Result: Region 16 Amateur All-Age Championship

Location: Greenville, Florida

Post Date: Feb 7, 2023

Submitted By: Don Price

The Region 16 Amateur All-Age Championship was held on November 18-20 at the famous Dixie Plantation which has been renamed The Livingston Place. Make no mistake it will always be "Dixie" to all of us who have been fortunate to witness field trials there over the years. Tall Timbers Research took over the ownership nine years ago and many changes have been made. Most notably to the field trial world is the opening up of the courses and the abundance of wild quail. Randy Floyd in his thirty-first year as manager along with his staff have done an extraordinary amount of work to prepare the grounds for trials and quail hunting. Thanks also goes to Tall Timbers for their continued support of field trials.

Dr. Kent Cantrell is the current president of Region 16 and he had the responsibility of being the field trial chairman. Kent had all matters attended to and he was assisted by two other Florida trustees, Paul Daniel, and your scribe. Trustees of the Region from Georgia and Alabama also attended. Lunches were prepared by "Miss Gloria" in the commissary each day and Paul Daniel cooked for everyone on Friday and Saturday night. Til Hankley drove the dog wagon and provided snacks on the course. Til always has the wagon in the right place at the right time. Shannon Braden, John McCormick, and Ben Miller marshalled and kept everyone on course. We must also extend much thanks to Purina and Greg Blair for their constant support.

Judging this year's all-age championship was ably handled by Dave Walker, Forsyth, Georgia and Alan York, Louisville, Georgia. Dave Walker has been a professional trainer for the last sixteen years. Dave's focus has been mainly with German Shorthairs and has had great success in trials. Dave likes and knows a running dog. Alan York began field trialing in 05 and he likewise has had much success in amateur competition. Alan has concentrated mostly on shooting dog trials but understands the all-age game and expectations of an all-age dog. They set a nice consistent pace throughout the trial and gave every entry their undivided attention. Their decisions were well received.

The Winners and Others

Cecil Rester made a clean sweep of the championship. This is the first time in his field trial career that he has accomplished this feat in a championship. Rester's Cajun Justice was named Champion for Cecil and his new half owner, Dr. Ruben Richardson. Justice ran in the very last brace of the trial and to say he ran is an understatement. Cecil handled Justice with all the confidence one could have in his dog and scout. Justice toured the course with some far reaching cast always to the front showing when and where he needed to. Point was called far to the right by his scout, Dr. Fred Corder, as the course made a hard left just past the Boy Scout Camp. Judge Walker reported that Justice was found in what appeared to be a sink hole. Rester managed to flush and a huge covey erupted. Judge Walker stated that he would remember that limb find for a long time. Justice finished his hour leaving the Big Woods with some cast rarely witnessed.

Runner-up was Rester's Cowboy Bill. Bill ran in the first brace after lunch on Friday. Bill was being carried as Champion until the last brace when Justice moved him. Bill like Justice ran a big race. After making the left turn at the Boyd Corner and heading into the Big Woods Bill was absent but showed to the far left front. He continued to reach and point was called to the left. All was in order here and a limb find recorded. Bill went to the right past Squire's Pine and was gathered up for a big finish in the Long Field.
Pressing the winners was Touch's Lone Dominator handled by Dr. Kent Cantrell. Rose as she is called ran a strong race and recorded four stylish points. Touch's Dancing Nancies also handled by Dr. Cantrell carded three finds and one unproductive. Southern Ritz Lane handled by Brian Peterson ran a big race and chalked up one clean piece of bird work. Game Heir handled by Dr. Fred Corder ran a strong race in the next to the last brace but was unable to produce any birds.
Greenville, Fla., November 18
Judges: Dave Walker and Alan York
REGION 16 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 27 Pointers and 1 Setter
Winner-RESTER'S CAJUN JUSTICE, 1691667, pointer male, by Whippoorwill Justified-Rester's Katie Lee. Cecil Rester & Dr. Ruben Richardson, owners; Cecil Rester, handler.
Runner-Up-RESTER'S COWBOY BILL, 1683365, pointer male, by Dunn's Tried'n True-Rester's Redial. Cecil Rester, owner and handler.

Region 16 Amateur All-Age Championship Winners (from left): Til Hankley, Dr. Kent Cantrell, Dr. Fred Corder with Rester's Cajun Justice, Cecil Rester, Paul Daniel, Judge Dave Walker,
Holly Rester with Rester's Cowboy Bill, Shannon Braden, Judge Allen York, Mike Lemmon, Rita Corder, and Randy Floyd.