2023 National Field Trial Recap

Every year, dog handlers and owners from all over the country visit Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, Tennessee to compete for their chance to win the title of National Champion in Field Trial. This year marked the 124th running of the National Championship and it was no different with some of the best handlers and dogs competing for their shot at being the National Champion.

History

The National Championship was first organized and run near West Point, Mississippi in 1896. Later, the competition was conducted on field trial grounds south of Grand Junction, Tennessee; near Rogers Springs, Tennessee; and finally, the Ames Plantation, north of Grand Junction and LaGrange, Tennessee. The National found a permanent home on the Ames Plantation in 1915 and each running since has been on the "hallowed" field trial grounds set in place by Hobart Ames, long time President and Judge of the National Championship.

Running on some 6,000 acres of Ames Plantation is now conducted each year beginning on the second or third Monday in February with a usual entry of about 36 English Pointers and /or English Setters, winners or placers in 70 qualifying trials throughout the U.S. and Canada, competing. Several thousand field trial enthusiasts from all over the world attend the event each year.

2023 National Championship

The 124th running of the National Championship began on Monday, February 13, 2023 and were judged by Jadie Rayfield of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Tom Shenker of Hurtsboro, AL and Dr. Stan Wint of Gardner, KS. Judging was conducted based on the Amesian Standard. This is the standard and/or rule developed by Mr. Hobart Ames for the National Championship. Mr. Ames judged the National for over 20 years and the same standard has been applied throughout time. The Judges today continue to use this measure for selecting the "National Champion".

After the first week of competition, 22 dogs had taken the course in hopes for their trophy. Out of the 22, there was only 5 that finished the entirety of the three-hour race. Conditions during the first week varied wildly as there was everything from sleet to tornado watches. Sportsman’s Pride Elite Ambassador Allen Vincent was represented among the 22 dogs in the first week as he tried for his chance at the title. In the final week of competition, 8 dogs had their opportunity to run for the title.

After all the dogs had finished their attempt at the title, it was Miller’s Blindsider handled by Jamie Daniels and owned by Nick Berrong who went home as the 2023 National Champion from Ames Plantation.