. He showed to the front at Mach speed during his half hour, thus garnering him a spot on the table. The Kentucky Quail Classic Derby stake provided a group of well-started, potential all-age contenders.

Kentucky Quail Derby Classic (l-r): James Kleve (judge), RW Sweet Crude with Korry Rinehart (scout), Justin Brooke (judge), Beeler's Prime Design with Angie (breeder) and Ike Todd (handler), and Shagtime Bill with Isaiah Todd (scout).

KENTUCKY QUAIL DERBY CLASSIC - 15 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-RW SWEET CRUDE, F1706534, pointer male, by Lester's Storm Surge-R W Susie Q. Roger Watson, owner; Gary Lester, handler.
2d-BEELER'S MASTER DESIGN, F1717898, pointer male, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Bandit's Hill Lady. Gary Jones, owner; Ike Todd, handler.
3d-SHAGTIME BILL, F1716536, setter male, by Shag Time Bobo-Shagtime May. Chris Cagle, owner; Ike Todd, handler.

Note: Many thanks to all those who continue to support our field trials in Western Kentucky. We certainly could not have our events without those who come year in and year out. I would specifically like to thank the pros who support both the Quail Championship Invitational and Kentucky Quail Classic annually. I also want to thank the members of the West Kentucky Field Trial Club, Alan Benson and Vincent Major, for their dedication to our annual events. A big thank you to Greg Blair and Purina, who have been consistent supporters of Western Kentucky Field Trials. Last but not least, thanks Dad, Mike Crouse, for fueling the fire, ordering the birds, and always being there. Best of luck as the season continues for all!
-Mary Sue Schalk, West Kentucky Field Trial Club President

Kentucky Quail Classic (l-r): Justin Crook and James Kleve, judges for the 2024 Kentucky Quail Classic, with Marshall Mary Sue Schalk.