Result: Sedgefields Field Trial Club

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: Dec 18, 2021

Submitted By: Morgan Brewer

Amateur Derby Winners. From left: George Tracy, Mindy, Hunter and Addison McDuffie with Calico's Sky is the Limit, Justin Green, Brayden Renfroe with second place winner Miller's Automatic Upgrade, Bo Brewer, Morgan Brewer, Roger Key with third place winner Erin's Young Offender, and Alan Atkins.

Sedgefields Field Trial Club held its inaugural "Shenandoah Derby" on November 11 at celebrated Shenandoah Plantation in Union Springs, Ala.

Shenandoah Plantation is located in the field trial capital of the world and owned by Dr. John Reardon. Dr. Reardon has hosted the "Super Bowl" for youth field trials for eight consecutive years. He and his staff Shenandoah staff have been a staple for our youth and he has taken it to the next level to promote a desired Derby stake to the field trial world.

I was honored to spend the summer of 2010 at Gates Camp in Canada. Hall-of-Famer Robin Gates said his mother always asked about the Derbies, which weren't his favorite but she was adamant that it was his future. They are the future of field trials. Promoting our youth and a Derby stake at Shenandoah will help this beloved sport remain alive and that's exactly what Dr. Reardon has done.

Many exciting things happened at the trial.

The Amateur Derby started first brace after lunch on Saturday. Belle, handled by Bucky Street and Lou handled by Hunter McDuffie came to the line.They are littermates and their daughters, Claire Street and Addison McDuffie, turned them loose. Claire and Addison are avid contenders in youth field trials and are proving they are ready to run with "the big boys."

Brayden Renfroe turned a dog loose for his debut as an amateur handler. Veteran youth handler Anna Grace Tompkins handled a dog for the first time as well as scouted for the first time in an amateur trial.

Ban and Allison Stewart prepared lunch on the grounds daily, each and every meal was exceptional and was very much welcomed by all. The camping crew provided nightly meals; among this crew were Hunter and Mindy McDuffie and Steve Hutto. They prepared "chicken swirl" Friday night and had fried fish, quail and pheasant Saturday night.

There are not enough words to thank Robert Moorer and the phenomenal staff at Shenandoah Plantation. They put in endless hours year round to make the grounds pristine, and their work has shown they have succeeded in making these grounds some of the best grounds to ever turn a bird dog loose on. Edwin and Willie "Bird" Owens are apart of the staff at Shenandoah. Bird drove the dog wagon and Edwin put out birds during the trial, they were always willing to lend a helping hand and their efforts were greatly appreciate by all.

The second annual running of this distinguished field trial will be named "Willie 'Bird' Owens Derby" in honor of Bird and his influential time spent at Shanandoah Plantation.

Last but certainly not least there are not enough thanks to go to the judges, Justin Green and Bo Brewer. They rode high in the saddle and were very attentive to every handler and dog.

THE WINNERS

Erin's Young Offender, owned and handled by Alan Atkins, was awarded first place in the Open Derby. The white and orange pointer male had two picture-perfect finds and ran a strong front running race.

Piney Creek Mae, owned and handled by Robert Moorer was named second. Mae handled the country like a seasoned veteran; she ran a strong race and had two nice covey finds. McFay's Dire Straits, owned by Cleve, Thomas and Bennett McFay and handled by Mike Martino, took third. The white and orange pointer male ran a good race and had one stylish find.

Calico's Sky's The Limit, owned by Allen Linder and Bill and Muriel Primm and handled by Hunter McDuffie, was named first place winner of the Amateur Derby. Addison McDuffie, an Alabama Youth Handler turned the white and black pointer female loose. Sky had a picture perfect race with one stylish find.

Miller's Automatic Upgrade, owned by Allen Linder and handled by Hunter McDuffie, took second. Alabama Youth Handler Brayden Renfroe scouted for McDuffie. "Splash" had a good front running race and one clean find after a lengthy relocation. Erin's Young Offender was back, earning third. "Ty" had a nice race and one clean find.

Union Springs, Ala., November 11 -- One Course

Judges: Bo Brewer and Justin Green

OPEN DERBY -- 19 Pointers and 1 Setter

1st--ERIN'S YOUNG OFFENDER, 1692325, pointer male, by Erin's Redrum--Erin's Irresistible Bess. Alan Atkins, owner and handler.

2d--PINEY CREEK MAE, 1692268, pointer female, by Panther Creek Merlin--Pineywood's Belle Aire. Robert Moorer, owner and handler.

3d--MCFAY'S DIRE STRAITS, 1694069, pointer male, by Miller's Hennessy--Jamback's Amazing Grace. Cleve, Thomas & Bennett McFay, owners; Michael Martino, handler.

AMATEUR DERBY -- 15 Pointers and 1 Setter

1st--CALICO'S SKY'S THE LIMIT, 1692352, pointer female, by Dominator's Rebel Heir--Calico's Country Strong. Allen Linder, William & Muriel Primm, owners; Hunter McDuffie, handler.

2d--MILLER'S AUTOMATIC UPGRADE, 1696255, pointer male, by Miller's Upgraded Version--Miller's Special Edition. Allen Linder, owner; Hunter McDuffie, handler.

3d--ERIN'S YOUNG OFFENDER, 1692325, pointer male, by Erin's Redrum--Erin's Irresistible Bess. Alan Atkins, owner and handler.