Result: Ames Amateur Joe G. Walker Memorial Field Trial

Location: Grand Junction, Tennessee

Post Date: Feb 17, 2023

Submitted By: Kent Walker

This year marked the 43rd renewal of the Ames Amateur Field Trial Club and the inaugural running of the Joe G. Walker Memorial. Joe Walker, who passed away in June 2022, was one of the club's charter members and the stalwart for many years that kept the Ames Amateur running smoothly, making it one of the top drawing and premier amateur all-age events in the country. Through a cooperative effort with the Ames Plantation, I intend to carry on his legacy.

The trial ran December 26-30. Before the start of the trial, the Midsouth experienced near-record low temperatures of zero degrees and sub-zero double-digit wind chills! As a result, the trial was delayed until Monday afternoon. As with many Ames trials, you never know what type of weather you might get. Before the first brace began, a rather abrupt and unforeseen snow shower covered the plantation grounds that Monday morning.

Winning the 37-dog all-age stake was Lacy's Cool Hand Luke for Perry Lacy of Kentucky. Luke was credited with three finds and a back of his bracemate. His race was forward and consistent throughout the hour. Taking second place honors was Chris Cagle's consistent young winner, Haney's Storm Warning. Storm Warning ran a searching and smooth race on the first afternoon of the trial, scoring twice in his hour on quail. His manners and style on game were impressive. Third-place laurels went to Storm's End for Matt Pendergest. Running on the first-morning course, Storm's End recorded two stylish finds and had one unproductive stand. Her race was far-reaching, showing well when the opportunities were presented.

Judging this year's renewal were Brad Kennedy and Hunter Clark. Both of these gentlemen rode intently throughout the trial giving each contestant a fair evaluation. Judging Ames can be a grind under ever-changing weather conditions and longevity. These two guys didn't waiver, and my thanks to them.

In the highly contested companion Derby stake, David Williams took first place with his young pointer, Rebel Gold. Gold had one covey find during his brace to accompany a smooth, forward-searching race. Second place was awarded to Small's Five Star for Mike Small of Indiana, and third place went to Fred Corder's youngster, Game Mode. The second and third-place dogs were placed on ground race and all-age potential.

With this trial, there are many people I need to thank and acknowledge. First of all, many thanks to Dr. Rick Carlisle and the Ames Plantation for allowing this trial to continue for so many years. The courses were in good shape, with obvious additional mowing done in all areas. During the trial, there were 22 coveys pointed by the dogs in the all-age, three coveys pointed in the derby, and four other coveys ridden up during the trial.

Special thanks to my partner Chris Weatherly who rode every brace of the trial, marshaling and assisting where needed. "Squeaky" Powell stepped in to drive the dog wagon at the last minute as Ken Blackman was recovering from illness. As always, Ms. Vera Courtney was roadside to chronicle and provided day-to-day action photos of the running. Lastly, thanks to our most generous sponsor Sportsman's Pride Dog Food, who provides dog food to all the winners and continues supporting our Midsouth Association and Region 6.

Grand Junction, Tenn., December 26
Judges: Hunter Clark and Brad Kennedy
AMATEUR ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 29 Pointers and 8 Setters
1st--LACY'S COOL HANK LUKE, 1697440, pointer male, by Lester's Storm Surge-R W Susie Q. Perry Lacy, owner and handler.
2d--HANEY'S STORM WARNING, 1691416, pointer male, by Valiant-Haney's North Star. Chris Cagle, owner and handler.
3d--STORM'S END, 1687221, pointer female, by Dunn's Tried'n True-K F Prairie Storm. Matt Pendergest & Megan Henry, owners; Matt Pendergest, handler.

AMATEUR DERBY - 19 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st--REBEL GOLD, 1701829, pointer male, by Dominator's Rebel Heir-Rebel Maiden. David E. Williams, owner and handler.
2d--SMALL'S FIVE STAR, 1696868, pointer male, by Phillips Off Line-Small's White Gold. Mike Small, owner and handler.
3d--GAME MODE, 1700580, pointer male, by Touch's Grey Street-Game Belle. Fred Corder, owner and handler.

Lacy's Cool Hand Luke, First in the Amateur All-Age Stake