Result: Missouri Open All-Age and Missouri Open Championship

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Jul 5, 2022

Submitted By: Bonnie Hidalgo

Missouri Open All-Age Winners. Ryan Eichelberger with Touch's Fire Away, Matt Cochran with Miss Stylin' Sue, Landon Westfall with Westfall's Black Ice. Standing, from left: Randy Anderson, William & Tommi Smith, Allen Vincent, Gary McKibben; judge, Marian Mills, Bonnie Hidalgo, Kevin White; judge, Dr. Jim Mills, and Andy Daugherty.

Bonner's Bulletproof was named the Missouri Open Champion for 2022. The event ran on the popular Field Trial Sportsmen's venue at Grove Spring, Mo. Beginning with this year, that title comes with an automatic qualification to the National Bird Dog Championship at Ames Plantation. This white and orange pointer male is owned by Dr. Chris Cornman of Georgetown, Tex., and was handled by Randy Anderson. He put in a beautiful performance, with two stellar finds and a strong forward race to capture the coveted title.

Runner-up in the Championship was Touch's Fire Away, pointer male, owned by Greg and Carmen Adams of Norfolk, Va., and handled by Randy Anderson. Fire Away had a very nice hour with a consistent race and four Finds.

The Missouri State Field Trial Association sponsors this Championship which runs at the conclusion of the Missouri Open All Age trial which is sponsored by the Southwest Missouri Sportsmen's Club's. The Missouri Championship commenced Thursday afternoon, March 17th, and concluded Sunday March 20. Weather caused a half day delay in running. The Field Trial Sportsmen's grounds were in excellent shape; birds were plentiful with pre-released coveys and freshly planted birds being found on all three courses.

Handily winning the Missouri Open All-Age was Touch's Fire Away, handled by Randy Anderson for Greg and Carmen Adams. The pointer male put on a thrilling four find performance with a spectacular race. This win along with his placement in the championship qualifies him for the 2023 National Championship.
Miss Stylin Sue, a pointer female, was an obvious choice for second. Sue scored two beautiful finds in which she stood tall until she was collared. Her race was big and forward; she hunted the course thoroughly at speed. Miss Stylin Sue is owned by Dr. Jim and Marian Mills and Steve Lightle of Searcy, Ark. Sue is capably handled by Allen Vincent.
Westfall's River Ice, a white and black pointer male owned by Brad Calkins of Centennial, Colo., was handled by Andy Daugherty to a very respectable third place finish. He scored four good finds in a hard driving, forward race.

In the Don Fox Derby, Haney's Storm Warning, pointer male, was absolutely stunning on the ground and on his two, perfectly mannered finds. He was piloted by his trainer, Ike Todd for owner Chris Cagle and son Chris, Jr. of Woodlawn, Tenn. Second place went to Knight's Little John, a pointer male who put down a fine all age race with two stylish, well-mannered finds. He is owned by Scott Griffin of Mint Hill, NC and was expertly handled by Ike Todd. I'm Gallant was third for handler Randy Anderson and owner Jay McKenzie, Eureka, Kan. This pointer male turned in a good ground effort and had one find.

The drawing for all three stakes was held at the Daugherty home at Grovespring, Mo. It was conducted by Sharleen Daugherty, on Saturday evening, March 12th. The first stake to run, the Open All-Age, drew 32 dogs and its companion Don Fox Memorial Open Derby stake drew 13 entries. The final stake of the weeklong trial was the Missouri Open Championship which attracted 31 starters. The total entry of 76 dogs was a typical draw, although last year set a record with 109 dogs drawn.

The trial commenced, as advertised, on Monday March 14. The Derby ran in its entirety on the morning of the 17th so that the Missouri Open Championship could begin that afternoon. The threat of thunderstorms for Friday morning was the reason for pushing to get the Championship underway. As it turned out, the running was delayed on Friday until after lunch.
Purina is the sole dog food sponsor of these Missouri Open Trials. They sponsor this event each year and supply a large amount of dog food to the winners of each stake. This trial is a Purina Points trial and a Purina Handler of the Year points program member. Purina Pro Plan is fed by most professional handlers on the circuit because of the great results it gives them, both on and off the field. The Missouri State Field Trial Association and the Southwest Missouri Sportsmen's Club are very appreciative of Purina for the support they continue to bestow on this event.

Sharleen Daugherty served her famous hors d'oeuvres every night except Wednesday and Friday during the running of the Missouri Open trials. There was a plethora of delicious appetizers from fried wild turkey nuggets, meatballs, smoky links, cheese platters and sausage platters, to deviled eggs, chips and homemade dips and even homemade lemon, coconut cream and German chocolate pies piled high with perfect meringue. I know I have forgotten some of the items, there were so many! I'm betting I wasn't the only one who gained weight at this trial!

On Wednesday evening, Dennis Hidalgo and your scribe served light appetizers and a pasta dinner for all who wished to join us. This was in appreciation of all the friendships that we have been privileged to make at this wonderful field trial over the course of many years.
The Championship dinner honoring the 2021 Missouri Open Champion, Touch's Blackout was held at the clubhouse on Friday evening. Randy Anderson and Susan McClung hosted the delicious meal of smoked pork chops and all the sides. Dave Capstick, Tim Self and Kipp Linnard assisted Susan with the food preparation. The meal was enjoyed by a large and jovial crowd. Thank-you, Susan and Randy!

Owners present during the trial were Dr. Jim and Marian Mills, Jay McKenzie, Bill, Ryan and Landon Westfall, Jannie Chapman, Chris Cagle, Sr., Chris Cagle, Jr., David Russell, Mick Marietta, Dennis Hidalgo, and Dr. Chris Cornman. Piper Huffman, Lorie Vincent, and Joy Lester were there in support of their husbands. Visitors were William & Tommi Smith, Don Stroble, Tom and Sue Norton, Bruce Ludwig, Bill Signetti, and Susan McClung. My apologies to anyone I may have missed!

George Hill, Hank Jansen, Dave Capstick, Sharleen Daugherty, Tim Self, Dennis Hidalgo, Kipp Linnard and Steve Gill were instrumental in putting this great trial on and have been for many years. This year they got an assist from Bill Signetti who helped Dave plant birds each morning and Mick Marietta who pitched in where needed. George Hill was the trial chair, Sharleen handled secretarial duties. George and Dennis took turns planting birds from horseback and marshalling. Hank Jansen was sidelined because of a health issue so he was chief dog wagon driver, and he was very good at it! Hopefully next year he can spend some of the trial on the back of a horse. Hank was at times accompanied by Steve Gill, Dave Capstick, Tim Self and Don Stroble. Kipp Linard assisted as marshal during the Missouri Championship. Bonnie and Dennis Hidalgo baked the cookies for the dog wagon crew to dispense between braces.
Missouri Open All-Age
The results of this stake are nearly identical to those of 2021, when Touch's Fire Away and Miss Stylin Sue also went toe to toe for first and second. Westfall's River Ice has won or placed in this stake few times too. It was a stake filled with well known, winning dogs, thirty-two to be exact, and was enjoyable to watch.

The Open All-Age Judges were Gary McKibben of Hernando, Miss., and Kevin White from Choctaw, Okla. Gary has been running bird dogs since 1983 and has a deep involvement in the sport. Kevin White has also put a substantial amount of time into the sport of bird dogs. They were a very attentive team, set an excellent pace and positioned themselves well to take in the action. They watched dogs closely and were very knowledgeable. Their decision was well received. The Southwest Missouri Sportsmen's Club appreciates their services.
The Winner's
Touch's Fire Away handled by Randy Anderson for owners Greg and Carmen Adams, turned in a phenomenal performance for the win. Fire Away was fast from the starting line and was soon well to the front where he remained for the hour. Point was called for Fire Away at 15; he stood beautifully on the far edge of the double gates field. Birds were put up with all in order. Sent on he immediately pointed, but it was determined that his previous bird had landed there, and he was taken on. Fire Away scored again at 26, on the end of a beautiful move down the left side of Davis bottom. He stood high and tight through flush and shot. Upon release from this second find, he headed for the right edge and took it nicely forward; stopping to point in the corner at 28. Again, it was a flawless piece of bird work. Fire Away made a huge move through the Island field and was seen making the turn at Horse Killer hill. He was next seen on the south line of Apple Tree hill, pointing for his fourth find at 50. Style and decorum were perfect. He finished the hour forward. Touch's Fire Away's entire performance was exceptional; he knocked it out of the park, setting a mark none other was able to achieve.

Miss Stylin Sue owned by Dr. Jim Mills and Steve Lightle and handled by Allen Vincent was a worthy second place. Jim was mounted to watch his favorite, Sue, turn loose into Little Vine loop. She showed forward near the end of the loop and on toward Sycamore bottom. Sue was sighted on the right edge of Sycamore at 21, far to the front. She carded a covey find at the ditch crossing at 22, very nicely done. Past the twin barns, she was directed down a left-hand strip. Showing beautifully on it to the fence line, she slammed on point at 38. Her classic stance, intensity and manners were impeccable. She was forward for the remainder of the hour showing attractively just when you started think she was lost. She finished with a great move in Horse Corral bottom.

To take third in this competitive stake, Westfall's River Ice owned by Brad Calkins, and handled by Andy Daugherty, turned loose heading up the ridge toward the twin barns. At the old feeder site, Ice pointed a covey at 6, with good style and comportment. The next find for Ice occurred just below the big pond at 13, he was high and tight. He scored again in the Clubhouse loop near the last pond at 40. His birds were buried up in the cover, and he was partially under the brambles. Ice's fourth find was south of barns at 50. Generally, forward in pattern, Ice made some big bold moves.
The Running
Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Vincent) was paired with Touch's Fire Away (Anderson) Touch's Fire Away's performance was the winning one and is listed above. Sugar ran well and to the front. Coming into Davis bottom, she pointed stylishly on the left side at 20, but moved in on the birds to end her bid.

Westfall's Mandalay (Daugherty) and Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) Mandalay's owner, Bill Westfall was with the gallery. They started up the hill in Little Vine loop; both were spotted forward at the end of the loop. In the field below, they stood side by side in a feed strip at 9. Vette pointed, while Mandalay took a back. Both were steady for flush and shot. They were well forward through Sycamore bottom and up the ridge. A divided find was recorded below the barns at 31; they were side by side. At 33, Vette pointed with Mandalay backing; all was in good order for both pointers. Mandalay had an infraction at 37 near the big pond and was picked up. Vette had a fourth good find before the old house site but when sent on, he ran over a bird and was up at 40.

Dakota Nation (Rinehart) and Big N' Wild (Cochran) released into the bull pasture. They were fast forward through the pasture and into Climer's. Wild pointed on the hillside to Clubhouse loop but no birds were produced. Dakota was seen pointing before the back corner pond but moved in on a dead coon. Korry opted to pick up. Wild continued forward to the Twin barns where he scored two finds in quick succession on the fence line. The first netted a single at 38; the dog was tall and mannerly. The second find just a moment down the line produced several birds. Wild stood high and steady for the flush. He was absent heading into the alley and was not seen again until the double gates. Heading north, he took the right edge and pointed birds below Daugherty's at 59; time was called when the work was successfully completed.

Miller's Speed Dial (Lester) and Texas Wild Rex (Vincent) Rex showed nicely at the far end of the breakaway field; Speed Dial was absent soon after the release. Rex showed in the double gate field; he made game along the ditch edge and established point near the west end at 18. Speed Dial appeared and followed the horses, stopping to honor when he saw Rex. Rex was relocated and birds were flushed with all in order. They raced each other to the road crossing; Speed Dial scored a nice find near the cemetery in Davis at 22. Rex went up the ridge, coming off it to take the left edge. He pointed but pushed birds to end his bid at 28. Speed Dial came by just after that work ended but was not involved. Speed Dial showed well in the Island field. He showed again at 45, before Horse Killer hill, and finished the hour forward.

Miller's L'eletto (Anderson) and Miss Stylin' Sue (Vincent) released into Little Vine. Sue's performance is related under "The Winner's". L'eletto showed forward near the end of the loop. Into the top of Sycamore, point was called for the attractive L'eletto, he stood on the left edge at 20. Relocation was required; he moved into the cover and pointed again but self-relocated during the flush attempt.

Cold Creek Buck (Cochran) and Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty) turned loose heading into Clubhouse loop and soon showed well forward. At 15, Buck pointed with beautiful style in a feed strip. Wheels failed to back and was up. Buck was mannerly for flush and shot. He attempted to return to the scene but was prevented; on a second attempt, he was picked up.

Lester's Bossman (Lester) and Firefly's Invictus (Vincent) were Tuesday's opening brace. The latter's co-owner, Dennis Hidalgo was riding. Boss scored a good find at 13, just north of the double gates. Invictus was absent at the time but showed at 14. She was on point in the right corner across the road at 23, but it was not productive. Boss pointed midway through Davis at 28, but his work also proved unproductive. They took separate sides of Davis, Invictus pointed on the right edge at 32, and Boss on the left at 33; both were unsuccessful, and the brace was over.

Westfall's True Grit (Daugherty) and Nosam Sweetwater turned loose near the south end of Davis. They were away to the front and not much was seen of Sweetwater after Island field. Grit pointed in a feed strip just before Horse Killer hill at 14; relocation was required but not productive. He was found pointing on top of Apple Tree hill at 21, but this was also unproductive, and Grit was up. Sweetwater showed near Little Vine at 29 but his absence was too much to overcome.

Lester's Shockwave (Lester) and Bonner's Bulletproof (Anderson) headed up the hill into Little Vine and were nicely forward in pattern. Point was called at the far end of Sycamore for the pair at 21 but they corrected. Bulletproof went on, Shockwave went into the cover and pointed a quail in a cedar tree. His manners and style were good. Bulletproof pointed in the corner near the road at 24. It didn't end well for him. Shockwave was found pointing on the hillside above the road at 26. His birds were put up with all in order. He was forward across the ridge and on toward the old house site where he pointed at 42, on the south side of the tree line. Flight of birds was called but they weren't officially seen. Lester asked the dog to relocate; he went up the line and had a stop to flush on relocation. Shockwave took the bottom side of the Bull pasture and was found pointing along the fence near Lehar's former home at 50. Birds were flushed and the dog was mannerly. He finished the hour forward.

Justifier (Vincent) and Como Thunder (Russell) broke away heading into Clubhouse loop and were seen forward above the clubhouse. Thunder showed again at the west corner pond. At 13, Thunder pointed stylishly near the next pond; Justifier honored nicely. Birds were flushed with both dogs mannerly. They were taken to the pond where they both pointed upon coming out of the water, carding a divided find at 15. Thunder went right at the Twin barns and was not seen again under judgement. Justifier pointed at 25 but no birds were produced; Vincent opted to pick him up.
Wild Credence (Cochran) and Cypress Cracker (Daugherty) were the first brace on Tuesday afternoon. Cracker was gone for quite a while early in the hour and was picked up soon after his return. Credence was absent for a time but appeared from the left at 15. He pointed near the bridge, but his quarry was never found. He disappeared again before the Island field and the tracker came out.

Lester's Storm Surge (Lester) and Como Rain (Russell) began their hour in Island field. Rain scored a nice find before Horse Killer at 6. At the far end of Sycamore bottom, both dogs were on point at 43 in two separate locations. Both finds were very nice in all aspects. Surge pointed on the hillside at 46 with Rain backing naturally, all was in good order for flush and shot. The dogs were turned loose into more birds, Rain failed to stop and traveled in the direction of flight; Surge was stopped on whoa and both were ordered up.

Lester's Stemwinder(Anderson) and Westfall's River Ice (Daugherty) were sent up the ridge. The performance of Westfall's River Ice is described under "The Winners". Stemwinder had a good find in Clubhouse loop at 40. At the twin barns, he scored again, showing fine style and manners at 49. Stem was forward for most of the hour but was absent at time. He was returned under judgement a few minutes later.

Lowrider Frank (Vincent) and Touch's Blackout (Anderson) were the first brace on Wednesday. These dogs had their running shoes on. Frank pointed on Apple Tree hill at 49 but it was unproductive. Neither dog found birds this hour, but they put down great races.

Dream Chaser (Daugherty) and Bonner's Hot Rise (Lester) were released into Little Vine. They ran well to the front and were absent off and on. Hot Rise scored a nice find along a feed strip prior to Sycamore bottom at 14. Both dogs stretched out through Sycamore bottom and point was called when they reached the far end at 22. Positions changed before we arrived. Dream Chaser went on; Hot Rise pointed in the ditch and was successful. Dream Chaser was picked up. Hot Rise showed on the ridge before the barn but was not seen again under judgement.
Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) running as a bye, turned loose at the center of the bull pasture. He ran a forward race but did not challenge the leaders.
Sadie Firefly (Vincent) was in season and ran as a bye. Sadie had a find in the clubhouse loop at 15, with all in order. She wasn't changing the standings and was ordered up.
Grovespring, Mo., March 14
Judges: Gary McKibben and Kevin White
MISSOURI OPEN ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 30 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st--TOUCH'S FIRE AWAY, 1679602, pointer male, by House's Ring of Fire-Touch's Maswood Anne. Greg & Carmen Adams, owners; Randy Anderson, handler.
2d-MISS STYLIN SUE, 1674906, pointer female, by Ransom-Coldwater Snow. Dr. Jim Mills & Steve Lightle, ownrs; Allen Vincent, handler.
3d-WESTFALL'S RIVER ICE, 1659989, pointer male, by Westfall's Black Ice-Westfall's Quick Gold. Brad Calkins, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.
Don Fox Open Derby
Judges for the Don Fox Memorial Derby were Dave Capstick of Missouri and David Russell of Como, Miss. Dave Capstick has successfully competed on the Brittany circuit for many years and has been a hard worker for the Missouri Open trials for a long time. David Russell is known for being a part owner in 2020 National Champion Coldwater Thunder and for handling a couple of successful young pointers, Como Thunder, and Como Rain. Both men are knowledgeable about bird dogs and did a great job of watching and evaluating these classy derby dogs.
Haney's Storm Warning, handled by Ike Todd for Chris Cagle was an exciting winner of this memorial derby stake. He scored a find in Davis bottom at 10 with lofty style on both ends. Speck ran hard to the front, sticking to the edges like a seasoned competitor, showing well. He was absent prior to Horse Killer hill but showed on Apple tree hill. He finished his performance with an exquisite find at time.
Knight's Little John was second for Ike Todd and owner Scott Griffin. He pointed stylishly on the ridge at 11, showing intensity through flush and shot. John had an equally nice find near the old house site at 20. His race was strong and attractive, he finished forward.
I'm Gallant owned by Jay McKenzie and handled by Randy Anderson was third. Gallant was on birds by one minute into his brace, pointing them on the south side of Apple Tree hill. He showed fine style but took some steps at the flush. He ran a good, forward race.
Judges: Dave Capstick and David Russell
DON FOX OPEN DERBY - 9 Pointers and 4 Setters
1st--HANEY'S STORM WARNING, 1691416, pointer male, by Valiant-Haney's North Star. Chris Cagle, owner; Ike Todd, handler.
2d-KNIGHT'S LITTLE JOHN, 1697531, pointer male, by Valiant-Double Swami Dexie. Jay McKenzie, owner; Randy Anderson, handler.
3d-I'M GALLANT, 1696254, pointer male, by Valiant-Double Swami Dexie. Jay McKenzie, owner; Randy Anderson, handler.

Don Fox Open Derby Winners. Chris Cagle, Jr. with Haney's Storm Warning, Korry Rinehart with Knight's Little John, Ryan Eichelberger w/I'm Gallant. Standing, from left: Chris Cagle, Sr., Dr. Allen Dunbar, Bonnie Hidalgo, David Russell; judge, Ike Todd, George Hill, Dave Capstick; judge, Don Stroble, Jay McKenzie, Mick Marietta, and Bill Signetti.
Missouri Open Championship
Judges for the Missouri Championship were Dan DiMambro of Big Rapids, Mich., and Kirk Loftin from Fort Worth, Tex. They rode hard to keep a good watch on all dogs. They are both involved in running top German Shorthairs. Dan has been named the Purina German Shorthaired Pointer handler of the year, a record seven times in a row. Kirk is a very serious and competitive amateur. Both men have been involved with bird dogs their whole lives. They knew what they were looking for and their decision was well received. They were for the most part a good-humored pair. The Missouri State Field Trial Association appreciates their time and attention in the saddle.
Judges Dan DiMambro and Kirk Loftin were looking for powerful running dogs that covered a lot of country. They didn't want to see them often. They wanted them to be independent enough not to need direction but smart enough to stay forward. The dogs needed to have class and manners on their game. They needed to still be driving hard at pick-up time. There were four dogs that filled the judges' requirements well enough to be carried for placement until the eventual winners emerged. Those dogs in the order they appeared were Miss Stylin Sue, Touch's Fire Away, Whippoorwill Justified and Bonner's Bulletproof. The winning performances are listed in "The Winners" section. The descriptions of Justified's and Sue's hours are listed under "The Running", in the order of their draw.
The Winners
Bonner's Bulletproof ran course two on Sunday morning. Dr. Chris Cornman was up from Texas to watch him perform and was not disappointed. He scored a find at 6, in the back corner of the loop, with great style and manners. Bulletproof made big moves, used the edges and showed just when he was needed. At the alley off Sycamore at 21, Bulletproof scored a high tailed find and held his form until collared. He was forward as we left the twin barn area heading west to the bull pasture. He showed forward in the pasture. Bulletproof showed again, on the left in Climer's, he raced down the hill and up into the Clubhouse loop where he finished the hour well to the front. It was an exciting performance to witness.
Touch's Fire Away handled by Randy Anderson made good use of the long edges and was powerful in his runner-up performance. He is owned by Greg and Carmen Adams of Norfolk, VA. A divided find was scored by the double gates at 14, all in good order. The next find for Fire Away came on the-left side of Island field at 35. He showed beautiful style and great manners. Fire Away scored his third find on the east fence line of Apple Tree hill at 48. He was gone to the front at pick-up time and was found on point at 1:03. He was high and tight for the flush.
Championship Running
Miss Stylin Sue (Vincent) and Miller's L'eletto (Anderson) opened this event after lunch on Thursday. Sue's owner, Dr. Jim Mills was in the gallery. Sue was strong and forward from start to finish. She scored her first find at 24 in the center of Davis bottom, displaying great style and perfect manners. Sue was well ahead when she hit Apple Tree hill and took the east fence line quickly to the south. Miller's L'eletto had a nice looking find at 43, at the top of Horse Killer hill. Sue established an attractive stance at 45 on the east end of the south line. She showed impeccable manners and class on this find. L'eletto pointed farther down the south fence line at 49 but this proved unproductive. L'eletto ran a pleasingly forward race. Sue finished with energy to spare, going away in Little Vine.

Lester's Storm Surge (Lester) was braced with Westfall's Mandalay (Daugherty Mandalay pointed at 10 with Storm Surge backing but no birds were produced. Mandalay scored a good one at 22, at the cross row in Sycamore bottom. It was Mandalay pointing again at the old feeder site on the ridge with nice style and good manners at 29. Not a lot was seen of Storm Surge, as he had a few absences, one of them quite lengthy. He showed after a 15-minute absence, to point quail near the twin barns at 35, with style and all in good order. Just out of Climer's, Mandalay notched his third find at 55, nicely done. In the Clubhouse loop, Mandalay carded his last find at 58; again, he displayed good manners. He ran a nice race and finished going away.

Wild Credence (Cochran) and Nosam's Sweetwater (Huffman) were released at the clubhouse gate. Credence pointed before the back corner pond at 5 but it was not productive. Sweetwater pointed in the strip across from the barns at 15, all was in order with Sweetwater looking good throughout. He pointed again, in the alley at 20; it ended badly, and Sweetwater was up. Credence pointed just before the end of the alley, but it was a second barren stand and the brace was over.

Como Thunder (Russell) and Texas Wild Rex (Vincent) ran following an all-morning rain and thunderstorm delay; these two were released on Friday afternoon. Both dogs ran all age races, but Thunder was extreme and consistently forward. hunder's first find was on the side hill below Daugherty's at 11. At 14, he styled up on the west side of double gate field after a tremendous cast to get there. Thunder's third find was dug up, on the ridge in Davis with Rex backing at 23. Both dogs were high styled and mannerly. Rex got sucked into Vacuum hollow for a lengthy absence after which he was picked up. Thunder was making us all sit up in the saddle to watch the show. He handled quite well for the range that he kept. It was apparent that he was putting in a "door slamming" performance. He made good moves through Island field but vanished near horse Killer hill and was not seen again under judgement. As a postscript, he was found after judgement ceased, on point only yards from where he was last seen.

Westfall's True Grit (Daugherty) and Lester's Stemwinder (Anderson) released heading up the Little Vine hill in the rain. Stemwinder carded a find just beyond the loop at 9, True Grit backed nicely. Grit scored a find in the alley at Sycamore's end at 23 with Stemwinder backing. Both were attractive and mannerly. Matt Cochran handled Stemwinder in Anderson's absence as it was thought that the dog had climbed the hill. Randy came back to get him and both dogs were sent up to the ridge. Stemwinder scored a nice find at the old feeder site on a covey, with Grit backing at 29. Grit scored a nice find below the barns at 35. Point was called by scout Ryan Eichelberger for Stemwinder at 40, on the right edge, beyond the barns. It was an attractive piece of work. Grit scored again just before the old house site at 42. Coming into the Bull pasture, Stemwinder pointed around the curve to the right; Grit honored him at 45. The flushed bird flew toward Stemwinder who went in pursuit, running toward Grit who made a hop before he thought better of it. The brace ended badly for the pair.

Bonner's Hot Rise (Lester) and Shagtime Max (Cagle) started in the Bull pasture. Jannie Chapman was riding to watch her Hot Rise. He scored a find at the mid gate at 2, with Max backing beautifully. Birds were put up with all in order. Coming out of Climer's, Hot Rise went right and pointed midway up the hill to the barns. After a lengthy flush and relocation, the work turned out to be unproductive at 21. To catch the front in clubhouse loop, Lester chose to meet them head on. At the time they reached each other, the setter, Max was on point below the pond dam at 26. He showed high style and good manners throughout. He regained the front just before the descent into Horse corral bottom. Both dogs were out of pocket there and Hot Rise was not seen again under judgement. Max showed near the barns and then once more, on the south ridge of the alley before being lost.

Touch's Fire Away (Anderson) and Cypress Cracker (Daugherty) appeared on Saturday morning. Fire Away was named Runner-up and his performance is described above. Cracker showed that he had a big motor, putting down a powerful race and was out of pocket at times. A divided find by the double gates was scored at 14, with all as it should be. Cracker pointed in the trees at the end of the Island field at 37 but it was unproductive, and he was up.

Miller's Speed Dial (Lester) and Whippoorwill Justified (Huffman) these two National Champions put on a display. Speed Dial scored a find in the back corner of Little Vine loop at 6. Justified had a good find to the front at 7, all in order. Speed Dial had his second find just before Sycamore bottom at 17, he displayed good style and decorum. His third find was around the corner into the top of Sycamore at 20. Justified was absent in Sycamore but as we reached the end, his scout called point for him. Speed Dial had been seen heading in that direction a moment before. When we arrived at 25, Speed Dial was also pointing and both received credit for the find, it was feasible that Justified was not visible to Speed Dial due to the cover. On top of the ridge at the old feeder site, point was called for Speed Dial with Justified backing at 31. Past the barns they went with Lester guiding his charge to the right while Justified, was forward on the left. Behind the blue house site, point was called at 45 by Korry Rinehart for Speed Dial. The pointer stood stylishly on a huge covey. Justified was to the front into the bull pasture at that time. Both dogs were hard forward through the bull pasture. Justified showed forward in horse corral valley as we came out of Climer's, and time was called. Speed Dial showed a few minutes later.

Firefly's Invictus (Vincent) and Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty) were headed into the Clubhouse loop. Dennis Hidalgo was mounted to watch Invictus. Wheels scored first at 2, with quail in a feed strip at the top of the hill, a nice job. They were forward around the loop. Point was called for Invictus, with Wheels backing at 14, both dogs were steady. Invictus scored a second find at the end of Sycamore at 30. She showed good style and manners. She made some good moves but not enough. Daugherty picked up at 35, Vincent took the tracker at 37.

Cold Creek Buck (Cochran) and Dakota Nation (Rinehart) ran Saturday afternoon; this was a fast-paced brace. Buck notched a stylish find along the south edge of the double gates field at 15, with some steps at flush. Both dogs ran hard but each had absences that took a toll on their performances. The judges determined at 48, that they weren't challenging the dogs being carried and ordered them up.

Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) ran with Lester's Boss Man (Lester) Point was called for Vincent's dog at 7 but waved off. Birds were in the air and Forget Me Not was picked up. Bossman was also in the vicinity, but his involvement was not established. Boss had a stylish find at 18 on the right edge of Sycamore bottom with good manners. A find at 29, on the ridge for Boss, had him looking good. Boss pointed in the road at 35 but it was unproductive. Beyond the barns, Boss showed attractively on the right edge but was out of pocket before the bull pasture. He returned from the right, midway through the pasture but dropped out of sight at the pond. He was not seen again until several minutes after time was called, coming from the direction he had last been seen.

Westfall's River Ice (Daugherty) and Touch's Blackout (Anderson) turned loose heading into Clubhouse loop. Blackout disappeared early and his tracker was out by 17. Ice was last seen before the back pond, going forward. His tracker came out at the barns at 24.

Lester's Shockwave (Lester) and Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) were the first brace on Sunday morning. Vette showed far forward early on, Shockwave appeared shortly after that. They were running strong when they hit the double gate field. Shockwave pointed in the southwest corner of the double gate field at 13. Vette had an error there and was picked up after taking a back. Shockwave scored his next find at 18, in the corner before the ditch. A third find was carded for him at 21; afterward Lester was asked by the judge to "blow the whistle". Shockwave made a good move down the right edge in Davis where he had a fourth find at 26. He pointed on Apple Tree hill at 50 but it was not productive. Shockwave finished forward.

Bonner's Bulletproof (Anderson) and Lowrider Frank (Vincent) were paired together. Bulletproof's Championship performance is described in "The Winners" section above. Frank pointed game at 7, near the crest of the hill, he was attractive and steady. Frank made some big moves and was predominantly forward. He was absent after entering Sycamore bottom, but was found across the road, on point at 24. Frank had probably been there for a good while, but he had his birds well located and his appearance was pleasing. While healing to catch the front, he whirled to point a covey near the pond; his manners were superb. He was forward at the twin barns and beyond. Frank hung up slightly in the southwest part of the bull pasture but came on to finish the hour at the front.

Justifier (Vincent) and Dream Chaser (Daugherty) broke away on the hill before the clubhouse gate and were quickly up the next hill. Justifier was absent at the back corner; Dream Chaser was forward. Justifier was discovered on point on the private ground to the west of the loop. He had a large, wild covey pointed perfectly and was mannerly throughout. His entourage caught the front at the twin barns. Dream Chaser checked back once too many and his handler opted to take him up. Justifier crossed the road and went through the crossing to the right. When he returned to the course, he was picked up at 30.

Sadie Firefly (Vincent) ran as a bye on course one on Sunday afternoon. She made some nice moves but would check back in too often and was picked up early.
Judges: Dan Dimambro and Kirk Loftin
MISSOURI OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 30 Pointers and 1 Setter
Winner-BONNER'S BULLETPROOF, 1683585, pointer mlae, by Miller's Speed Dial-Miller's Martha White. Dr. Chris Cornman, owner; Randy Anderson, handler.
Runner-Up-TOUCH'S FIRE AWAY, 1679602, pointer male, by House's Ring of Fire-Touch's Maswood Anne. Greg & Carmen Adams, owners; Randy Anderson, handler.
Miss Stylin Sue Second in the Missouri Open All-Age Stake

Missouri Championship Winners. Bonner's Bulletproof with Ryan Eichelberger and Dr. Chris Cornman, Touch's Fire Away with Randy Anderson. Standing, from left: Dan DiMambro; judge, Sherry Warren, Kirk Loftin; judge, Kipp Linnard, Dave Capstick, Hank Jansen, Jay McKenzie, Don Stroble and George Hill.