Result: Profiles of the 2026 National Championship Contestants

Post Date: Feb 10, 2026

Submitted By: Stephen Bell

Bandit's Hill Avenger was ranked 7th in the Joe Hurdle points with three placements: a second at the American Quail Classic, a runner-up at the United States Open Championship, and winning the National Free-for-All Championship. Bob will be making his second appearance, having been picked up early last year. This three-year-old, white, liver, and ticked pointer dog was bred by the late Shannon St John. He is by Touch's Smooth Rider out of Bandit's Hill Daisy. Korry Rinehart will be handling for owner Ann Forrester.
As a derby Bob won the American Derby Invitational and was runner-up at the All-America Derby Championship. He is also the winner of the 2024 United States Open Championship. Bob's sire, Touch's Smooth Rider is by Touch's Knight Rider out of Burrows Sinbad Lady. Touch's Knight Rider was a contestant here for three years, he was by Lance's Last Knight out of House's Night Light. Burrows Sinbad Lady (by Elhew Sinbad ex Waubeek Rose) was also the dam of the notable bitch Beane's Line Dancer. Bandit's Hill Daisy was by Cole Train and out of Bandit's Hill Lady (a sister of Game Warden) - products of Dr. Fred Corder's breedings.

Barshoe Forget Me Not returns for her second year, on her rookie run last year she was picked up after a mere six minutes making bird contact. Patch is a seven year old, white and orange pointer bitch. She was ranked 12th in the Joe Hurdle points with a first place in the Missouri Open All-Age. Patch was bred by Doug Meyer, was sired by Whippoorwill Justified, and is out of Greypointe Invierna. She will be handled by Allen Vincent for her owners Robert Gum and Dr Robert Rankin.
A little further explanation is desired for the last year's performance, Patch had a good find at :06 but when the birds were flushed they flew directly in her face, striking her, at which point she "marked flight too much". Barshoe Forget Me Not was the 2024 winner of the Oklahoma Championship and has numerous other first place wins in her past. Patch's sire, Whippoorwill Justified was a member of the horde of contestants produced by the Whippoorwill Wild Agin - Sparkles, and the 2016 National Champion. Greypointe Invierna is by S F McKenzie and out of Greypointe Gloriosa.

Como Thunder is a seven-year-old, white and liver ticked pointer dog owned by the cartel of Billy Blackwell, Doug Arthur, David and Rachel Russell. Tuff was ranked 24th in the Joe Hurdle points with a runner-up at the Southern Field Trial Championship and a first place at the Sunflower Classic Open All-Age. He was bred by Steve Hurdle and was sired by Skyfall and is out of Catch Me Dot. David Russell will handle Tuff in his first appearance here at Ames.
Como Thunder was qualified for the 2024 National Championship but was scratched from running then. He has numerous prior first placements; at the Pelican, Cajun, and West Tennessee OAA's. His sire Skyfall was from the Whippoorwill Wild Agin - Sparkles and was a contestant here for four years. His dam Catch Me Dot was a sister of the notable bitch Quinton's Blackeyed Sue (dam of the contestant Mercer Mill Grand), and they were by House's White Ashes out of Quinton's Pretty Baby (she was the dam of another contestant - Cole Train).

Erin's Code of Honor is making his fourth run this year at Ames, he was picked up early in all three of his previous runs here. Tip was the 5th ranked in the Joe Hurdle points with three placements: a first at the Blackbelt Open All-Age, a second at the Robin Gates Quail Classic, and the winner of the Quail Championship Invitational. Tip was bred by Sean Derrig, is sired by Erin's Redrum, and is out of Erin's Miss Maggie. Tip is owned by Allen Linder who will have Luke Eisenhart handling him again.
Tip began his career as the National Amateur Derby Champion with Sean Derrig. He has since then won the Southwestern Championship, the Tar Heel Open Championship (twice), and the Quail Championship Invitational (twice). Tip's sire, Erin's Redrum was a contestant here three years, he was by Erin's Whiskey River out of Erin's Wild Rose. Tip's dam, Erin's Miss Maggie was by Sinbad's Bear (by Elhew Sinbad ex Shotgun Kitty Hawk) and out of Erin's Miss Faye, a sister of Chelsea's Thunderbolt (by Whippoorwill Wild Agin ex Butler's Jill). In an odd sort of way, this breeding mirrors that of Erin's Perfect Storm (but flipped sire to dam).

Erin's Perfect Storm is the returning 2025 National Champion. Colt is also this year's winner of the Joe Hurdle Award. This will be the third year at Ames for this six-year-old, white and orange pointer dog. He was bred by Sean Derrig, was sired by Chelsea's Thunderbolt and is out of Erin's Bet On Me. Colt is owned by Brad Woodie and will be handled by Luke Eisenhart.
Colt first found the limelight winning the Continental Derby Championship in 2022; last year he won the Masters Open Quail Championship and was first at the Missouri Open All-Age. This year, in addition to winning the National Championship, he was runner-up at the Missouri and Southeastern Quail Championships, and was second at the Lee County Open All-Age. Colt's sire was the notable shooting dog champion Chelsea's Thunderbolt (by Whippoorwill Wild Agin ex Butler's Jill). Erin's Bet On Me was a sister of the former contestants Erin's Redrum and Erin's Longmire (they were by Erin's Whiskey River ex Erin's Wild Rose). Erin's Wild Rose was the dam of still another contestant Erin's Braveheart, but with a different sire.

This will be Game Heir's fifth year to compete at Ames. In his previous runs he has been lost twice and has finished three hours twice. Jake earned the 17th place in the Joe Hurdle points with a second place at the Kentucky Lake Open All-Age and a first place at the Pelican Open All-Age. Bred, owned, and handled by Dr. Fred Corder, Jake was sired by Dominator's Rebel Heir and is out of Game Snow. This white and orange pointer dog is now six years old.
Jake had his start as one of Ike Todd's derbies, winning the Georgia Derby Championship and a runner-up at the American Derby Invitational in 2021. Dr. Corder has handled him to ten additional placements since then. Jake shares his sire, Dominator's Rebel Heir, with three more of this year's contestants. Dominator's Rebel Heir was by Riverton's Funseekin Scooter (by Funseeker's Rebel ex Riverton's Blackeye Pea) and was out of Pearl Again. Game Snow was a daughter of Lester's Snowatch out of Tallgrass Pretty (a sister of Gamemaker). And Game Snow was the dam of still another contestant this year.

Game Surge is a white and orange, five-year-old pointer dog making his third run at Ames. He was picked up and lost in his two previous runs here. Skinner was ranked 44th in Joe Hurdle points with two placements: a second at the Sunflower Classic and a third at the Kentucky Lake Open All-Age. He is by Lester's Storm Surge out of Game Maggie. Skinner was bred by his owner Dr. Fred Corder, who will be his handler, too.
Game Surge has been twice a champion (All-America Derby and National Pheasant Championships) and twice a runner-up champion (Alabama and Continental Championships). Lester's Storm Surge (who was by Ransom) is this year's top sire and there will be more written about him later. Game Maggie was by Cole Train out of Game Belle. Game Belle was by Ransom out of Game Bee (by Gamemaker ex Tallgrass Bee). So... Ransom appears both top and bottom of Game Surge's pedigree.

Haney's All In was the winner of the Joe Hurdle Award the previous two years, this year he was ranked 6th with four placements: First at the West Tennessee Open All-Age, First at the North Carolina Open All-Age, Winner of the Tar Heel Open Championship, and Second at the Blackbelt Open All-Age. Ray will run for his third time at Ames having been picked up or lost in his two previous years. Ray was bred by Chris Cagle and is sired by Ransom and out of Haney's North Star. The brothers Steve and Stacey Croy are the owners of this four-year-old, white and orange pointer dog. Mark McLean will be Ray's handler.
Haney's All In has also been the winner of the past two season's Purina Award for the Top All-Age Dog, and he holds eight open all-age championship titles. He has three brothers as contestants this year, so a break here to talk about his sire Ransom
Ransom and his get are by far the leading sireline for this year's contestants. Ransom is the sire of four contestants, two of his sons (the brothers Lester's Shockwave with one and Lester's Storm Surge with six) are the sires of seven more, and two of his grandsons (Lester's Front Porch with two and Miller's King Poast with one) are the sires of still three more, and the total is fourteen. Ransom was from the knick of Whippoorwill Wild Agin and Sparkles, and from that knick there are still three more contestants this year (two by Whippoorwill Justified and another by Skyfall). And if you want to add the one more son of Whippoorwill Wild Agin, Chelsea's Thunderbolt, to the mix - Whippoorwill Wild Agin's get is responsible for 18 of the 42 contestants this year, That is 42%. Ransom's 14 of the 42 is 33% - a third of this year's contestants even though Ransom was never a contestant here himself.

Haney's Hurricane Seeker is making his third run for the championship this year. He has been lost and picked up early in his two previous runs. Bud was ranked 48th in the Joe Hurdle points with a second place at the Prairie Open All-Age. Chris Cagle Jr. and Sr. were the breeders of this white, orange, and ticked four-year-old pointer dog. He is by Ransom out of Haney's North Star. Bud is owned by David and Rachel Russell and David will be handling Bud.
When comparing the three littermates - Haney's All In, Haney's Hurricane Seeker, and Haney's Silver Dollar - its important to remember that two of them are with professional handlers and Haney's Hurricane Seeker has an amateur owner/handler who competes only in the mid-south trials. Haney's Hurricane Seeker is nevertheless a serious competitor in any trial, his past record consists mainly of first places.

Haney's Silver Dollar was the 3rd Joe Hurdle ranked dog with four placements: winner of the Missouri Championship, runner-up at the International Pheasant Championship, winner of the National Pheasant Championship, and first in the Bill Andrews Open All-Age. This will be Rex"s second year to run at Ames, he was unfortunately lost at the breakaway last year. Rex is four years old and white, orange, and ticked. He was bred by his owners, Chris Cagle Jr. and Sr., and was sired by Ransom and out of Haney's North Star. Luke Eisenhart will be handling this pointer dog.
For a great many years, the standard for a top producing dam was four contestants here, and throughout the years of the National Championship, until recently there had been only ten who have produced four or more (Sparkles has the current record with seven, followed by Wiggins Miss Sammie and R W Susie Q with five, and eight more dams with four). Haney's North Star was the twelfth bitch to achieve this milestone. Haney's North Star was by Pete's Greystone Joe (by Ransom ex Lips Sealed) and out of Pete's Greystone High Rider (by Touch's Knight Rider ex Pleasant Run Judy). Pete's Greystone High Rider was the sister of Pleasant Run Bob, who was the sire of Dream Chaser. Pleasant Run Judy was the sister of Mercer Mill Grand, they were by House's Whitehawk ex Quinton's Blackeyed Sue.
To zoom out one more generation, Quinton's Pretty Baby had three daughter's: Quinton's Flying High, Quinton's Blackeyed Sue, and Catch Me Dot (all four of these, both mother and daughters, produced National Championship contestants). Quinton's Flying High was the dam of House's House Fly, another contestant producing dam. And now, down from Quinton's Blackeyed Sue we are lead to Haney's North Star, a pretty impressive family of producing dams. But where do they come from? Another six generations back from Quinton's Pretty Baby will lead you to Addition's Lou, the only national championship contestant producing daughter of Nell's Rambling On.

Haney's Storm Warning was the 11th ranked Joe Hurdle dog with two placements: as the winner of the International Pheasant Championship and a third place at the American Quail Classic. This will be Speck's fourth year to compete at Ames, he has finished three hours, been lost, and picked up early in his previous runs. Speck is a white and liver ticked, five year old pointer dog owned. handled, and bred by Chris Cagle Jr. and Sr. He is by Valiant and out of Haney's North Star.
In 2022, as one of Ike Todd's derbies, Haney's Storm Warning won three derby championships: the Georgia, the All-America, and the American Derby Invitational Championships. Speck has since then always been a serious competitor winning the Quail Championship Invitational that following fall, six more first places in 2023 and 2024, and the 2024 Missouri Championship. Speck is the one son of Haney's North Star that was sired by Valiant, rather than Ransom.

I'm Gallant is returning for his second year, last year he finished the three hours with three finds (and a squirrel ). Bandit is a five-year-old, white, black, and ticked pointer dog who was bred by Ron Russell. He is by Valiant out of Double Swami Dexie. Bandit was ranked 21st in the Joe Hurdle points with three placements: a third at the Larry Smith Heartland Open All- Age, winner of the Oklahoma Championship, and a second place at the Win Ingersoll Memorial Open All-Age. Bandit is owned by Jay McKenzie and will be handled by Allen Vincent.
I'm Gallant had two runners-up as a derby, at the All-America Derby and Pacific Coast Derby Championships, but fell into a slump the following year with no placements as a first year all-age dog. Now with a change of handlers he is once again winning. I'm Gallants sire, Valiant was a contestant here in 2020, he was by Miller's Happy Jack out of Tina's Tear Drop. Double Swami Dexie is by Wiggin's Mister Ronnie (by Ward's Danhawk ex Wiggin's Sin No More) out of Wiggins Swami Jo (by Merrihills Brute ex Wiggin's Miss K T). The "double swami" is there, but you have to dig for it...

Late Hit is returning for his second year at Ames. Last year he was lost after two hours and forty minutes with considerable birdwork. Jay is owned by Christopher Campbell and handled by Tom Shenker. He was ranked 54th in the Joe Hurdle points with a third place at the Missouri Open All-Age. Jay was bred at Abigail Kennel and was sired by Miller's Blindsider and out of Abigail Lil. He is a seven year old, white and orange ticked pointer dog.
Late Hit's past record shows a couple of championship wins; at the Continental Derby and Alabama Championships, but it is important to remember that Jay has also had a pretty successful career as a shooting dog, too. He has won the National Open Shooting Dog Championship for the past two years. His sire, Miller's Blindsider was the 2023 National Champion and is a contestant this year, so more about him under his own profile. Abigail Lil was by Game Strut, a contestant here in 2014 and 2015 (he was by Strut out of Pineknoll's Pepper). Abigail Lils dam, Dry Bridge Betty was by Hard Up Tom out of High Noon Jana (a daughter of Law's High Noon)

Lester's Storm Chaser was ranked 35th in the Joe Hurdle points winning the North Carolina Quail Championship. Mike is owned by John Ivester and will be handled by Robert "Lefty" Henry. This is his second year to run at Ames, he was picked up at an hour and a half last year. Mike is a five-year-old, white and orange pointer dog bred by Roger Watson. He was sired by Lester's Storm Surge and is out of R W Susie Q.
Lester's Storm Chaser is a littermate brother to Lester's War Bird, they are from a repeat of the breeding that produced their elder brothers Mayfield's Storm Charger from the first repeat, and Miller's King Poast and Lester's Front Porch from the first breeding. All five have been national championship contestants. So... a reminder here about the breeding of R W Susie Q. She was by the national champion Miller's Speed Dial out of Jackson's Silver Arrow who was a sister of national champion Lester's Sunny Hill Jo (they were by Ransom out of Miller's Whitewall). The R W in her name is for her owner Roger Watson.
A deeper dive into this mother-daughter line will begin with two daughters of Hawk's Silver Sue, when bred to White Powder Pete, Phillip's Silver Star and L G White Lily. Phillip's Silver Star, when bred to Miller's Happy Jack, produced national champion Miller's Dialing In; and when bred to Phillip's White Twist produced two more contestant producing dams: Phillip's Southern Star and Phillip's Miss Kate. L G White Lily when bred to Lester's Snowatch produced Miller's Whitewall and Miller's Bring The Heat, each produced a national champion. Miller's Whitewall was bred to both Skyfall (producing Stash The Cash) and Ransom (producing national champion Lester's Sunny Hill Jo). Miller's Bring The Heat knicked well with Just Irresistible, producing Miller's Heat Advisory and national champion Miller's Blindsider. Add now R W Susie Q with her five contestants. But where does this come from? Dig back fifteen generations from Hawk's Silver Sue and you will find Ichaby Fanny, who was the record producing dam in her lifetime, she had 7-22-188 wins numbers back in 1945.

Lester's War Bird is returning for his second run here, he finished the three hours with six finds last year. Jake is a four year old, white, orange, and ticked pointer dog owned by Tommy and Bonnie Hamilton. He was ranked 4th in the Joe Hurdle points with five placements: first at the Rend Lake Open All-Age, second at the Hoyle Eaton Memorial Open All-Age, runner-up at the Quail Championship Invitational, first at the Lee County Open All-Age, and runner-up at the Continental Championship. Jake was bred by Roger Watson, was sired by Lester's Storm Surge, and is out of R W Susie Q. He will be handled by Gary Lester.
Funny thing, last year at the national with the relaxed qualifications, people questioned and social media gossiped about the dogs who got in with only two third places... and Lester's War Bird ran the three hours and almost won it with his six finds. This year he is tied with his brother, Miller's King Poast, for the most placements in this season with five each. Kind of sucks the air out of the room?

Mayfield Storm Messenger was ranked 28th in the Joe Hurdle points with his first place at the Hobart Ames Memorial Open All-Age. This will be the first year for Chance to run at Ames. He is a three year old, white and orange pointer dog. Chance was bred by Alvin Bryson, was sired by Lester's Front Porch and was out of Bryson's Dialing Jo. Pat Siebels will handle Chance for his owners, Jake Davis and Scott Mason.
Chance's sire, Lester's Front Porch is one of the five brothers from the Lester's Storm Surge - R W Susie Q. Bryson's Dialing Jo is by the two time national champion Lester's Sunny Hill Jo and out of Lester's Speed Maid who was a sister of national champion Miller's Speed Dial. Notice the mix of national champions is the same but reversed top to bottom for R W Susie Q and Bryson's Dialing Jo.

Miller's Blindsider was the 2023 National Champion and was thus qualified to return for his sixth year here. He was ranked 8th in the Joe Hurdle points this past season with his win of the Continental Championship. Sam was bred by Fran and Jack Miller, and was sired by Just Irresistible and out of Miller's Bring The Heat. Sam is nine years old. Jamie Daniels will handle this white, orange, and ticked pointer dog for owner Nick Berrong.
Sam is now an eight time championship winner, with four runner-up champion titles. It is notable that he has won the Masters Open Quail Championship three times. He is also the sire of two contestants this year; Late Hit and Rester's Johnny Ringo. He is the elder brother of Miller's Heat Advisory from a repeat breeding. (refer back to the profile for Lester's Storm Chaser for this dam's family line, Just Irresistible is in the next profile for Miller's Heat Advisory)

Miller's Heat Advisory was ranked 15th in the Joe Hurdle points winning the Southwestern Championship. Mick is returning for his third year, having been lost once before and last year he finished his three hours with four finds. Mick is a seven-year-old, white, orange, and ticked pointer dog who was bred by Fran and Jack Miller. He is by Just Irresistible out of Miller's Bring The Heat. Judd Carlton will be handling Mick for his owner Mike Sweet.
The second largest sireline family of this year's contestants belongs to the descendants of Riverton's Funseekin Scooter with eight contestants. He was by the 2007 national champion Funseeker's Rebel out of Riverton's Blackeye Pea, who was a contestant in 2009. Riverton's Funseekin Scooter was the sire of Just Irresistible (when mated to Just Wait Bess) and Dominator's Rebel Heir (when mated to Pearl Again). Just Irresistible sired two contestants: Miller's Heat Advisory and Miller's Blindsider, and Miller's Blindsider add his two sons Late Hit and Rester's Johnny Ringo. Dominator's Rebel Heir is the sire of four contestants: Game Heir, Rebel Dreams, Rebel Gold, and Wynona's Rebel.

Miller's King Poast - scratch

Miller's Last Call is a five year old (his birthday is this week), white and orange ticked pointer dog. Bill is making his first appearance at Ames earning the rank of 59 in the Joe Hurdle points with a runner-up at the North Carolina Quail Championship. Bill was bred by Derek Bonner and was sired by Miller's Speed Dial and out of Lester's Wildfair Lady. Derek shares ownership with Scott Griffin. Korry Rinehart will be Bill's handler.
Miller's Last Call's sire, Miller's Speed Dial was the 2020 National Champion, and his sire, Miller's Dialing In was the 2015 National Champion. Lester's Wildfair Lady was sired by Ransom and out of Beane's Line Dancer. And that mating should sound familiar since it also brought three brothers to Ames: Lester's Georgia Time, Lester's Storm Surge, and the 2022 National Champion Lester's Shockwave. Beane's Line Dancer was by House's Line Up out of Burrows Sinbad Lady (by Elhew Sinbad ex Waubeek Rose)
Miller's Triple Crown

Miller's Triple Crown was ranked 31st in the Joe Hurdle points with a first place at the Hoyle Eaton Memorial Open All-Age. Bob is making his first appearance at Ames. He is a white and orange, three-year-old pointer dog. Bob was bred by Alvin Bryson and is by Lester's Front Porch out of Bryson's Dialing Jo. Pat Siebels will be handling for Bob's owners, Jake Davis and Scott Mason.
Since Miller's Triple Crown and Mayfield's Storm Messenger are brothers, they share the same pedigree. So, go back and have a look again at Mayfield Storm Messenger's profile, take the ten thousand foot view this go round.
Do you notice something more here? Their pedigree, and the pedigree of the brothers from the Lester's Storm Surge - R W Susie Q, share the same overall theme: bringing back together the sirelines of the traditional Ferrell Miller dogs (represented here as Miller's Dialing In to Miller's Speed Dial) with those of Gary Lester's (Ransom to Lester's Storm Surge).

Miss Arkansas was ranked 16th in the Joe Hurdle points with three placements: a runner-up at the All-America Quail Championship, a second place at the Rend Lake Open All-Age, and another second place at the Pelican Open All-Age. Lady is a white and orange pointer bitch, four years old, and making her rookie appearance at Ames this year. She was bred by Dr. Fred Corder, was sired by Lester's Storm Surge, and is out of Game Snow. She is owned and handled by Mike Lemons.
Lady shares many relations to other contestants. Her dam Game Snow is also the dam of Game Heir, though with different sires. Lady's sire, Lester's Storm Surge was this year's top sire and has six contestants to his credit, though with different dams. A lot of half-brothers here, and many other close cousins, too. Lester's Storm Surge was by Ransom (by Whippoorwill Wild Agin ex Sparkles) out of Beane's Line Dancer (by House's Line Up ex Burrows Sinbad Lady), and a full brother of national champion Lester's Shockwave. It may turn out that we are watching that old trope where the brother of a national champion turns out to be the better sire than the champion himself. Time will tell.

Nickajack Pale Rider is a white and oranged ticked, three year old pointer dog. Major is making his first appearance at Ames this year. He was ranked 67th in Joe Hurdle points with a third place at the Blackbelt Open All-Age. Major was sired by Touch's Malcolm Story and is out of Wildfair Joy. Ronnie Beane was his breeder. Major is owned by Andy and David Freiburger and Mark McLean will be the handler.
Major's sire, Touch's Malcolm Story was a veteran contestant here, running in six renewals. He was by Touch's Knight Rider (by Lance's Last Knight ex House's Night Light) out of Blackhawk's Sunflower (by Rockacre Blackhawk ex Southern Sunflower); Blackhawk's Sunflower was a sister of Sparkles and Lance's Last Knight was a son of Erin's Bad River. Major's dam, Wildfair Joy was sired by Touch's Mega Mike (by House's Ring Of Fire ex Touch's Blaylock Bess) out of Beckworth's Fired Up (by Erin's Redrum ex Neely's Rambling Rose). House's Ring Of Fire was another sired by Lance's Last Knight. Neely's Rambling Rose was a daughter of Erin's Bad River while Erin's Redrum was his grandson. So, most of this pedigree goes back to Erin's Bad River
The family of Erin's Bad River is represented by six contestants this year. Two were sired by Touch's Smooth Rider, one from Erin's Redrum, two from Touch's Malcolm Story, and one from Touch's Fireaway. And Nickajack Pale Rider is probably the most closely bred of this lot.

Nonami's Johnny Come Lately was ranked 20th in the Joe Hurdle points with a first place at the Robin Gates Quail Classic. John is a seven-year-old white and orange pointer dog owned by R. E. Turner of Nonami Plantation. He was sired by Ransom and out of Pinewoods Jenny Bell, and bred by Shon Powell and Tom Bell. John will be handled in his first appearance at Ames by Ray Pearce, the longtime manager of Nonami Plantation.
John's sire, Ransom should be a familiar name to everyone by now. John's dam, Pinewoods Jenny Bell maybe not so? She is by Elhew G Force out of Pinewoods June Jones. Elhew G Force was Tim Moore's shooting dog champion son of Elhew Fibber McGee. Pinewood's June Jones was by Nonami's Bobby Jones (by Laws High Noon ex Nonami's Proud Daisy) and out of Pinewood May (by Holy Joe ex Alapaha Orange Girl).

Panther Creek Rosie is making her first run at Ames this year. Rose is a six year old, white liver, and ticked pointer bitch. Her rank was 52nd in the Joe Hurdle points from a third place at the Lee County Open All-Age (the largest trial this season with 50 entries). Rose is by Panther Creek Merlin out of Pineywood's Belle Aire, and was bred by Darron Hendley. Frank Rutland will have Tommy Rice handling Rose.
Rosie has a pedigree that is typical for plantation dogs, with a lot of famous names when you dig in a few generations. Her sire, Panther Creek Merlin was by Old Road Cody (by Easy Button ex Live N Learn) out of Cold Creek Miss Kay (by Wolf River's Offlee Chipper ex Prairie Wildlife Lady). Easy Button was a son of Whippoorwill Wild Agin and Wolf River's Offlee Chipper was a son of Covey Rise's Offlee Amazin. Rosie's dam, Pineywood's Belle Aire was sired by Lester's Prime Poison Lane (by Lester's Snowatch ex Lady's Southern Charm) and was out of Ransom's Bug Out (by Ransom ex McRee's Scarlet). McRee's Scarlet was a sister of the 2012 national champion Connor's E Z Button. So it is easy-peasy to understand this one, or is that E Z - peasy? which button do you push?

Phantom's Zip is a derby aged pointer bitch who was ranked 49th in the Joe Hurdle points with her runner-up at the Georgia Derby Championship. This will be her first year to run at Ames. Zip is white and liver. Bred by Dan Hendrickson, she is by Miller's King Poast out of Phantom's Rebel Heart. Ike Todd will be handling Zip for her owners, Eric and Holly Parsons.
Zip is by far the youngest contestant this year, a true derby aged bitch just a month over two years old now. But don't let that fool you, she is a big girl. Her sire, Miller's King Poast is from that band of five brothers from the Lester's Storm Surge-R W Susie Q. Zip's dam, Phantom's Rebel Heart is a daughter of Funseeker's Rebel out of Phantom's Sangria (by Rockstar Andy ex Phantom's Santo Pride). A derby aged bitch has won the national championship before... (a long, long time ago and her name was Mary Montrose).

Quail Woods Pine is a three year old, white and orange pointer dog who is making his first run at Ames this year. He was ranked 39th in the Joe Hurdle points with a second place at the Bill Andrews Open All-Age. Spot was bred by Bruce Sooter and is by Touch's Fire Away out of Wynona's Valiant Rosietta. Spot is owned by Greg Adams and Judd Carlton will be handling his charge.
Spot's sire, Touch's Fire Away was a prior contestant for three years at Ames. He was by House's Ring Of Fire out of Touch's Maswood Anne. Wynona's Valiant Rosietta was the product of a half brother - sister mating, as both her sire and dam were the offspring of Miller's Happy Jack. Wynona's Valiant Rosietta was by Valiant (by Miller's Happy Jack ex Tina's Tear Drop) and out of Miller's Happy Queen (by Miller's Happy Jack ex Coffee Gap Queen). Coffee Gap Queen was a sister of White Dollar and they were by Miller's Total Eclipse ex Blue Collar Lady.

Rebel Dreams is a seven year old, white and liver pointer bitch who will make her first run at Ames this year. She was ranked 70th in the Joe Hurdle points with a second place at the Lynn Taylor Open All-Age. Lou is owned, handled, and bred by Davis Williams. She is by Dominator's Rebel Heir and out of Rebel Maiden.
Rebel Dreams and Rebel Cause are siblings from a repeat breeding that also brought Rebel Cause. Rebel Cause was David Williams contestant last year who had qualified with only third placements and yet finished the three hours with commendable birdwork. Review this pedigree under Rebel Gold's profile.

Rebel Gold is a five year old, white and orange pointer dog. John will make his first appearance at Ames this year. He was 46th in the Joe Hurdle points rankings, earning a first place at the Lynn Taylor Open All-Age. John is owned, will be handled by, and was bred by David Williams. He was sired by Dominator's Rebel Heir and is out of Rebel Maiden.
These "Rebel" siblings were sired by Dominator's Rebel Heir (by Riverton's Funseekin Scooter, see this family reviewed under the profile of Miller's Heat Advisory). Rebel Maiden was sired by Rebel Pride (by Rebelmore ex Hawk's Mistress) and was out of Dakota Mystery (by Dakota Sun ex Rebel Magic)

Rester's Johnny Ringo was the 9th ranked dog in the Joe Hurdle points with three placements: Winner of the Masters Open Quail Championship, Winner of the Southeastern Quail Championship, and runner-up at the Tar Heel Open Championship. This will be the second year for Big to run at Ames, he was picked up just shy of one hour last year. Big is a five-year-old pointer dog and is white, orange and ticked. He is owned by Dr Reuben Richardson and Cecil Rester who was his breeder. Big was sired by Miller's Blindsider and is out of Rester's Amazing Grace. Luke Eisenhart will be handling.
Big was also the runner-up at the Tar Heel Open Championship last year (2024) and took first at the Blackbelt Open All-Age, too. This son of Miller's Blindsider was out of Rester's Amazing Grace. She was by Touch's Smooth Rider out of Touch's Lemon Drop. Touch's Lemon Drop was a sister of Touch's Sandy (the dam of Touch's Gallatin Fire and Touch's Spaceman), and they were by the national champion Touch's Whiteout out of Touch's Whippoorwill Road.

Seranoa's Ramblin' Man is a first year all-age rookie contestant this year at Ames. Sam was ranked 58th in the Joe Hurdle points with a runner-up at the Georgia Quail Championship. He is a white, liver ticked pointer male owned by Alex Rickert. Sam was sired by Alex's champion Touch's Malcolm Story and is out of Seranoa's On Guard Annie, this breeding made by Michelle Sutton. Sam will be handled by Mark McLean.
Sam's sire, Touch's Malcolm Story was a prior contestant here for six years and in his career he also won six championships. He was by Touch's Knight Rider and out of Blackhawk's Sunflower. Seranoa's On Guard Annie is by Busterado (by Riesig Rail ex Jilita) and was out of Seranoa's Union Station (by Caladen's Storm Trooper ex Caladen's Rail Dancer Lady).

Shagtime Bill is this year's setter derby sensation. Bill earned the rank of 27 in the Joe Hurdle points with wins at the All America Derby Championship and the American Derby Invitational Championship. Bill is owned and was bred by Chris Cagle Jr. and Sr. Bill is a white and orange setter dog who will turn three years old this week. He was sired by Shagtime Bobo and is out of Shagtime May. Chris Cagle Sr. will be his handler for his first run at Ames Plantation.
Bill's sire Bobo was a son of Bo. Shagtime Bobo was by Shadow Oak Bo out of Get Back Lola (by Harbor City Hummer ex Mohawk Mill Cassie). Bill's dam, Shagtime May was sired by Hytest Skyhawk and was out of Prodigy's High Anxiety (by Wild Wing Warrior ex Wild Wing Ripper). The setter contestant Stardust Chaz who ran here for six renewals had very similar breeding to Prodigy's High Anxiety, the same sire but the two different dams were sisters.

Sunset Sam Houston is a white and orange, three year old pointer dog owned by Matthew and Stacey Brown. Sam was ranked 36th in the Joe Hurdle points with two placements: a third at the Hoyle Eaton Memorial Open All-Age and a second at the Hobart Ames Memorial Open All-Age. Sam was bred by Rob Engler, was sired by Lester's Storm Surge, and is out of Purpleline Sally. Gary Lester will be handling Sam.
Sam's pedigree is easy. The sire is Lester's Storm Surge... The dam, Purpleline Sally was a littermate sister of Touch's Mega Mike...

Touch's Shadow Rider returns for his fourth time, having finished the three hours with considerable bird work his first two years, and was lost after the first hour last year. Jay was ranked 26th in the Joe Hurdle points with a runner-up at the Masters Open Quail Championship and a second at the North Carolina Open All-Age. This five-year-old, white, orange, and ticked pointer dog is owned by Dr Rueben Richardson and Bruce and Karen Norton. He was bred by Keith Wright, was sired by Touch's Smooth Rider, and is out of Touch's Gold Dance. Mark McLean will be handling Jay.
Jay has won the National Free For All (2022) and the Continental Championship (2025) and is trying for that elusive, and so far non-existent triple crown of bird dog field trials. Jay's sire, Touch's Smooth Rider was not a national championship contestant, but his brother Touch's Midnight Rider was, and they were by Touch's Knight Rider out of Burrows Sinbad Lady. Touch's Gold Dance, Jay's dam, was by Whippoorwill War Dance out of Whippoorwill Gold (by Whippoorwill Wild Assauly ex Whippoorwill Radiance). One might remember that Whippoorwill Radiance was a contestant here for three years and a sister of Whippoorwill Wild Agin.

Westfall's Power Trip is a six year old making his first appearance at Ames this year. Trip was ranked 43rd in the Joe Hurdle points with his first place at the Alberta Classic. Trip is owned by Bill Westfall and was bred by Ryan Westfall. He is by Westfall's Black Ice out of Westfall's Cutter. Andy Daugherty will be handling the white, black, and ticked Trip.
Westfall's Power Trip also qualified this year the old school way, earning his second first place as he had a first at the Preston Trimble Memorial Open All-Age last year. Trip's sire, the shooting dog champion Westfall's Black Ice should be familiar as he has been the sire of three previous contestants: Westfall's Black Ace, Westfall's River Ice, and Westfall's Black Thunder. Trip's dam, Westfall's Cutter was by Westfall's Non Typical (by Smokey Knight ex Good Night Tramp) and out of Black Bama (by Easy Button ex Super Skirt). Black Bama was the dam of Westfall's Black Ace.

Whippoorwill Vette is returning for his third year's run, he was picked up early and lost in his previous two runs here. Rex was ranked 61st in the Joe Hurdle points with a third place at the Pelican Open All-Age. Rex was bred by the late Dr. J. D. Huffman and is handled for his owner Dale Bush by Larry Huffman. He is by Whippoorwill Justified and out of S J Kentucky Sue. Rex is an eight year old, white, liver, and ticked pointer dog.
Rex's sire was the 2016 national champion Whippoorwill Justified, who was handled by Larry Huffman, too. Whippoorwill Justified was from the Whippoorwill Wild Agin - Sparkles. Rex's dam, S J Kentucky Sue was by Miller's Dialing In and out of Wiggins Sammie's Image (by Wiggin's River Wild ex Wiggins Miss Ward). Wiggins's River Wild was by Whippoorwill Wild Agin and out of Wiggins Miss Sammie. Wiggins Miss Ward was by Rockacre Blackhawk out of Miss Elhew Awesome.

Wild Covey Strikezone
Bill Westfall is the owner of Wild Covey Strike Zone. Bo was ranked 33rd in the Joe Hurdle points with two placements: a second at the Larry Smith Heartland Open All-Age and a third at the Pelican Open All-Age. Bo is a five year old, white, black and ticked pointer dog who was bred by Bob Barker. He is by Open Range Terminator and out of Open Range Ice Breaker. Andy Daugherty will be handling Bo in his first appearance at Ames.
Bo's sire, Open Range Terminator was by Elhew Sinbad out of Senator's White Lie. Elhew Sinbad was a contestant for three years, he was by Island Grove Brute out of Elhew Swami. Open Range Ice Breaker, Bo's dam, is a sister of Westfall's Power Trip, and they were by Westfall's Black Ice out of Westfall's Cutter. Her pedigree can be found in Westfall's Power Trip's profile.

Woodville's Long Hard Ride ia a rookie contestant here. He was ranked 14th in the Joe Hurdle points. Patch was runner-up at the National Pheasant Championship and winner of the Georgia Quail Championship. Patch is a white, black, brown, and ticked, four year old setter dog who was bred by Rob Englert. He is by Woodville's Saddle Tramp out of Yukon's Gold Rush. Mark McLean will handle Patch for his owners, Carl and Ashley Owens.
Patch's sire, Woodville's Saddle Tramp was by Caladen's Da Vinci and out of Shamrock Rising Star (by Erin's Hidden Shamrock ex Black Cloud's Angel). Patch's dam, Yukon Gold Rush was by Woodville's Yukon Cornelius out of Lady Godiva (by Ridge Creek Cody ex Miss Running W). Miss Running W was a sister of Stardust Chaz.

World Class High Def
Pat Siebels is the owner and handler of World Class High Def. Tip earned the 66th place in the Joe Hurdle points with a third at the West Tennessee Open All-Age last spring. He will be making his first appearance at Ames. Tip was bred by Mick Marietta and is by Lester's Shockwave out of World Class Money Line. Tip is a four-year-old, white and orange pointer dog.
World Class High Def is a son of the 2022 national champion Lester's Shockwave. Tip's dam, World Class Money Line was by the 2020 national champion Miller's Speed Dial out of Dare To Compare. A national champion bred to a national champions daughter. Dare To Compare was by Three Ten To Yuma out of Prairieland Rita.

World Class Instigator is owned and was bred by Michael Marietta. He is by Miller's Speed Dial and out of Grand River Mayday. He is a white and lemon ticked, four-year-old pointer dog. Ray was ranked 53rd in the Joe Hurdle points with two placements: a second at the North Dakota Classic and a third at the Alberta Classic Open All-Age. He will be handled in his debut at Ames by Matt Cochran.
Ray's sire, national champion Miller's Speed Dial, if you have read thus far, needs no introduction. Grand River May Day, Ray's dam, was by Miller's Happy Jack out of World Class Snow (by Buche's Elhew Addition ex Garner's Snowflake). Garner's Snowflake was a daughter of Lester's Snowatch, and this mother-daughter line winds it way back to Elhew Katie Lee.

Wynona's Rebel is making his first appearance at Ames. He was the 32nd rank of the Joe Hurdle points with two placements: a third at the North Dakota Classic and a first at the Win Ingersoll Memorial Open All-Age. Mike is a three-year-old, white and liver pointer who was bred bu Cliff Clinton. He is by Dominator's Rebel Heir and is out of Whitesmoke's Angel. Allen Vincent will handle Mike for his owners, Bruce Sooter and Dennis Beauford.
Mike's sire, Dominator's Rebel Heir is familiar, but his dam maybe no so much. Whitesmoke's Angel has a pedigree littered with Honkytonk Attitude and Fiddler dogs. So here it goes: Whitesmoke's Angel was by Whitesmoke's Scout out of John's Kansas Kate. Whitesmoke's Scout was by Captain McCrae (by Honkytonk Attitude ex Scooter's Skunky Skunk) and out of Whitesmoke Rockin Reba (by Shadow's Attitude ex Little Lena Lou). John's Kansas Kate was by Bad News (by Fiddlin Rocky Boy ex Highview Right Cross) and out of Thelma (by Quick Strike Sam ex Scarface Capone).

Wynona's Nickleback Sugar was runner-up at the Oklahoma Championship and first at the Pelican Open All-Age earning the 18th place in the Joe Hurdle points. This will be her first year to run at Ames. Sugar is a six year old, white and orange ticked setter bitch bred by Bruce Sooter. She is by T's Nickleback out of Carpenter's Don't Ya. Bruce shares ownership with Brad Tolson and their Sugar will be handled by Allen Vincent
Sugar's sire was T's Nickleback and he was by Rapidan out of T's Skyline Angel. Sugar's dam was Carpenter's Don't Ya and she was by Hytest Skyhawk out of Carpenter's Last Jet. Both Rapidan and Hytest Skyhawk were contestants at Ames. If I remember correctly, Rapidan won a prairie championship to qualify, and for some reason I think that Hytest Skyhawk did, too. It is pretty unusual for setters to win on the prairies. But I'm not sure, I'm out of Irish whisky, this article is already a day past deadline, and so I'll leave that as a trivia question for the setter fans... answers on a postcard, please.