Result: Missouri Open Championship

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Apr 21, 2025

Submitted By: Bonnie Hidalgo

Missouri Open Championship: Luke Eisenhart with Haney's Silver Dollar and Judd Carlton with Erin's Perfect Storm. (Back row): Stan Wint (judge), Dave Capstick, Chris Weatherly (judge), Andy Daugherty, Tim Self, and William Smith.

Haney's Silver Dollar captured the 2025 Missouri Open Champion title with a brilliant performance. This stunning white and orange pointer male, handled by Luke Eisenhart, is owned and bred by Chris Cagle of Woodlawn, Tennessee.

Erin's Perfect Storm took the runner-up honors in the Missouri Championship. He is the current National Bird Dog Champion, proudly owned by Brad Woodie. Handled by Luke Eisenhart, Erin's Perfect Storm handed Luke the sweep of this Championship.

The Missouri Open All-Age stake was highly competitive. Barshoe Forget Me Not, a pointer female owned by Bob Gum, was named the winner. Forget Me Not was capably handled to the win by Allen Vincent. Haney's Last Call placed second for handler Judd Carlton. Haney's Last Call is owned by Scott Little and Nick Berrong. Late Hit placed third for owner Christopher Campbell of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was handled by Tom Shenker.

In the Don Fox Memorial Open Derby, the winner emerged as Erin's Bold Ruler, owned by Claudia McNamee and William Bruchey, Chattahoochee, Georgia. Luke Eisenhart handled the young pointer male. Mayfield's Storm Messenger, handled by Pat Siebels, placed second in this competitive Derby stake. Messenger is owned by Scott Mason and Jake Davis, Mayfield, Kentucky. Miller's Triple Crown, a littermate to Messenger, was third. Miller's Triple Crown is owned by Al Bryson of Huntingburg, Indiana, and was handled by Korry Rinehart.

The Missouri Open Championship has been known for many years as one of the top all-age championships in the United States. Its distinction of being an automatic national qualification for the dog named champion has long been a matter of pride for the people involved with hosting this trial. Recent changes in National Championship qualifications have diminished that honor, but this Club still recognizes that this championship is one of the more highly sought-after titles on the circuit. The Missouri State Field Trial Association has guided this championship since 1953 when it began at Busch Wildlife Area in the St. Louis Metro area.

Many different sportsmen have given their efforts to this event over the decades. Through the 2024 renewal and for the 40 years leading up to it, this trial has been under the chairmanship of George Hill. He poured his heart and soul into its success, assisted by many dedicated sportsmen, too numerous to mention. George was instrumental in the trial's move to Grovespring, Missouri, a move made permanent nearly 25 years ago.
George Hill retired from the chairmanship at the end of the 2024 event. He named Bonnie and Dennis Hidalgo as the new co-chairs of the Missouri Open Trials; Sharleen Daugherty agreed to take over the duties of its treasury. George said then that he wasn't sure if he would come to the event in 2025. Those of us who have worked this trial beside him, knew differently. George's friends, including club workers and some of the pros that frequent this event, chipped in for a Life Patron Plaque to honor George. Fast forward to this year's trial, George showed up on the eve of the Missouri Open All-Age and stayed for more than a week. On Friday night, the eve of the Missouri Championship, George was surprised with the presentation of his well-deserved plaque and cake and ice cream for all. It was an evening of reminiscing with good friends. Former trial crew members, Kendell Schmidt, Hank Jansen, and Dennis Auping, drove down for the occasion, bringing dessert and many great stories.

The drawings for the Field Trial Sportsmen's Club of SW Missouri trial and the Missouri State Field Trial Club's Missouri Open Championship were held on Saturday evening, March 15. The drawing commenced at 7 p.m. in the home of Andy and Sharleen Daugherty. Sharleen took all the entries and conducted the drawing with the help of Matt Cochran, Bonnie Hidalgo, and Andy. Entries were up this year; it was surmised that this was in the top three years of the trial's history for entry numbers.

The Field Trial Sportsmen's grounds showed signs of the difficult winter and the weight of snow on the cover. Some of the cover was knocked down, and it was difficult to find adequate cover for planting birds in certain places. In spite of this, there were several of last fall's pre-released coveys located, some of those more than once. The bird planters managed to find enough logical places to put down birds. The quail stayed best in the areas of good cover, showing a definite preference for the briars, much to some handlers' dismay!

We give our heartfelt thanks to Purina for its sponsorship again this year! Greg Blair is very helpful to this event and greatly appreciated! The generous donation of dog food for the winners in each of the three stakes and the shopping credits for the AFTCA store have improved this event. The ease of ordering dog food and gifts is exceptional. Thank you to Purina for coming up with this plan and to AFTCA for your online store and Piper Huffman for her assistance. The jackets for each of the four judges were quality products.

Three of our four advertised judges were able to serve. Mark Livingston and Tim Penn judged the Field Trial Sportsmen's Association's stakes: the Missouri Open All-Age stake and the Don Fox Derby. Stan Wint judged the Missouri Championship as scheduled; Chris Weatherley of Grand Junction, Tenneessee, joined Stan, replacing Harold Woodward who was forced to resign due to a problematic leg injury. Thanks to all of our judges for their time in the saddle.

Trials don't happen without good help, and this one was blessed with some of the best help one could ask for. Early organization and communication between the Hidalgos and Sharleen Daugherty set the stage by securing judges, ordering birds, and creating the trial ad for the UKC Field. A dedicated crew made the Missouri Open trial a rousing success.

Thanks to Dave Capstick and Tim Self, who planted birds every morning for nine days. A huge thanks to Dave for feeding my horses before going out to plant. Thanks to Tim for driving the dog wagon and to Dave Capstick and George Hill for assisting him. They kept the dog wagon loaded with snacks and drinks, in addition to the dogs.

Thanks to William Smith for planting behind the morning braces each day. Also, a major thank you to William for appointing yourself to saddle and unsaddle my horses twice each day! You allowed me more time to tend to other duties.

Thanks to Bob Rankin for keeping the gallery in radio contact with the dog wagon and for taking Dennis to and from the airport so he could attend the trial between medical appointments.

Thanks to Dr. Jim Mills for loaning his truck when ours was having issues. I used it to finish shopping for breakfast and lunch items. Jim was also on standby to assist in any way he was needed.

Thanks to Sharleen Daugherty for the many duties she handled, from the drawing to collecting fees, to all the social hour food and drinks, help with the meals and for running errands. Thank you, Allen Vincent, for frying the fish and other items for that dinner. It was scrumptious! Thanks to Dennis Hidalgo for cooking the pork chop dinner with Sharleen's help. Thanks to the Cagles for sponsoring that delicious meal and to Luke Eisenhart for arranging it.

Missouri Open All-Age
The Missouri Open All Age stake and its companion Don Fox Memorial Open Derby are hosted by the Field Trial Sportsmen's Association of SW Missouri, just as they have been for many years. This year's national qualifying Open All-Age stake attracted 46 entries. While not a record for this stake, it is definitely among the largest entries in the trial's history. There were 44 pointers and two setters drawn; all were starters. This stake commenced as advertised on Monday, March 17.

Social activities for this stake included wonderful social hours created by Sharleen on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Betty Evans and Bonnie and Dennis Hidalgo sponsored a fish fry dinner in memory of John Evans. Allen Vincent fried it to perfection for everyone's enjoyment; Sharleen made delicious desserts to go with it.
Judges for the Missouri Open All-Age were Mark Livingston from Central City, Iowa, and Tim Penn of Kirksville, Missouri. They witnessed a plethora of worthy performances; this stake was filled with quality. Mark and Tim are knowledgeable bird dog men with plenty of field trial experience. They rode hard to observe all contestants equally; they deliberated thoroughly and carefully to choose the winners. The Sportsmen's Association appreciates their time, effort, and friendly personalities! A special thank you from your scribe goes to Tim Penn for sharing a portion of his notes.

The Winners
Barshoe Forget Me Not, the winner, was handled by Allen Vincent and is owned by Bob Gum. Drawn in the first brace of the stake, she was released into Breakaway bottom on Monday morning, March 17. Forget Me Not was forward in pattern from the beginning. She scored her first find at 13, in Double Gates field, and she showed excellent manners. In Davis bottom, she pointed on the left at 23, but it was feathers from a recent hawk kill. Barshoe Forget Me Not pointed again at 30, near the south end of Davis, relocation was required and was successful. She stood mannerly for the flush of her bird. She made short work of the Island field and Apple Tree Hill where she dropped from the radar. She was next seen near Little Vine Road at 53, pointing with grand style; her manners were excellent. She finished well to the front on the Little Vine ridge.

Haney's Last Call earned second place for owners Scott Little and Nick Berrong, under the guidance of Judd Carlton. This fine pointer starred in an action-packed brace that was released at the end of Little Vine loop. Call found game on the cross row in Sycamore bottom at 13; he handled it with intensity, style, and manners. At 22, Call backed his bracemate on Daugherty ridge; nicely done. A second find for Call came at 25, with his bracemate honoring, all in order. Across from the barns at 29, they pointed side by side at a brushy thicket; the other dog was collared when relocation was needed. Judd relocated Last Call successfully with his work ending in a good find. He scored another nice find at 38 on the fence row near the site of the old blue house. He made bold moves in the bull pasture and went on to finish the hour in the clubhouse loop. Last Call was predominantly forward for the hour.

Late Hit, handled by Tom Shenker, placed third. The white and orange pointer male is owned by Chris Campbell. Late Hit appeared in the 14th brace and ran course 2 on Wednesday morning. He turned in a beautifully forward, all-age race and pointed with extreme class. He pointed at 18, just into Sycamore, but it was feathers. At 37, Late Hit shared a divided find with his bracemate near the old blue house site. All was in order. At 42, point was called in the bull pasture for Late Hit; his style was high, and manners were good through flush and shot. He finished well and to the front.

The Running
Shadow Oak New Edition (Eisenhart) and Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) were released into Breakaway bottom on Monday morning. Barshoe Forget Me Not won the stake and her performance is described above. Edition broke fast and forward but had no bird contact and suffered several long absences.

Haney's Last Call (Carlton) and Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty) were released at the end of the Little Vine loop. Last Call placed second, and his performance is described under "The Winners." Wheels honored nicely and at good distance at 13. At 22, Wheels was pointed with bracemate backing on Daugherty ridge; all in order. Wheels honored again at 25. Across from the barns at 29, the dogs were pointed side by side. Daugherty opted not to take part in the relocation. Wheels pointed at 34, in a brushy draw, before the big pond. The quail were flushed with the dog standing tight. Wheels finished the hour to the front.

Sandridge Big Iron (Vincent) with Erin's War Eagle (Eisenhart) started at the Clubhouse gate. Dr. Jim Mills, owner of Big Iron, was in the gallery. Big Iron was absent several times and was eventually picked up. Eagle pointed nicely at 5, but nothing could be produced. He scored a nice find at 7. Eagle's race was a bit ragged, and he was picked up before the hour expired.

Erin's Doc Holliday (Bell) and Bonner's Hot Rod (Siebels) were first up after lunch. Doc was a handful with no game contact. Rod ran a big and mainly forward race. He scored a nice find in Double Gates at 13, on the south edge. He scored a second good find on Apple Tree Hill at 42. They finished the hour well into the Little Vine ridge loop.

Westfall's Power Trip (Daugherty) and Rester's Johnny Ringo (Eisenhart) were released at the end of Little Vine loop and headed toward Sycamore bottom. Trip went out on a limb to find birds at 17 in Double Gates field, all was completed in order. At this same moment, Eisenhart was flushing for Ringo along the road edge and was successful. Ringo scored a second find at 24 and looked sharp on his game. Power Trip had his second find on Daugherty's ridge at 27, nicely done. Ringo notched a third find in the bull Pasture at 37. Trip pointed stylishly, also at 37, but when Daugherty saw feathers, he collared Trip, only to flush a quail as they walked out. Both dogs ran big races, finishing near the pond at the back of Clubhouse loop.

I'm Gallant (Vincent) and Haney's Storm Warning (Eisenhart). Storm was lost soon after the breakaway, and the tracker was out at 20. Gallant made some beautiful moves but was a handful and absent at times. He did not have bird contact.

World Class Instigator (Cochran) and Blackhawk Lucky Charm (Vincent). Instigator was lost early. Charm's owner, Dr. Jim Mills, was mounted. She was released on course 1 on Tuesday morning. She was forward nicely to the rocky creek crossing. Soon afterward, she could be seen on point on the far line in Double Gates field. She held high and tight until the flush when she wheeled to mark, taking too many steps.

Valor's Lace and Grace (Rinehart) with Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Vincent) turned loose into Davis bottom. These two stylish setters were fleet of foot. Grace showed a big run but was difficult to handle in the wind. Sugar scored a beautiful find at 6, on the centerline in Davis bottom. She was stylish and mannerly. Sugar was missing late in the hour, and her tracker was needed at 47.

Erin's Perfect Storm (Eisenhart) and Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) were released into Sycamore bottom. Vette backed nicely at 11 and 20. He used the edge in Sycamore bottom well, running a strong, forward race. Vette pointed with style at 27 but moved at the flush. Perfect Storm scored his first find at 11 at the end of Sycamore; he displayed fine style and manners. At 20, near the barn, Storm scored another beautiful find. In the bull pasture, he suffered a barren stand at 32. Erin's Perfect Storm ran a big edge running race, which finished forward in the Clubhouse loop.

Lester's War Bird (Lester) and Haney's Silver Dollar (Eisenhart). War Bird scored a pretty find, above the Double Gates at 14, with all in order. At 23, both dogs were pointing in Davis bottom; both were high and tight throughout. These pointers covered a lot of acres, used the edges, and were predominantly forward.

Lester's Front Porch (Siebels) and Bandit's Hill Avenger (Rinehart). Avenger was the winner of the 2024 American Derby Invitational Championship held on these grounds last spring. Front Porch scored a forward, limb find at 13. He showed high style and manners. On the ridge near the barns at 21, Avenger carded a first-class find. Porch pointed at 22, but even relocation failed to yield his quarry. Porch ran an attractive forward race at excellent speed and range. Avenger scored his second nice find at 25, near the big pond. Avenger's third find came at 31, in the first draw of the bull pasture. Avenger applied himself well; he ran with an attractive gait and knew where the front was. At 57, near the pond in the Clubhouse loop, he inadvertently flushed a quail. As he came to a stop, the bird flew at his face, and he reached for it. That move ended a performance that may have changed the results.

Erin's Code of Honor (Eisenhart) and Westfall's Mandalay (Daugherty) were released in the west end of Clubhouse loop. Both dogs were forward heading up the hill to the barn; Honor was seen standing at 6, below the pond to the west, a limb find. Mandalay was pointing on the line to the south of the barns. Both dogs showed excellent style and manners. Mandalay scored a second find at 13, all in order. Mandalay was missing when the course crossed the road; Daugherty took the tracker at 25. Honor scored a second find at 26, near the cemetery. He showed perfect style and manners. He finished his hour forward, without further birdwork.

Erin's Copper Colt (Carlton) and World Class Migraine (Siebels) were first up on Wednesday morning. This pair was fast and forward from the breakaway. At 13, they were standing together in a divided find in Double Gates field. Colt made an advance at the bird and was up. Migraine stood mannerly throughout. Migraine pointed on the first line in Davis, showing good style through the flush of his birds at 23. He made a big move on the right edge, taking it to the centerline in Davis, where he locked up on point. He was mannerly on this one, at 29. He ran the remainder of the hour with forward moves and finished well.

Late Hit (Shenker) and Just Sayin (Carlton). Late Hit's performance is related in "The Winners" section. At 37, the pair divided a find near the old house site. All was in order. Just Sayin scored a second find at 41 in the bull pasture. He ran a good race.

Wild Covey Sundial (Daugherty) and Coldwater War Cry (Vincent) were released heading up into Clubhouse loop, the morning's final brace. Conditions were deteriorating as the promised strong winds were gaining speed. No birds were found, and neither dog finished the hour.

Erin's High Note (Carlton) and Wynona's All Business (Vincent). The wind was obnoxious this afternoon, with a steady gale and higher speed bursts. The hilltops were nearly unbearable. Business was gone to the front and the tracker out at 21 in Davis. High Note ran a nice race despite the conditions. He pointed before Horse Killer Hill at 42, but no birds were moved.

Miller's Heat Advisory (Judd) and Beeler's White Knight (Beeler) were headed up the hill into Little Vine. Heat went without bird contact. The extreme wind created communication problems, making the dogs hard to manage at times. Knight ran big and was difficult to keep track of. He encountered birds but did not handle them well at 23.

Westfall's True Grit (Daugherty) and World Class High Def (Siebels). Jack was not his usual self and was up early. High Def made some good moves but had no bird contact.

Erin's Three Amigos (Carlton) and Southern Thunder (Shenker) were the first brace on Thursday morning. Amigo ran a good race, used his edges but not as big as his bracemate. Amigo pointed birds at 42, just prior to Horse Killer Hill. His style and intensity were high, and his manners for flush and shot were very nice. Thunder scored a beautiful limb find in the upper corner of the Double Gates field. He displayed lofty style and great manners. He ran a powerful race, consistently showing far forward on the edges.

Westfall's Pioneer Pete (Daugherty) and Comanche (Eisenhart). Comanche was out of pocket before the end of Sycamore bottom, and the tracker was in use. Pete was mainly forward in pattern through Sycamore and across Daugherty's ridge. Just past the twin barns, he grabbed the right edge smartly. He pointed there at 28 but took them out.

Mayfield Storm Front (Siebels) and Wynona's Rebel (Vincent). Storm Front backed Rebel on a covey find at 20 in Climer's. Both dogs showed fine style. At 33 in Clubhouse loop, Storm pointed on the ridge. A nice covey was flushed but the dog had too much movement. At 37, in the far corner of Clubhouse loop, Rebel was seen pointing. He showed excellent style. Relocation showed only a pile of feathers, and he was taken on. Rebel was absent at time but was spotted on the hill above the road moments later.

Mayfield Storm Messenger (Siebels) and Erin's Bold Ruler (Eisenhart). Bold Ruler was lost early in the hour. Messenger began nicely but became overly attracted to the woods and was picked up.

Wild Covey Strikezone (Daugherty) and Miller's King Poast (Lester). Strikezone disappeared on Apple Tree Hill and was not seen again under judgment. King pointed at 1 on the south edge of Apple Tree Hill. It was not productive. Korry took him to the front and continued as his handler due to Gary's ailing ribs. King made a big move to the northwest corner of the ridge loop in Little Vine. He was found on point there at 18, by scout Allen Vincent. The pointer showed beautiful style and manners. Catching the front at the edge of the hill, he pointed on the left at 20. King showed the same beautiful class and poise. At 24, he pointed on the ditch line; again, flawless style and manners were witnessed. He headed on toward Sycamore bottom, and that was the last he was seen under judgment.

Missouri Open All-Age: Matt Cochran with Barshoe Forget Me Not, Luke Eisenhart with Haney's Last Call, Korry Rinehart, and Tom Shenker with Late Hit. (Back row): Tim Penn (judge), Allen Vincent, Dave Capstick, Judd Carlton, George Hill, Mike Lemons, Mark Livingston (judge), Bonnie Hidalgo, Dr. Bob Rankin, and Tim Self.

Grovespring, Mo., March 17
Judges: Mark Livingston and Tim Penn
MISSOURI OPEN ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 44 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-BARSHOE FORGET ME NOT, F1692349, pointer female, by Whippoorwill Justified-Greypointe Invierna. Robert Gum, owner; Allen Vincent, handler.
2d-HANEY'S LAST CALL, F1702601, pointer male, by Dominator's Rebel Heir-Haney's North Star. Scott & Lisa Little, owners; Judd Carlton, handler.
3d-LATE HIT, F1687601, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-Abigail Lil. Christopher Campbell, owner; Tom Shenker, handler.

Don Fox Memorial Open Derby
The Don Fox Derby followed the running of the Open All-Age qualifier and ran in its entirety on Friday, March 21. Twenty-five of the country's top derby dogs were drawn and started in this stake. All but one of the 12 dogs invited to the American Derby Invitational Championship were entered. As you might expect, there were many quality performances.

A social hour was held in the clubhouse at the conclusion of the stake. Placements were announced and the judges were gifted with jackets. Sharleen supplied the appetizers, Ken Schmidt provided cake for dessert, and Dennis Auping brought the ice cream.

Judges for this well-respected derby stake were Tim Penn and Mark Livingston. They put in a hard day with 13 braces of young dogs. They took a short lunch and spent a long afternoon in the saddle, what with the seventh brace of the afternoon finishing a good distance from the clubhouse. The Field Trial Sportsmen's Association greatly appreciates their dedication, perseverance, and decisions.

Erin's Bold Ruler won this stake for handler Luke Eisenhart with a big, solid, and forward race. He had one find in which he demonstrated superb style and manners on his game. This attractive young pointer is owned by Claudia MacNamee and William Bruchey, Chattahoochee, Georgia.
Erin's Bold Ruler ran in the third brace with Arkansas' Headliner. Ruler was quickly away to the front. At 15, they were facing each other with an obvious hole between them; their handlers elected to take them on. At 26, Bold Ruler backed Headliner expertly. This stand did not yield any birds. At 29, point was called for Bold Ruler; his birds were put to flight, and the shot fired with all in perfect order. Bold Ruler ran a great, forward race.

Mayfield Storm Messenger placed second with one good find in a strong all-age race. He was under the guidance of Pat Siebels for owners Scott Mason and Jake Davis of Mayfield, Kentucky.
Mayfield Storm Messenger ran in the ninth brace with Beeler's Final Solution; they appeared on the first half of course 2. Messenger was out the front soon after breaking away. At 7, Messenger styled up on point on the left, just prior to the descent from Little Vine loop. Birds were put up with all in order. He showed forward at 9, headed toward Sycamore bottoms, then showed again near the road at Double Gates. On Daugherty's ridge, Messenger showed on the front right, headed toward the twin barns. He finished strong to the front.

Miller's Triple Crown, handled by Korry Rinehart, was third. Crown scored a stylish find and ran an attractive, forward race. He is owned and bred by Al Bryson, Huntingburg, Indiana.
Miller's Triple Crown ran in brace 12, which covered the first half of course 1. Point was called at 12 for Triple Crown; he was standing beside the wooded line of the creek in Double Gates field. His style and manners were of a high caliber. After his find, Triple Crown wasted no time on his way to the front, making short work of Davis bottom. He finished to the front, heading towards Horse Killer Hill.

The judges gave mention to Beeler's Final Solution for his outstanding all-age race. They stated that he just needed a find to be in the placements.

Don Fox Memorial Open Derby. (front): Judd Carlton with Erin's Bold Ruler, Derek Rogers with Mayfield Storm Messenger, and Korry Rinehart with Miller's Triple Crown. (Back row): Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo, Luke Eisenhart, Pat Siebels, Gary Lester, Mark Livingston (judge), Tim Penn (judge), and Dr. Bob Rankin.

DON FOX MEMORIAL OPEN DERBY - 24 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-ERIN'S BOLD RULER, F1706515, pointer male, by Erin's Grey Justice-Erin's Miss Sam Houston. Claudia McNamee & William Bruchey, owners; Luke Eisenhart, handler.
2d-MAYFIELD STORM MESSENGER, F1718210, pointer male, by Lester's Front Porch-Bryson's Dialing Jo. Scott Mason & Jake Davis, owners; Pat Siebels, handler.
3d-MILLER'S TRIPLE CROWN, F1718206, pointer male, by Lester's Front Porch-Bryson's Dialing Jo. Al Bryson, owner; Korry Rinehart, handler.

Missouri Open Championship
The Missouri State Field Trial Association-sponsored Missouri Open Championship commenced at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 22. An entry of 46 dogs, which included 38 pointers, two Setters, and six German Shorthairs, was reduced by scratches to a starting field of 41, with all five scratches being pointers. Before the scratches, this would have been the second or third largest entry in the history of this championship. The largest entry was 55 dogs; this occurred on the Grovespring grounds approximately 15 years ago. Memories are not clear on the exact year!

Social events during the championship started on Saturday evening with the 2024 Winner's banquet sponsored by the Chris Cagle family and hosted by Luke Eisenhart in honor of Haney's Storm Warning's 2024 win. A pork chop dinner was prepared and served by Dennis Hidalgo and Sharleen Daugherty. On Sunday night, Dennis fixed chicken fettucine alfredo for all in attendance. On Monday evening, Sharleen served appetizers and Dennis served chicken tacos, which were well received by the crowd.

We felt privileged to have Stan Wint and Chris Weatherly as our judges for the championship. They each come with excellent qualifications. They have both competed in and judged numerous field trials. Stan and Chris were very observant and watched all dogs carefully; they brought great experience to their judicial roles. Stan is a retired judge of the National Championship at Ames Plantation. Chris is an employee at Ames and is a major factor in the running of that prestigious event. The judges were presented with jackets as a thank you for their time and effort. Their decisions were rendered promptly following the stake's conclusion on Tuesday morning; the winners came as no surprise to those who rode and watched.

Winners and Others
The 2025 Champion, Haney's Silver Dollar, which was handled to the win by Luke Eisenhart, is owned by Chris Cagle. He is a half-brother to last year's winner, Haney's Storm Warning with both being produced by the blue hen dam, Haney's North Star.

Haney's Silver Dollar drew brace 8, the second to run on Sunday morning. He was turned loose into the hilly section of Little Vine. Judd Carlton found him on point in the far corner of the loop at 4. He was majestic, but even relocation failed to produce his birds. Dollar made it through Sycamore bottom in a hurry and was found standing near the end of it at 12. His style was stunning, his manners perfect. Dollar scored again; this was by the twin barns at 23, his style and manners were excellent. In the bull pasture, Dollar and his bracemate hunted hard in the corner behind the pond. At 36, Dollar located the quarry when he pointed at the cedar in the fence corner for his third and final find. His style and manners were noteworthy. Through Climer's and on to the Clubhouse loop, he stayed far forward. Time expired as he was reaching up the hill toward the twin barns. It was an exhilarating hour.

Erin's Perfect Storm annexed the runner-up title for handler Luke Eisenhart and owner Brad Woodie. Storm appeared in the final brace, the third one on Tuesday morning. He made big moves through Sycamore bottom and was seen on its centerline. Perfect Storm scored a find, with eye-catching style at 14 on the edge of the hill at the alley. Three birds flew in three directions; one landed in the direction the course would take. Handler and scout tried to take him past it, but when he got past it, the wind carried its scent to Storm, and he turned and pointed. He was collared off by scout Judd Carlton; it was a non-event that might have been a disaster for a less seasoned dog. Storm had a find at 23, on the line near the barns; it was attractive through flush and shot. Erin's Perfect Storm ran the right edge, along the woods in the big field where he pointed at 27. This was a large pre-released covey, handled with finesse. At 31, further down the same edge, he pointed again; this was also a flawless piece of birdwork. Erin's Perfect Storm's race was strong and forward with a bold finish.

The Running
Valor's Lace and Grace (Rinehart) and Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) drew brace 1 and started in Breakaway bottom. Grace's owner, Ray Carter, was on hand to watch Grace. Forget Me Not pointed at 4, but nothing was produced. Point was called for her again at 9; she stood on the west side of the creek. After some searching, Vincent was able to flush quail over the staunch and stylish pointer. At 11, Grace scored a very nice find on the south edge of the Double Gates field. Forget me Not pointed with high style at 24, on the left in Davis bottom. Both dogs ran forward at good range for the majority of the hour. Forget Me Not pointed near the road in Little Vine, but birds were not seen by the judges and gallery. This meant a second unproductive for her, and she was taken up. Grace finished the hour.

Comanche (Eisenhart) and Southern Thunder (Shenker). Comanche was forward at the start but later went missing. He showed again at the end of Sycamore bottom. He was forward up the ridge but was not cooperative and his handler opted to pick him up. Thunder scored a beautiful find in the end of Sycamore bottom at 13. His second find was near the barns at 24. He displayed high intensity and lofty style. His race was big; he covered Sycamore bottom quickly, disappeared after his find at 13, but showed to the front on Daugherty's ridge. After the find at 24, he was gone briefly. When he returned, he moved forward through the bull pasture until he was lost from sight. He was not recovered under judgment.

Miller's Heat Advisory (Carlton) and Wild Covey Sundial (Daugherty). Sundial pointed nicely on the west end of Clubhouse loop at 6 but took steps at the flush to end his bid. Heat had a back at 6, with manners and class. He pointed at 18, but no birds were produced. Heat pointed again, this at 21, with success. In Sycamore bottom, he went west on the south edge where he pointed at 31. He looked beautiful on point, and his manners were beyond reproach. He was headed through the Double Gates and past the Daugherty house. Just before the cemetery, he locked up tight in a known bird area. Despite a lengthy flush and relocation attempt, the work ended in his second nonproductive.

Erin's Code of Honor (Eisenhart) and Coldwater War Cry (Vincent) ran on course 1 following lunch. Honor had a find at 12 in the Double Gates field. He showed style and manners for the flush of his quarry. Honor found game again at 17, when he pointed on the first cross line of Davis bottom; he was flawless. At 21, he had a stop to flush. In the final 15 minutes, he was seen from time to time, usually well forward. War Cry was lost early.

Late Hit (Shenker) and Miller's King Poast (Lester). King had not been seen for several minutes when he was found pointing just into the alley off of Sycamore bottom at 12. He stood with incredible style as his handler put up the birds. Both dogs scored separate finds at 20, just before the barns; both were attractive and mannerly pieces of birdwork. They had a divided find at 23, just west of the barns, all in order. King scored a fourth find at 28 near the old house site. Again, he was beautiful and steady. Both dogs made big, bold moves throughout the hour. Hit appeared to be stronger at the close of the hour, but the two were closely matched.

Mayfield Storm Messenger (Siebels) and Beeler's White Knight (Beeler) were the final pair on Saturday. Knight scored a stylish find in the fence row in front of the barns, all was in order. Messenger was forward at that time. Into the alley, both dogs were absent. Neither was returned under judgment.

World Class High Def (Siebels) and Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty). Wheels was scratched and Haney's Storm Warning (Eisenhart) moved up from brace 14 to the first brace on Sunday morning. Storm Warning ran a barely controlled, huge forward race. He scored his only find in Double Gates field at 11. His style was spectacular. He pointed again at time, but it was barren. High Def ran a nice, predominantly forward race. At 44, on Apple Tree Hill, he pointed stylishly but self-released as his handler was flushing and was picked up.

Chicoree's Trixie (DiMambro) and Haney's Silver Dollar (Eisenhart). Silver Dollar's performance is described in "The Winners" section. Trixie backed Dollar from afar with attractive style and perfect manners at 12. At 24, point was called for Trixie on the right edge. She showed good style and high intensity. Her manners were flawless for flush and shot. In the bull pasture, she ran the left side into the far corner and hunted it hard, then went on to the front. Once into the Clubhouse loop, Trixie was seen on point on the right at 45. Again, her manners and intensity were excellent. Chicoree's Trixie finished coming out of Clubhouse loop, having done a commendable job for the hour.

Sandridge Big Iron (Vincent) and Erin's High Note (Eisenhart) were released in Horse Corral bottom, headed toward the barns. Dr. Mills was riding for Big Iron. Note pointed staunchly at 11, with Pete honoring nicely, but it was not productive. Pete pointed stylishly on the line near the lower parking lot; this proved to be unproductive at 26. Both dogs continued forward to the creek crossing; after the crossing, they went north instead of south and were quickly out of pocket. Their handlers went in pursuit and eventually decided to pick them up.

I'm Gallant (Vincent) and Monkeyshine's Breeze (DiMambro). This was the first brace of Sunday afternoon. Jay McKenzie was mounted to watch Gallant. Gallant did a good job of running the edges. He pointed at 32, with Breeze honoring him politely. Breeze showed a lot of speed and seemed intent on getting Gallant to go with her. Neither dog found game and were up late in the hour.

World Class Instigator (Cochran) and Lester's Front Porch (Siebels) turned loose, heading up the hill in Little Vine loop. Instigator was lost by the end of Sycamore bottom. Porch pointed in Little Vine, but it was unproductive at 6. This dog put on a bird-finding exhibition! He notched his first find in Sycamore at 14; his second came at 33, near the barns, and his third was on the right at 35. These were all very well-mannered pieces of birdwork. Lester's Front Porch had his fourth find at 39, just below the old house site, and it was flawlessly executed. He pointed at 48, near the pond in the bull pasture, the bird flew past his head, and he took a step. Porch finished his hour heading into Clubhouse loop.

Bonner's Hot Rod (Siebels) and Westfall's Mandalay (Daugherty) turned loose heading into Clubhouse loop. Mandalay encountered scent coming down toward the Clubhouse lot; he got too close to a woodcock and was picked up. Rod scored a good find at 19, just beyond the barns. His style and manners were good. Rod was forward through the alley and across the road. After the creek crossing, he got out of pocket, and his tracker was taken.

High Standing Woody (DiMambro) and Wynona's All Business (Vincent) started the day's running on Monday. Business' owner, Dr. Bob Rankin, was in the gallery. Woody was fast away, but little was seen of him after that, and he was eventually lost. Business showed to the front nicely. At 14, he pointed briefly at the ditch before the road crossing but took the birds out to end his chances.

Slaterock's Rommel (DiMambro) and Rester's Johnny Ringo (Eisenhart). Both dogs were forward in pattern and at nice range. At 31, near the end of Sycamore bottom, Rommel pointed stylishly. No birds were produced. As we caught the front, Ringo was on point on the right, just prior to the barns at 37. Relocation was required but he ran over the bird and was up. Rommel dropped from view in the big field but was spied on point by his scout at 46. The staunch Shorthair was buried in the cover just off the edge of the big pond. Relocation was required, and it was successful. Into the Bull pasture he went down the hill on the left. His scout called point for him. The dog looked intent, but only a rabbit was flushed at 53. Rommel finished his hour forward, heading into the private ground.

Miss Arkansas (Lemons) and Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Vincent) turned loose near Climer's gate. They were fast and forward. Sugar was spotted on the hill in the second pasture and then again coming down from the clubhouse loop. Miss came off Climer's Hill and headed down the valley. She returned to the front near the Clubhouse gate. The pair was absent again before the end of the loop. Lemons pulled the tracker on Miss. When he went for her, he spotted Sugar. Vincent was alerted and rode to bring her back on course. Up the hill, she went toward the barns, and just beyond them, she went on point. She was steady at the flush of her birds but took steps after the shot.

Mayfield Storm Front (Siebels) and Bandit's Hill Avenger (Rinehart) were the first brace on Monday afternoon. Ann Forrester was on hand to see Avenger. Avenger scored a classy find on Davis bottoms right edge at 21. Storm honored there but was picked up afterward. Avenger made a huge move down the line, checked the center line, and then resumed down the west edge. Avenger was found on point in the Island field, but it was not productive. Avenger pointed in the back corner of Little Vine loop at 57, but even relocation failed to locate the bird, and he was up.

Evergreen's Jed (DiMambro) and World Class Migraine (Siebels) were released just out of Little Vine loop. Jed pointed at 18 on Daugherty's ridge; no birds were located. At 27, Jed took birds out near the barn. Migraine backed nicely at 18. He pointed below the big pond at 30, with his birds nicely located and showing good style. Migraine pointed again near the old house site at 32, birds were put up with everything as it should be. His race was not challenging previous performances, and Siebels opted to pick up.

Wynona's Rebel (Vincent) and Lester's War Bird (Lester) were released in Climer's pasture. Rebel's race did not match what he had shown earlier this week, and he was up before the hour was out. War Bird scored an extremely mannerly, high-tailed find at 16 along the west fence of Clubhouse loop. A few minutes later, he was pointing once more, but this was a barren stand. He was forward to the barns and down the alley. He crossed the road, passed the Daugherty house and the cemetery but his race was not suiting his handler, and he was picked up in front of the corrals.

Blackhawk Lucky Charm (Vincent) ran as a bye due to the scratch of Westfall's True Grit. Lucky was up first thing on Tuesday. She was forward in pattern but found no birds.

Como Thunder (Russell) and Mackey's Jim (DiMambro) were released into Davis bottom. Jim's owner, Abe Mackey, was scouting him. Thunder flew down the right line of Davis bottom and was on point at 2. He stood tall and stayed tight. Into Island field, he grabbed the left edge, stopping to point at 13. His handler called attention to a rabbit leaving the scene and collared Thunder out of the cover. As he did so, he flushed a quail. Thunder was released and made quick work of the Island field. On the left edge, before Horse Killer Hill, Thunder had the misfortune of running over a quail and was out of contention. At 4, Jim pointed with impressive style and poise for the flush of his game. Jim was mostly forward at good range but shortened and was picked up at 34.

Erin's Perfect Storm (Eisenhart) and Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) were the final brace of the trial. Erin's Perfect Storm is the new runner-up, and his hour was described earlier. Vette made good moves through Sycamore bottom. On the top of the ridge at 20, Vette pointed tentatively, and Huffman whistled him up, but the dog would not move. The handler then rode his horse past the dog and called him; at that moment, a covey lifted. Huffman elected to pick up.

Judges: Chris Weatherly and Stan Wint
MISSOURI OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 33 Pointers, 2 Setters, and 6 German Shorthairs
Winner-HANEY'S SILVER DOLLAR, F1698758, pointer male, by Ransom-Haney's North Star. Steve Croy, owner; Luke Eisenhart, handler.
Runner-Up-ERIN'S PERFECT STORM, F1692323, pointer male, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Erin's Bet On Me. Brad Woodie, owner; Luke Eisenhart, handler.

George Hill with his Patron Plaque and cakes.