Event: Westfall's True Grit Wins All-Age; Miller's Blindsider Named Missouri Champion
Result: Missouri Open All-Age Trials

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: May 22, 2023

Submitted By: Bonnie Hidalgo

Missouri Open All-Age Winners (from left): Sharleen Daugherty with Westfall's True Grit, Matt Cochran with Barshoe Forget Me Not, and Kipp Linard with Lester's Stem Winder. (Standing): Andy Daugherty, Bill Westfall, Bonnie Hidalgo, Keith Wright (judge), Tommi Smith, Allen Vincent, Marian Mills, Jordan Wyatt, Mike Jackson (judge), Jarrett and Allison Bell, Randy Anderson, William Smith, George Hill, and Dennis Hidalgo.

The prestigious title of the Missouri Open All-Age Championship was captured by Miller's Blindsider, the reigning National Champion. He is proudly owned by Nick Berrong of Maryville, Tenn., and was handled by Jamie Daniels. This win clinches the Purina All-Age Award for Miller's Blindsider. Miller's Heat Advisory was named runner-up. He is owned by Terry Graunke of Cairo, Ga., and was handled by Judd Carlton.

Heartily winning the Missouri Open All-Age stake was Westfall's True Grit, a pointer male owned by Ryan Westfall of Liberty, Mo., and handled by Andy Daugherty. Second place honors went to Barshoe Forget Me Not, owned by Bob Gum of Tuttle, Okla., and handled by Allen Vincent. Lester's Stem Winder was third for handler Randy Anderson and owner Dan Hensley of Claremore, Okla. The Southwest Missouri Sportsmen's Club sponsors this National qualifying stake. It also hosts the Don Fox Memorial Derby.

Haney's All In handily won the Don Fox Open Derby for owner/handler Chris Cagle, Sr. of Woodlawn, Tenn. Tee's Crazy Train was second for Tracy and Christy Swearingen of Leesburg, Ga. Tracy capably handled him. Valiant Fight, owned by Jay McKenzie of Eureka, Kan., was handled to third place by Randy Anderson.

The drawing was conducted at the home of Andy and Sharleen Daugherty on Saturday evening, March 18. Sharleen conducted the draw with the help of Bill Westfall, Matt Cochran, and Andy Daugherty. The Missouri Open All-Age attracted a field of 36. The Don Fox Memorial Derby drew 23 entries. The Missouri Championship drew 38 dogs. The trial commenced with the running of the Missouri Open All-Age stake on Monday, March 20. The Don Fox Derby followed, running in its entirety on Thursday.

The Missouri Championship, which the Missouri State Field Trial Association hosts, commenced on Sunday, March 26. Winning the Missouri Championship automatically qualifies the dog for the National Championship.

The cover was sparse this spring on the popular Sportsmen's Club grounds at Grovespring, Mo. The dry summer of 2022 caused the feed strips and the cover to be light. Eight inches of heavy snow in late winter flattened grass in many areas. Even with the lightness of the cover, there was plenty of bird work; several pre-released coveys were found in addition to the birds planted every day during the trial. The facilities were in excellent repair, and the area was well-kept.

The weather caused a few problems; light rain on the second day of running was unpleasant, but it was nothing compared to what came on Thursday night after the conclusion of the Don Fox Derby. Over two inches of rain fell during the night on Thursday, and it rained all day Friday. Flash flooding was harsh; the creek channel was rearranged at some crossings. Parks Creek was running too fast and high to cross for two days; the running was halted. Water was flowing over the cement bridge on the north road to the grounds at a dangerous rate on Friday morning. The bridge on the south end was passable, allowing people to come and go to care for their animals. When the running began for the Missouri Championship, minor course changes were in place to avoid the two deepest crossings. There was standing water in parts of the meadows; the dog wagon was forced to stay on the gravel roads. A side-by-side was utilized to get dogs from the dog wagon to where they were needed to keep the courses continuous. The club owes Bill Westfall a debt of gratitude for generously donating the use of his Can-Am for that purpose.

Purina is an important and valued sponsor of this event. Club officials and contestants appreciate Purina's unwavering financial support and dog food donation. This is a Purina Points trial which adds to its prestige and popularity with the handlers, most of whom feed Purina's top product. Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Sport is literally "the dinner of champions."

Gary Lester made a generous cash donation to the club to aid with trial expenses. That donation is very much appreciated and goes a long way in helping with lunch and cocktail hour expenses. Thank you, Gary!

Sharleen Daugherty provided a cocktail hour on five evenings during the event. When Sharleen makes appetizers, no one leaves hungry enough to need dinner. On Wednesday evening, Ken Schmidt served fried chicken wings, onion sticks, mozzarella sticks, mushrooms, and okra. It all disappeared! The John Evans Memorial fish fry was held on Sunday evening, March 26. Betty Evans and Bonnie and Dennis Hidalgo sponsored it. John was a 20-year member of this group that hosts the Missouri All-Age trials. He loved the grounds, the people, and the camaraderie found at this particular field trial. Bonnie and Dennis purchased, then planted two young apple trees on Apple Tree Hill in John's memory. Thank you to Ken Schmidt, Kipp Linard, Hank Jansen, Dave Capstick, and Tim Self for cooking and serving the meal.

The champion's dinner was held on Monday, March 27, at the clubhouse. It was sponsored by Randy Anderson and 2022 Champion Bonner's Bulletproof, along with his owner, Dr. Chris Cornman. Ken Schmidt prepared a delicious steak dinner with an assist from Dave Capstick, Kipp Linard, Hank Jansen, and Tim Self. There was a crowd of 30 or more in attendance.

The people who worked hard to make this trial a great success were George Hill, who served as Chairman, Hank Jansen, Kendell Schmidt, Dave Capstick, Kipp Linard, Dennis Hidalgo, and Tim Self. They interchangeably handled bird planting, marshaling, and dog wagon duties. Kendell cooked the two dinners held during the Missouri Open trials and planted birds in the early morning hours with the assistance of Dave. In addition to the cook's assistants, Piper Huffman, Sharleen Daugherty, Lorie Vincent, and Bonnie Hidalgo helped with kitchen clean-up. It takes a
village; this trial has an awesome one!

Missouri Open All-Age
Mike Jackson of Battle Ground, Ind., and Keith Wright of Covington, Ind., officiated this stake. They set a reasonable pace and held to it throughout the stake. Both gentlemen are well-known as top owners and handlers on the amateur circuit. They were friendly and courteous; each has a good sense of humor. Mike and Keith knew what they were looking for in their winners, and the stake was of high enough quality that they could be discerning in their choices. The judges sought class, range, speed, power, and endurance. Several of the 36 competitors came close, but three stood out.

The Winners
Westfall's True Grit, handled by Andy Daugherty for Ryan Westfall, Liberty, Mo., was the clear cut winner of this stake. John was strong and forward for the hour. On the way to Davis Bottoms, he was seen several times, always a speck in the distance. In Davis, he was out of sight, then Ryan Westfall spotted him on point in the corner, a half mile to the front. His bracemate failed to back; John stood high and tight for flush and shot at 27. True Grit continued powering ever forward, running the edges. At 42, he pointed again; this was on the right, just before Horse Killer Hill. His birds were well-located, and his manners were superb. He crossed Apple Tree Hill by taking the right edge and crossing the front. He took the left edge toward Little Vine. Point was called at 55; he was far to the front. The birds weren't as cooperative here, but John did a fine job on the relocation, and birds were put up with the pointer standing tall as the hour expired. True Grit's hour was impressive; he showed amazing power, extreme range, excellent application, and bird handling style and prowess.

Barshoe Forget Me Not was a popular choice for second in this highly competitive national qualifying stake. Handled by Allen Vincent and owned by Bob Gum, she broke away at 8 a.m. on a frosty Monday morning, the first of 18 braces. She showed far forward on the way to the rocky creek crossing. At 14, point was called for her bracemate; Forget Me Not was backing with style and manners. She was forward into Davis Bottom, where she took the ridge top. Point was called for her at 23. She had a dug-up covey find on the ridge near the road. Her birds were well located, and all was in order. At 48, Forget Me Not was pointed again, just before Horse Killer Hill. She stood in the cover along the right edge, head and tail high. Her decorum was excellent through flush and beyond. She showed forward, going across Apple Tree Hill and into the bottom. When the hour expired, she was found styled up, well to the front; this third find was also well-mannered.

Lester's Stem Winder, handled by Randy Anderson and owned by Dan Hensley, placed third. Stem Winder was turned loose at the barns, heading west. He was pointed to the front on the right edge in under two minutes. Birds were produced for him with all in order at 4. Stem Winder continued, strong and forward into the bull pasture. He made a good move up the hill, around the corner, and to the pond, where he pointed with style at 16. It was a nice find in every way. Stem Winder hunted the right side in Climer's first field, following it to the front, where he connected with birds at 20. He stood tall and with propriety while his handler flushed his quarry. On to catch the front, they flew, carding a mannerly back at 22 on the east side of Climer's. Stem Winder scored his fourth find on the ridge above the corrals at 26; he was flawless. His fifth and final find came at 34, beside the pond. The birds refused to leave the cedar trees but were observed by the judge. Upon release, he went rapidly off the hill and up to the twin barns. He disappeared there for several minutes before coming to the front, which may have cost him. Stem Winder went on to a strong and forward finish beyond the cemetery.

The Running
Miller's King Poast (Lester) and Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) broke away at 8 a.m. on Monday. Forget Me Not's hour is described above. King Poast showed forward attractively. At 14, point was called. King was standing on the south line of the double gates field; he displayed high style and excellent manners through flush and shot. King Poast ran far to the front in Davis Bottom but was absent in Island Field and not recovered under judgment.

Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty) and Erin's High Note (Carlton) turned loose going up Little Vine Hill. Bill, Ryan, and Landon Westfall were on hand to watch their dog. Point was called at 5 for Wheels. He was standing on the left edge. Birds were well located, and the dog was high and tight. Both dogs were forward as the course came out of the loop. At 19, point was called in Sycamore Bottom. They were on the left; High Note was pointing with Wheels honoring. Judd flushed the birds, and both dogs were good. They flew through Sycamore Bottom; Wheels took the left side at the crossline, and Note took the right. Wheels pointed just around the corner at 26. Note was coming across the field and backed at a great distance. On Daugherty Ridge, Note scored a nice one at 35; everything was in order. They showed well from the barns to the bull pasture. Note took the right side of the pasture, Wheels the left. At 45, Wheels was pointed below on the fence line. It was another good find for the Westfall color bearer. Across Climer's pastures, they both went out of sight but showed forward soon after time was called.

Touch's Fire Away (Anderson) and Notorious Dominator's Heir (Carlton) were headed up the hill into Clubhouse Loop. Both hung up briefly above the parking area before heading into the back portion of the loop. At 10, point was called; Fire was pointing on the fence line to the west of the pond. Heir was pointing on the same line but closer to the corner. Anderson flushed and shot, but Fire released himself, came to point beside Heir, and was up. It was an excellent find for Heir; he continued forward but went left before the course went down the hill. By 25, he wasn't suiting his handler and was picked up.

B G K's Luke (Bell) and Reed's Yellowstone (Cochran) were first out after lunch. They were pointing side by side at 6. Yellowstone was ripe with skunk odor, and Matt collared him with the thought that the dogs were pointing the critter. Bell made a brief attempt to flush before taking Luke on. Luke made a nice move on the far-right edge in Davis Bottom but broke it off. Yellowstone was not himself. Both handlers opted to pick up at 25.

Touch's Cocaine Blues (Anderson) and Haney's Storm Warning (Cagle) were released in the center of Davis Bottom. Blues was forward in pattern; he honored naturally at 5 and again at 18. Anderson opted to pick him up before the hour was out. Haney's Storm Warning was powerful for most of the hour and covered the edges well to the front. Near the end of Davis, Spec styled up on the right edge at 5. His style was lofty, he remained that way until the work was complete and he was collared. He made short work of Island Field and went to the front as we passed Don Fox Hill. Blues could be seen standing well off the left edge at 18. On closer inspection, he was backing Spec, pointing in the woods before Horse Killer Hill. Birds were flushed before the impressively styled dog, who remained staunch. Up the hill he went, he was pointed out to the left on top of the hill, and then he was gone. At 26, gallery members
spied him on the left edge of Apple Tree Hill, pointing beautifully. The handler saw the birds under a cedar tree, and Judge Jackson climbed the fence to see them fly. The dog was perfectly composed throughout. Spec continued forward through the Little Vine loop and to the fields beyond, where he seemed to slow his pace. He went into the draw on the left at the top of Sycamore and was absent for a lengthy period before being returned after the hour by his scout, Chris Cagle, Jr.

Lester's Storm Surge (Lester) and Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) were released heading up the ridge near Daugherty's. Surge scored a nice find at 11, just south of the twin barns. Both dogs were forward through the bull pasture and Climer's. On the east side of Climer's, point was called for Vette; Surge was backing. Both dogs were high and tight for flush and shot. At 39, they pointed in the same locale but were separate pieces of bird work. Again, they showed good manners on their game. They went toward the far pond in Clubhouse Loop; Surge pointed there at 48, Vette failed to back and was taken up, and Surge scored a mannerly find. Surge
continued to the barns, where he pointed at 57. He indicated that he needed to relocate, and while doing so, he ran over a bird to end his bid at 59.

Westfall's True Grit (Daugherty) and Slick Water Frac (Anderson) John's winning performance has been listed above. Frac was putting in a respectable ground race when he came upon his bracemate on point at 27 and failed to back.

Como Rain (Russell) and Texas Wild Rex (Vincent) were released, heading up Little Vine. They struck gold early. Rex pointed at 5, just around the right corner. His birds were flushed from the briars, and all was well. Rain was found pointed in the far-left corner at 6. Extensive relocation was required, but the running birds were eventually pinned with Rain handling them perfectly. The dogs were forward into Sycamore Bottom but vanished on the ridge. Both handlers asked for trackers at 38.

Miller's Blindsider (Daniels) and Lester's Stem Winder (Anderson) were turned loose at the barns, headed west. Stem Winder's thirdplace performance was related earlier in this report. Nick Berrong, owner of Blindsider, and his cousins, the McCords, were on hand to see the current National Champion perform. In the blink of an eye, Blindsider could be seen well down the field, on point. He was beautiful, standing out in the grass, but no birds were produced. Blindsider was strong and forward into the bull pasture, where he took the right and showed crossing the front on the far hill. He went up into the corner and soon found himself on the road with no way to get through the hog wire fence. Daniels called him back, and Kipp Linard helped the dog over the fence. Crisis averted! Blindsider scored on the east side of Climer's at 22, showing beautiful style and perfect manners for the flush. Blindsider made a huge move down Horse Corral Valley before heading up the hill into the clubhouse loop. He was lost in the loop, and the tracker was eventually required.

Nosam's Sweet Water (Huffman) and Miss Stylin Sue (Vincent) Jim Mills rode to watch Sue; unfortunately, she was lost early. Sweet Water scored a pretty find on the south edge of the double gates field at 15. His manners were perfect. He made some nice moves through Davis Bottom and was rewarded with bird contact in the far-right corner. Sweet Water stood with fine style while Huffman flushed but whirled as they flew to end the brace.

Como Thunder (Russell) and I'm Gallant (Anderson) cast off near the end of Davis Bottom. Jay McKenzie was mounted to watch Gallant. In the Island Field, at 7, both dogs were standing along the left edge; Gallant was on point, and Thunder backed politely. No birds were produced. A second barren stand on Apple Tree Hill for Gallant spelled the end of his run at 30. Thunder was absent at that time but was believed to be forward. After an absence of 18 minutes, Thunder was found to the front on point at 33. It was a good find, just before Little Vine Road. Thunder made the Little Vine loop, showing forward in the bottom. He was absent again at Sycamore and was not recovered under judgment.

Westfall's River Ice (Daugherty) and Chief's Rising Sun (Carlton) were the final brace on this cold and rainy day. They turned loose, heading up the hill out of Sycamore Bottom. Ice was absent before the barns but came on to take the right edge forward. At 16, point was called, but it was a dead bird; Andy opted to pick up. Sun was predominantly forward in pattern and had eye appeal. He scored a beautiful find in Climer's at 33. His next find was on the hill in Clubhouse Loop at 40; he was stylish and mannerly. Sun's third find was at the pond in the back corner at 48, and his last find came at 52. All his bird work was flawless; he finished going away at the barns.

Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Vincent) and Miller's Heat Advisory (Carlton). An overcast morning gave way to patchy sunshine, welcomed after Tuesday's wet weather. Heat's scout spotted him, standing far to the front. He was pointing on the south edge of the double gates field. Birds were produced at 14 with all in nice order. Sugar went up on the ridge in Davis while Heat took the right edge. Heat pointed in the far corner of Davis at 28; Sugar honored him from 200 yards but moved on the shot and was up. Heat was forward into the Island Field; he was found
on point on top of Horse Killer Hill at 45. He had a pre-released covey well pinned; it was a pretty find. Heat traversed Apple Tree Hill but disappeared in the bottom. He was found on top of Little Vine Loop at the end of the hour.

Miller's Speed Dial (Anderson) and Westfall's Power Trip (Daugherty) were released heading into Little Vine. They were absent through the loop; Speed Dial caught up coming into the bottom. Trip showed up at 22 and was picked up. At 35, near the twin barns, Dial stacked up on game. He exhibited high style along with perfect manners. Speed Dial pointed again at 55 at the cross fence in the bull pasture. Relocation was needed, he did it cautiously, and Anderson put up a single. In the corner, above the pond at 55, the veteran pointed once more, a covey lifted at the judge's approach, but all was in order. He finished the hour well forward in Climer's pasture.

Lester's Shockwave (Lester) and Cold Creek Buck (Cochran) started their hour heading into Clubhouse Loop. Shockwave scored a find at 11; Buck was not suiting his handler and was up early. In the alley beyond the barns, Shockwave pointed at 29 with nice manners for flush and shot. His race was forward in pattern. Shockwave's third find occurred in the double gates field at 34, and he was mannerly. Shockwave finished his hour in the Breakaway ridge loop to the front.

Bonner's Bulletproof (Anderson) and Firefly's Invictus (Vincent). Dennis Hidalgo rode to watch Annie. Both dogs made bold moves in the double gates field and had to be turned. On the way down the south line, Annie jumped into the cover and pointed. Bullet backed her but moved in before his handler arrived. Birds were flushed for Annie with all in order. Bullet was picked up there at 15. Annie made some nice moves on the edges. She pointed in the far corner of Davis Bottom at 32, but Vincent put the hook on her as she wasn't challenging the leaders.

Mayfield Storm Charger (Lester) and Dream Chaser (Daugherty) were released below the gate in Davis. Scott Mason was on hand to watch his young Storm Charger perform. Dream Chaser was not cooperative today and was up early. Storm scored a pretty find at 23 on Apple Tree Hill's left line. Birds were successfully put to flight for the mannerly pointer. He continued forward into the Little Vine loop and onto Sycamore Bottom. At 50, he pointed on the left edge, relocation was required, and he flushed the bird in the process; the afternoon's second hour was done.

Dominator's Wild Bill (Daniels) and Big N Wild (Cochran). Bill scored a nice find by the twin barns at 14. Big notched an impressive find at 26 on a far hill in the bull pasture. Into Climer's, Bill was picked up at 31, as he was not achieving the standard set earlier in the stake. At 40, Big pointed in the Clubhouse loop, overlooking the lower parking lot. Big was required to relocate but was unsuccessful, and he was up.

Grovespring, Mo., March 20
Judges: Mike Jackson and Keith Wright
MISSOURI OPEN ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 34 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st--WESTFALL'S TRUE GRIT, 1663635, pointer male, by Erin's Brave Heart-Westfall's Irish Bell. Ryan Westfall, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.
2d--BARSHOE FORGET ME NOT, 1692349, pointer female, by Whippoorwill Justified-Greypointe Invierna. Robert Gum, owner; Allen Vincent, handler.
3d--LESTER'S STEM WINDER, 1686991, pointer male, by Lester's Sunny Hill Jo-Beane's Line Dancer. Dan Hensley, owner; Randy Anderson, handler.

The Don Fox Memorial Derby
Haney's All In, owned and handled by Chris Cagle, Sr., and scouted by Chris Cagle, Jr., won this highly competitive derby stake with an outstanding all-age performance. Ray appeared in brace No. 5, which ran late on Thursday morning. He covered lots of ground in his 30-minute heat and did it with class. Ray scored a find just south of the twin barns at 18, with brilliant style and perfect manners. He ran hard, and he ran forward. After time was called, he was found on point near the cemetery along Parks Creek. Again, it was spectacular work. All In did what his name implies, and his effort set him apart from the other performers.

Tee's Crazy Train, handled by Tracy Swearingen and scouted by Justin Swearingen, placed second with a strong, forward race. Tracy and Christy Swearingen of Leesburg, Ga., own Train. He scored a very nice find just out of Climer's east gate at 26 and finished strong in the Clubhouse loop.

Valiant Fight, handled by Randy Anderson, placed third. Fight is owned by Jay McKenzie of Eureka, Kan. Jay was on hand to witness the performance of his young dog. Fight ran a good, forward race. At 25, he pointed before the east gate of Climer's pasture; when relocation became necessary, he did it effectively and properly.

Of the 23 entries, 22 were starters. Aside from the winners, there were five other dogs with acceptable bird work and creditable races. Those dogs, in order of appearance, were: World Class Instigator, handled by Randy Anderson and owned by Mick Marietta's World Class Kennel; Beeler's White Knight, owned and handled by Scott Beeler; Rester's Cajun Spirit, handled by Judd Carlton for owner Cecil Rester; Shagtime Sunny and Haney's Silver Dollar, both of which are owned and handled by Chris Cagle. Additionally, Southern Thunder, handled by Tom Shenker, turned in an impressive ground race but went without bird contact.

Judges for this stake were Ken Schmidt, Foristell, Mo., and Dave Capstick, Jonesboro, Mo. They are members of the club that hosts this trial and stepped up to the plate to judge. Ken has retired from running dogs; he used to compete with pointers on the amateur circuit. Dave competes successfully with his Brittanys on their amateur all-age circuit. Both judges are quite knowledgeable when it comes to bird dogs.

Don Fox Derby Winners (from left): Chris Cagle, Jr. with Haney's All In, Justin Swearingen with Tee's Crazy Train, and Jordan Wyatt with Valiant Fight. (Standing): Dennis Hidalgo, Chris Cagle, Sr., Bonnie Hidalgo, Hank Jansen, Kendell Schmidt (judge), Tracy Swearingen, Dave Capstick (judge), Randy Anderson, George Hill, and Jay McKenzie.

Judges: Dave Capstick and Ken Schmidt
DON FOX MEMORIAL DERBY - 20 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st--HANEY'S ALL IN, 1698756, pointer male, by RansomHaney's North Star. Chris Cagle, owner; Chris Cagle, Sr., handler.
2d--TEE'S CRAZY TRAIN, 1699147, pointer male, by Touch's Red Rider-Tee's Funseekin Belle. Tracy & Christy Swearingen, owners; Tracy Swearingen, handler.
3d--VALIANT FIGHT, 1697215, pointer male, by ValiantWorld Class Country Girl. Jay McKenzie, owner; Randy Anderson, handler.

The Missouri Championship
Judges for this great Championship were Gary McKibben, Hernando, Miss., and Perry Lacy, Elkton, Ky. They were looking for style on point and hard running, forward patterning dogs and got their wish! They watched the dogs carefully and were very enjoyable to be around. They are both well respected as judges and competitors. The Missouri State Field Trial Association appreciates their time waiting for the flooded creek to subside and judging the 2023 Missouri Championship.

Gary has enjoyed much success on the amateur circuit with his pointers, most recently with Coldwater Spectre and Coldwater Paradise. Gary has judged numerous local and regional trials and a great many championships.

Perry joined this sport years ago because he loved hunting dogs and walking horses. Perry took several years away from the sport but returned to it about eight years ago. He runs all-age dogs on the western Kentucky and Tennessee amateur circuit. He has enjoyed success with his pointers, especially Lacy's Cool Hand Luke, with which he won the Ames Amateur "Joe Walker Memorial" All-Age in late December. Perry could be heard playing his mandolin in his trailer in the evenings.

The Winners and Others
Miller's Blindsider, owned by Nick Berrong and expertly handled by Jamie Daniels, knocked it out of the park with his brilliant performance to win the Missouri Open Championship. He appeared in brace No. 9, the last brace, on Monday morning, March 27. He was released heading up the ridge out of Sycamore Bottom. Blindsider showed forward just beyond the barns and again near the bull pasture. He could be seen pointing at the cross fence, far to the front on the hillside behind the pond. He stood high and tight while his handler and judge rode to him. The birds were put up at 22 on this impressive limb find. In Climer's east field, Blindsider was found pointing by scout Judd Carlton. The pointer was buried in the cover on the right edge. His birds were flushed with all in order at 31. The handler and dog raced to the front, up into the clubhouse loop, where Blindsider pointed at 35 for another well-handled find.
At 42, Blindsider was found pointed on the back side of the west fence line; his birds were
flushed while he remained high and tight. William Smith assisted Jamie in getting the dog lifted over the fence after the bird work. On the south side of the barns, Blindsider was pointing at 54, but when feathers were found, the dog was taken on. He finished the hour, well forward in the alley, the embodiment of power and stamina.

Runner-up Champion Miller's Heat Advisory, handled by Judd Carlton, appeared in brace No. 1 of the Championship. There was a course change for this stake; the creek crossing that leads directly into the Island field from Davis Bottom was utilized because the water was too deep at the normal crossing. Miller's Heat Advisory put in a performance that set an early standard for the rest of the field. Terry Graunke owns the 5-year-old pointer male. Point was called for Heat, in the far corner of the double gates field at 15. The work proved to be unproductive. He hunted fast and forward through Davis Bottoms on the right edge. Heat pointed in the south end at 33, showing great style and intensity for the flush of his game. He made good time through Island Field and was found forward on point at 42, just before Horse Killer Hill. Birds
were flushed, with the dog being mannerly. Heat wanted to hunt the cover but went up the steep hill at his handler's bidding. At 50, Heat was styled up on the left edge of Apple Tree
Hill; his birds were flushed with everything perfect. He was seen pointing far to the front as the course approached Little Vine Road at 57. Heat's style was high, and his birds were well-located. The hour ended after they climbed Little Vine Hill, but Heat was not in view. Point was called at 103; Heat was in the far corner of the loop. His bird was flushed from a briar patch as the dog stood high and tight to top off a stellar showing.

The Championship Running
Miller's Heat Advisory (Carlton) and Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Vincent). Heat Advisory's hour is described above. Sugar's owner, Bruce Sooter, was in the gallery. In the far corner of the double gates field at 15, Sugar naturally honored her bracemate. She worked nicely forward through Davis Bottoms. She made good time through Island Field and was found forward before Horse Killer Hill, backing her bracemate with style at 42. Sugar remained mannerly throughout. Sugar was seen forward at 50 on Apple Tree Hill and then again in the bottoms of Little Vine loop. Time expired on Little Vine Hill; Sugar was picked up forward.

Lester's Storm Surge (Lester) and Miller's Speed Dial (Anderson). These past National
Champions started with a world of promise. Point was called at 5; it was Speed Dial pointing with Surge backing politely. Both were mannerly for the flush. They raced on from there, leading the way to Sycamore Bottom. Around the first outcropping, we came upon Speed Dial on point with Surge honoring at 19. Once again, they were stylish and steady. They continued down Sycamore Bottoms and up the ridge, but Speed Dial was missing before the twin barns and was not recovered under judgment. Storm Surge made a huge move down the ridge and was pointed well to the front, near the barns at 33. He exhibited excellent style and intensity through flush and shot. He showed nicely forward from the barns and through the bull pasture.
At 47, Surge slammed into point at the pond. His birds were well pinned, and things were
as they should be. He was mainly forward through Climer's, took Horse Corral Bottom
at speed, but swung around and took the direction his handler asked for, climbing the hill into Clubhouse Loop. He was out of view to the front at time and was found pointed at 104 above the corrals. The birds did not flush, but he stood nicely for the shot.

Dream Chaser (Daugherty) and B G K's Luke (Bell) were released heading up into Clubhouse Loop. Luke pointed birds at 4, above the corrals. Dream Chaser honored naturally. Both dogs displayed style and perfect decorum. Dream Chaser disappeared, and his tracker was eventually taken. Luke continued forward out of the loop and past the barns, where he pointed quail near the cedar tree at 20. His manners were good. A few minutes later, while heading down to the alley, he flushed a single from beside the trail and stopped to flush. Luke was absent before Sycamore but showed on the hillside near the road. Once through the double gates, he turned right and followed the edge to the corner where he pointed at 34. Luke's birds
were well located, and he was mannerly, but the judges advised that he wasn't in contention, and the morning's running ended.

Whippoorwill Vette (Huffman) and Late Hit (Shenker). Vette ran a predominantly forward race. At 43, he pointed on Apple Tree Hill, but it was unsuccessful, and his handler opted to pick up. Late Hit didn't look like himself and was up at 32.

Lester's Stem Winder (Anderson) and Cold Creek Buck (Cochran) turned loose below Apple Tree Hill, heading into Little Vine. Stem Winder scored a nice find at 10 in the back corner. He had a couple of brief absences between Sycamore Bottom and the bull pasture. Coming out of Climer's, he went to the front to end the hour at the Clubhouse Loop. Cold Creek Buck had no bird contact.

Firefly's Invictus (Vincent) and Erin's High Note (Carlton) turned loose heading into the Clubhouse Loop, the final brace on Sunday. Dennis Hidalgo was riding for Annie. They were forward to the pond, then Annie disappeared for a few minutes, returning to the front at the end of the loop. At 20, Annie was found pointing just south of the barns. She displayed excellent manners for the flush and shot. Sent into the alley, she disappeared quickly; the tracker was needed. High Note wasn't pleasing his handler and was also picked up.

Touch's Cocaine Blues (Anderson) and Knight's Little John (Lester) were quickly away on this chilly, overcast morning. Lester called point for John at 14 but waved it off. Both dogs could be seen checking out the cover along the south edge of the double gates field before they went on down the line. In Davis Bottom at 24, point was again called for John, but before we could get close, both dogs moved in and out of the cover. It looked suspicious. Anderson opted to pick Blues up. John continued forward and made a beautiful move through Island Field. On the right edge just before Horse Killer Hill, John pointed stylishly at 36. His manners were good. He
was up and over Apple Tree in a hurry and showed forward below. The judges had him picked up before Little Vine Hill at 53; he was not challenging the dogs they were carrying.

Westfall's River Ice (Daugherty) and Nosam's Sweet Water (Huffman) were headed up Little Vine Hill to start. Sweet Water was found at 5, standing stylishly in the back corner of the loop. Ice was backing. Ice was picked up for an indiscretion. Sweet Water was relocated, and no birds were found. He stayed to the front through Sycamore but checked back to his handler and was picked up at 25.

Miller's Blindsider (Daniels) and I'm Gallant (Anderson). This brace was released heading up the ridge out of Sycamore Bottom. Blindsider's winning performance was described. Gallant's owner, Jay McKenzie, was riding. Gallant honored his bracemate perfectly at 22. Gallant was out of pocket in Clubhouse Loop and was picked up as the course came out of the loop.

Miller's King Poast (Lester) and Barshoe Forget Me Not (Vincent) were in the first brace on Monday afternoon. Jannie Chapman was riding to watch King Poast. Forget Me Not was a handful and absent on a couple of occasions. She returned to the front in Davis Bottom and was forward into the Island Field. She was next seen on point below Horse Killer Hill at 36. King came up the other line and backed her on sight. When her birds were flushed, they fluttered instead of flying; she couldn't resist that and was picked up. King Poast went out of sight on Apple Tree Hill but came in from the left as the course reached the Little Vine Bottoms. He was forward until 55, when Lester opted to pick up. King Poast found no birds.

Westfall's True Grit (Daugherty) and Notorious Dominator's Heir (Daniels) were turned loose at Little Vine Hill. They were fast forward, showing a few times along the way to Sycamore Bottoms. They were gone before the twin barns. Grit was found forward, pointing on the west fence line in the bull pasture at 40. It was unproductive, and he was put on the wagon. Heir was not recovered under judgment.

Reed's Yellowstone (Cochran) and Mayfield Storm Charger (Lester). Storm was moved from brace No. 18 when Randy Anderson was forced to scratch Slick Water Frac due to an injury. Storm had been set to run as a bye due to the earlier scratch of Touch's Amazing Greyce. They were released just beyond the cross fence in the bull pasture. They made good moves up the hill and around the pond, but the birds weren't home. They continued nicely into Climer's pastures; Yellowstone showed well on the left, going into the Clubhouse Loop. Storm showed on the hill to the right front, swung around it, and then came to the Clubhouse Loop. Storm pointed on the right edge at 18. It required relocation, which the young dog handled admirably. He was steady to wing and shot. His handler opted to pick him up. Yellowstone had no bird contact.

Haney's Storm Warning (Cagle) and Lester's Shockwave (Lester). Shockwave pointed in the double gates field at 13, with Spec honoring. All was in order. They were forward to the end of Davis Bottom and scored a divided find there at 27. The dogs were high and tight on both ends. They were gone to the front as the course left the Island Field. After several minutes they were seen on Apple Tree Hill. Point was called for Spec; he showed perfect style and manners for the flush and shot at 44. The dogs were forward into Little Vine. At 58, point was called for Spec, Shockwave was backing. Both dogs looked great and were mannerly throughout. Time was called when the bird work completed.

Westfall's Wheels Up (Daugherty) and Dominator's Wild Bill (Daniels) were released in the bottom, beyond Little Vine Loop. Wheels took the right edge of Sycamore; Bill took the left, and they each hunted the cross strip. Bill went up the ridge. Wheels scored a find just into the alley at 16 with high style. Daugherty caught the front on the ridge, and Wheels made a big move on the right line. Bill was not suiting his handler and was picked up. Wheels pointed below the barns at 24; his birds were flushed with all in good order. He took the right edge, heading west from the barns, and swapped ends to point at 26. He had his bird very well located. Sent on, Wheels continued up the same edge, and at 28, he ran over a woodcock to end his bid.

Texas Wild Rex (Vincent) and Bonner's Bulletproof (Anderson) were released at the bull pasture gate. Both dogs were quickly out of sight. Rex showed on the left before Climer's west gate, then scored a nice covey find in Climer's at 11. Both were absent as the course entered Clubhouse Loop; Anderson took his tracker at 20. Rex showed on the left front, then turned and pointed, or so it seemed. It turned out that he was backing Bullet. Bullet was picked up, and Rex was taken on. He made a huge move on the ridge and past the pond, coming from the left front as we exited the loop. He pointed at the base of the hill, but it was unproductive, and he was picked up.

Como Thunder (Russell) and Miss Stylin Sue (Vincent). Jim Mills rode to watch Sue in what turned out to be her final performance. Into the double gates field, these two pointers rimmed the edge and scored a divided find on the south line at 16. All was in order. Como Thunder made some big moves but had no further game contact. Sue used the lines well for the entire hour; in Davis Bottom, her move was rewarded at 30, with a pretty find in the far-right corner. Thunder was absent from Island Field but appeared on Apple Tree Hill later. Sue mainly continued forward, with just one brief absence at the top of Horse Killer Hill. She finished heading up Little Vine Hill.

Chief's Rising Sun (Carlton) and Touch's Fire Away (Anderson) turned loose at Little Vine Road. They were forward through the loop and Sycamore Bottoms. Point was called for Fire Away at 24; he stood on the hillside to the left of the alley. No birds were produced, and he was taken to the front. No birds were pointed during this brace by either dog.

Westfall's Power Trip (Daugherty) and Como Rain (Russell) were released into the Clubhouse Loop. Trip pointed above the clubhouse parking lot at 5, relocation was necessary, but he flushed his birds in the process and ended his run. Rain backed on sight at 5. He quickly made the Clubhouse Loop and followed the edges across the next hill and toward the barns. He was absent when his handler reached the barns. The scout took the edge heading west and called point for Rain, far down the field at 24. The pointer exhibited beautiful style and flawless manners. Back on course, he headed down the alley to Sycamore and was guided through the double gates. He went south in Double Gates Field and then ran the south edge to the east, where he slammed on point. Rain's birds were flushed with all in order at 40. Being brought back to the north, he got headstrong and turned back east. He was absent briefly before he showed to the front on the far right. At the cemetery, he missed the crossing, staying west of the creek, and the judges handed the tracker over to the handler. This concluded the running of the 2023 Missouri Open Championship.

Judges: Perry Lacy and Gary McKibben
MISSOURI OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 34 Pointers and 2 Setters
Winner--MILLER'S BLINDSIDER, 1674983, pointer male, by Just Irresistible-Miller's Bring The Heat. Nick Berrong, owner; Jamie Daniels, handler.
Runner-Up--MILLER'S HEAT ADVISORY, 1685672, pointer male, by Just Irresistible-Miller's Bring The Heat. Terry Graunke, owner; Judd Carlton, handler.

Missouri Open Championship Winners (from left): Tracy Swearingen with Miller's Blindsider and Justin Swearingen with Miller's Heat Advisory. (Standing): Jamie Daniels, Dave Capstick, Gary McKibben (judge), Bonnie Hidalgo, Hank Jansen, Perry Lacy (judge), Kipp Linard, Tiffany Genre, Scott Mason, Judd Carlton, and Jake Davis.