Result: Esmont Field Trial Club of Virginia

Location: Brookneal, Virginia

Post Date: Dec 1, 2025

Submitted By: Tommy Stargell

The Esmont trial was held on October 25 and 26 at beautiful Sadie Ridge Farm in Brookneal, Virginia. Sadie Ridge is owned by Sandra and Grayson Francis. Their generosity and hospitality were second to none. Not a soul left without being stuffed with good food and thoroughly enjoying themselves. We all thank our hosts; you outdid yourselves.

We also genuinely thank Purina and Greg Blair, who sponsored our trial. Their products are second to none, and their loyalty is unquestioned. Thank you for all that you do for us.
We began with the first of two Amateur Derby stakes. Littermates were the eventual winners. In second was Bevy's Cotton Patch handled by Tommy Stargell, who scored one covey find and a back. In first was Sadie Ridge Rip for Grayson Francis, who had a good find midway through and one at pickup. The ground races for these two were basically equal, with ample speed and pattern being shown. This was a very nice performance by both dogs.

The second stake was an Amateur All-Age. Gene Hogge's Pagan Creek Atticus garnered second place. Atticus had birds at 7, 9, 14, and finished. Our winner was Dry Creek Ares (Jeff Smith), who found his birds 10 minutes into his brace.

We adjourned for a wonderful Saturday night supper fixed entirely by our hostess, Sandra Francis. The spaghetti et al was delicious.

Sunday morning, Sandra had coffee and an assortment of fruit, breads, and muffins; way too much work, but appreciated.

Bruce Conover's Action Jackson won the Amateur Shooting Dog. His always-to-the-front shooting dog pattern was coupled with two quality finds, the second right at pickup. Chloe Lewis handled her Greypointe Nubarron to second place with two finds and an even ground pattern. In third was Worth Lewis and setter Nomads Change Order. He carded two of the most beautiful and independently performed backs I have ever seen and had a find of his own.
The second Derby, our last stake, was won by Al Dahl's Buffalo JCT Penny. Penny had a splendid find on the course bottom and a forward race. In second was Worth Lewis's Nomads Easy Come Easy Go, who had a spirited and good race.

Once again, we went to the Clubhouse for the last terrific lunch, prepared by Miss Sandra.
Tremendous accolades and applause go to our bird planter, Darryl Miller. Equal thanks go out to our Judges, Grayson Francis, Al Dahl, and Gene Hogge. You all did splendid work!
It is always a good time at Sadie Ridge, and this trial followed that pattern. Thank you to all for your entries and your fellowship.

Until next year!

Brookneal, Va., October 24
Judges: Al Dahl and Gene Hogge
AMATEUR DERBY - 4 Pointers
1st-SADIE RIDGE RIP, F1714960, pointer male, by Rocky River Loaded-Sadie Ridge Sally. Grayson Francis, owner and handler.
2d-BEVY'S COTTON PATCH, F1714965, pointer female, by Rocky River Loaded-Sadie Ridge Sally. Thomas A. Stargell, owner and handler.

Judges: Grayson Francis and Tommy Stargell
AMATEUR ALL-AGE - 8 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-DRY CREEK ARES, F1696250, pointer male, by Bad News Bob-Dry Creek Ginger Snap. Jeff Smith, owner and handler.
2d-PAGAN CREEK ATTICUS, F1692037, pointer male, by Goldberg-Mohawk. Gene Hogge, owner and handler.

Judges: Al Dahl and Tommy Stargell
AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG - 4 Pointers, 2 Setters, and 1 Brittany
1st-ACTION JACKSON, F1726999, Brittany male, by Sam In Unison Levi-Top Gun Sugar. Bruce Conover, owner and handler.
2d-GREYPOINTE NUBARRON, F1674499, pointer male, by S F Bandwagon-Greypointe Gloriosa. Worth Lewis, owner; Chloe Lewis, handler.
3d-NOMADS CHANGE ORDER, F1700670, setter male, by Black Top-Jo Veeta. Worth Lewis, owner and handler.

Judges: Greyson Francis and Tommy Stargell
AMATEUR DERBY - 3 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-BUFFALO JCT PENNY, F1720749, pointer female, by Warmarks Suny Hill Jo's Texas-Warmarks Heatseeker's Kris. Al Dahl, owner and handler.
2d-NOMADS EASY COME EASY GO, F1714931, setter male, by T's Ridge Reaper-Bell On The Run. Worth Lewis, owner and handler.