Result: Ames Amateur Joe G. Walker Memorial Field Trial

Location: Grand Junction, Tennessee

Post Date: Jan 20, 2026

Submitted By: Kent Walker

Amateur All-Age (l-r): Coldwater Paradise with Michelle Clark, Lam's Prime Choice with Jim Lawless, and Arkansas' Headliner with Mike Lemons.

This year marked the 49th running of the Ames Amateur Joe G. Walker Memorial Field Trial Club. Forty entries were drawn for the All-Age and 15 for the Derby. As it has been for many years, the Ames Amateur continues to be one of the most prominent and highly attended amateur all-age trials in the country. The trial began December 29, 2025, and concluded January 1, 2026.

This year, all braces were run on the morning courses, as the afternoon courses at Ames Plantation are undergoing a massive quail restoration project under the guidance of Tall Timbers. Weather conditions for the trial were less than desirable. Monday morning temperatures and windy conditions had wind chills in the mid-teens throughout most of the day. Tuesday morning breakaway was 23 degrees with bright skies, with high temps for the day near freezing. Wednesday and Thursday had bright sunny skies with temperatures reaching 64 degrees for the afternoon derby stake.

Winning first place this year in the All-Age was Gary McKibben's veteran performer, Coldwater Paradise. "Josie" was credited with two finds and two backs in her hour to go along with a forward searching ground race. Just two weeks ago, at the Region 6 Shooting Dog Championship held on these same grounds, this 7-year-old versatile pointer took home the championship trophy. Quite a feat! Garnering second place was Lam's Prime Choice for Jon Lam. Prime Choice also had two mannerly finds and a consistent and well-handled race. Third-place laurels were awarded to Arkansas' Headliner for Mike Lemons. This first-year pointer was also credited with two contacts on game. On his first find, quail lifted underneath the dog, causing the dog to mark flight, separating him from the other winners.

In the companion Derby stake, Gary McKibben was once again back in the winners' circle with his winning derby, Coldwater Swagger. Taking second and third place honors was the father-son team of Jim and Matt Pendergest, with Pendy's Next Chapter taking second and Pendy's Specialist, third. All derby winners were placed on ground race and all-age potential.

Judging this year's renewal were Kyle Graves and Chris Weatherly in the All-Age, with Joey McAlexander assisting Kyle for the Derby. My thanks to these guys for their time and attention in evaluating all the entries this week. There are many people I want to thank for helping put this trial on year after year. First, my thanks to Matt Backus and the Ames Plantation for allowing this trial to continue to run on these prestigious grounds over the many years. Ken Blackman has been a stalwart, driving the dog wagon, providing snacks at the breaks, and collecting entry fees. The Junction Inn this year served delicious daily lunches for everyone. We even had turnip greens and black-eyed peas on New Year's Day! Thanks, Betsy. As always, my partner Chris Weatherly was there to marshal the well-laid-out derby courses. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank our generous sponsor, Sportsman's Pride Dog Food, for all they do for this trial and others throughout the Midsouth Field Trial Association and Region 6.

Grand Junction, Tenn., December 29
Judges: Kyle Graves and Chris Weatherly
AMATEUR ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 35 Pointers and 5 Setters
1st-COLDWATER PARADISE, F1684062, pointer female, by Coldwater Spectre-Coldwater Belle. Gary McKibben, owner and handler.
2d-LAM'S PRIME CHOICE, F1696981, pointer male, by Game Wardon-Wiggins White Angel. Jon Lam, owner and handler.
3d-ARKANSAS' HEADLINER, F1704230, pointer male, by Arkansas Warrior-White River Jade. Mike Lemons, owner and handler.

Judges: Kyle Graves and Joey McAlexander
AMATEUR DERBY - 13 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-COLDWATER SWAGGER, F1717640, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-Rebel Belle. Gary McKibben, owner and handler.
2d-PENDY'S NEXT CHAPTER, F1712004, pointer female, by Imagine-Cocklebur Dragon Tattoo. Matt Pendergest, owner and handler.
3d-PENDY'S SPECIALIST, F1715268, pointer female, by Haney's All In-Dialed Up. Jim Pendergest, owner and handler.

Amateur Derby (l-r): Coldwater Swagger with David Williams, Pendy's Next Chapter with Matt Pendergest, and Pendy's Specialist with Jim Pendergest.