Pick-Up 40. BAYOU MAGIC’S SMOOTH SAILING SARAH, “Sookie,” BLF, Frank Price

Sookie and Frank came to the line at 9:10 am

F – Out across the field to the fall area - missed it. Hunted deep right almost to the right bird - came back to the fall area and then back up the hill away from the bird. Had gunners out to help. Picked up.

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

2005

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

My 1st competitive dog took me from hunt tests to field trials on talent alone. That was FC-AFC Wing Magic's Louisiana Roux and the sire of "Ammo" the all-time High Point Derby Dog!

Who are your training partners at home?

Michael Thomas, David Wiseinor and John Neel

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Sookie was a nickname that my mother-in-law called my wife when she was a child

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

Sook is always happy with a great attitude, her dam is FC-AFC Fannie, the 2021 Purina High Point Derby Dog.

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

The Weight by the Band

39. SEASIDE’S CHECKAROO, “Rooney,” BLF, Hunter Hamrick

Rooney and Hunter came to the line at 9:06 am

F – Drove out under the arc for a brief hunt right of the fall - turned left and she got it

RR – Out to the bush -  a tight turn and got it!

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

2018

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

My interest started when I got a lab to hunt with  back in 2012. I was introduced to hunt tests and that quickly evolved into wanting to learn more about field trials. My competitive nature led me to wanting to see if I could get a dog to the highest level. 

Who are your training partners at home?

Most days, it's just my wife and me training at our house. I run the dogs and she throws the birds. I also do a good bit of training with Caleb Nall, Rooney's trainer.  

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Rooney is a family name we came across and really liked. However, when we were picking a puppy from the litter, she was wearing the pink checkered collar and referred to as "Checkers" We initially had another registered name we were leaning towards, but we couldn't let go of her first "name" and wanted to find a way to incorporate it. "Checkaroo" seemed to check all of those boxes. 

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

Like most labs, Rooney was born with a curious streak and a talent for trouble. As a puppy, she treated our house like her own puzzle game, quickly mastering the art of breaking into anything we touched often: the trash can, the dishwasher, the pantry - you name it. We assumed once she went to training, she would come home having lost interest for her puppy games. We thought wrong. After five or six months away, she bounded through the door for a home visit and, without missing a beat, trotted straight by to the kitchen and pulled open the trash can like she'd never left. We do not have any small children in the house; however, we find ourselves "toddler proofing" areas for Rooney and her never ending quest for adventure. 

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

She's a Bad Mama Jama by Carl Carlton

No-Bird 38. MARSHWIND’S ICE STORM, “Elsa,” BLF, Richard Ellertson

Elsa and Richard came to the line at 8:59 am and had a No-Bird. They will be back after 6 running dogs.

37. LETHAL’S WAYMORE’S BLUES, “Waylon,” BLM, Jordan Baker

Waylon and Jordan came to the line at 8:56 am

F – Good Job!

RR – Up the hill and under the arc to the bush - circled behind it and got it!

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

Started competing in 2020. 

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

Had been running HTs for 20+ years and wanted a new challenge. 

Who are your training partners at home?

Baker Retrievers (Jason, Jordan and Cole) and Johnny Armstrong along with Toma Anderson. 

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Names after his father, Lethal, and a song by Waylon Jennings. 

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

His father Lethal is the son of Flex who was the father to my first Field Trial dog. 

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Waymor's Blues by the great Waylon Jennings

36. TITAN’S PLACE’S MNEMOSYNE, “Nemo,” BLF, Lucas Loewenhagen

Nemo and Lucas came to the line at 8:52 am

F – Out to the area just left of the guns - hunted right of the fall area and then quickly worked down the hill to get her bird

RR – Drove the hill - under the arc - straight to the fall area and the bird.

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

2020

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

Working with Curtis Kennels

Who are your training partners at home?

Michelle Ferhle

What is the origin of your dog's name?

One of the wives of the Titans

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

My girlfriend made me buy her

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Feel Invincible by Skillet

35. JC’S GOD OF THUNDER, “Thor,” BLM, Michael Cotten

Thor and Michael came to the line ...

F – Out to the fall area and worked his way left to the bird quickly

RR – Straight to the area of the bird - very nice

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

14-15 years ago

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

Went to a Danny Farmer/Judy Aycock seminar and they convinced me to leave my dog for Derby training - I previously ran hunt tests.

Who are your training partners at home?

My dogs are currently trained by Steenburgen Retrievers and Best Retrievers.

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Started using Norse Gods for the theme for the dogs. I just lost a 3.5 year old JC's God of Mischief (Loki) and decided JC's God Of Thunder for this dog.

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

Thor is from Canada and we flew to Washington and drove across the border to pick him up.

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Bawitduba by Kid Rock

Pick-up 34. THE HONEY BADGER, “Badger,” YLM, Julie Cole

Badger and Julie came to the line at 8:45 am

F – Straight as an arrow to his bird!

RR – Went back to the flyer - picked up

Contestant Survey:

NA

33. WIGHT’S FEAR THE DARK, “Nyx,” BLF, Tracy Wight

Nyx and Tracy came to the line at 8:42 am

F – Came in just left of her bird - a quick turn and she got it!

RR – Wide left going up - turned right towards the bush and scooped it up!

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

2009

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

The great grandmother of the puppy I am running was my EVERYTHING dog.  Poor thing had to try everything with me. We achieved so much HRCH UH Zucker's Wight Lightning MH QAA Super Retriever Series Crown Qualifier.  I wanted more so I bred her and kept a puppy!  My first FC AFC Wight's Goddess of Victory MH "Nike"!!!  I was HOOKED!!

Who are your training partners at home?

I am so BLESSED to have one of the strongest most talented training group with the most incredible piece of heaven that we train on!  My sincerest thanks goes to John and Martha Russell, Robby Bickley, Cindy Vinzant, Russ Hardy, Dave Cuthbertson, and Ron Aronoff.  It is a team effort to be successful!!

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Nyx is the powerful Greek goddess of the night who commands the darkness.  The fear associated with Nyx was not a fear of the goddess but of what the darkness might conceal - the unseen, the uncertain, and the unknown!

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

I have been using the same whelping box since 2007 and never had any puppies escape.  Starting at 5 weeks I could not keep Nyx in the box!!!  She did not even use the corners.  She was clever, super strong, and so smart!  I guess she want to hang out with me more than her littermates.

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Wild Thing by The Troggs

Handle 32. DAIRYLANDS HERE’S YOUR ONE CHANCE, “Fancy,” CLF, Jordan Baker

Fancy and Jordan came to the line at 8:36 am

F – Out under the arc and hunted right of the fall - got deep behind the guns to the right. Had an extended hunt but got back to the fall area and missed it. Extended hunt again, but she couldn't find it. Handled to the bird with help from the guns.

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

This year!

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

My family

Who are your training partners at home?

Jason Baker and Cole Baker

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Here's your one chance Fancy, don't let us down

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

NA

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Fancy by Reba

31. NORTHBAY’S IN THE HUNT, “Missy,” BLF, Robert Franey

 Missy and Robert came to the line at 8:32 am

F – Came in right of the fall by the guns, turned left and worked her way down to the bird

RR – Up the hill - under the arc - tight turns in to the bush - circled back around the guns - back to the bush where a few more turns got her the bird!

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

Around 2005

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

It was a goal to aspire to that pushed me to train better and spend more time training.

Who are your training partners at home?

 Buck Shope ( Swift River Retrievers )

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Her name is a play on her Dams name - Baypoints Init To Winit. Hopefully when Missy is mentioned she's "In the hunt"

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

She refined her prey drive chasing crickets when she was a puppy. 

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Shipping in to Boston by The Dropkick Murphys

30. PARDO’S RISE TO THE OCCASION, “Rizor,” BLM, Dan Partington

Rizor and Dan came to the line at 8:29 am

F – Smack!

RR – Up the hill to the fall area - 2 tight turns behind the bush and he got it!

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

Around 2000

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

Wanted to be more competitive with my dogs. Did NAHRA and then Hunt Tests before doing Field Trials 

Who are your training partners at home?

Pro- Josh Conrad (Conrad Retrievers). Dan Falsaso

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Has to do with Hunting the riser on a bow. 

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

No stories to tell yet... Hopefully this coming year there will be plenty to tell!  (He might be the youngest dog to run this year's National besides his sibling who is also entered.)

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Beautiful World by Kenny Chesney

Handle 29. WBF’S PRIMA DONNA, “Prima,” CLF, Wade Cashion

Prima and Wade came to the line at 8:23 am

F – Went out low across the field - turned right up by the guns and started to hunt deep and wide right - had an extended hunt and gunners came out to help

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

2019

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

NA

Who are your training partners at home?

Caleb Cashion, Scott Ward and Josh Swanson

What is the origin of your dog's name?

 - She's crazy -

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

NA

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Oh Happy Day by The Edwin Hawkins Singers

Photo

 

28. TAMARACKS SHE’S A HEARTBREAKER, “Moxie,” BLF, Holden Salls

Moxie and Holden came to the line at 8:19 am

F – Came in Right of the bird, started a tight loop and smacked it!

RR – Up the hill towards the bush and turned left straight to the fall area - tight turns and she got it!

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

Ran my first derby in 2023

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

Started throwing birds for a pro while 16 in high school, fell in love with the atmosphere and knew this what I wanted to to with my life. 

Who are your training partners at home?

Marc Patton 

What is the origin of your dog's name?

She was always feisty as a puppy chasing around biting at the other dogs so i thought the name "Moxie" fit well.

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

Got my first ever win in a field trial event with this girl and that's something that will be with me the rest of my life. 

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar

27. WESTWIND’S CHANGES IN LATITUDES, CHANGES N ATTITUD, “Jim,” CBRM, David Hailey

Jim and David came to the line at 8:05 am

F – Straight to the fall area and his bird!

RR  – Drove up the hill angled left - cut back right up under the arc - turned left and got his bird.

Contestant Survey:

When Did you begin competing in Field Trials?

My first field trial I ever went to was a derby at Middle TN in September 2018 Before then I had no idea what was involved with a field trial 

What Made you decide to compete in Field Trials?

It just kind of happened at the right time in my life 

Who are your training partners at home?

All the members of the North Al and Black Warrior retriever clubs 

What is the origin of your dog's name?

Jimmy Buffet passed away from skin cancer in September of 2023

Tell us an interesting story about your dog ...

Picked him up in a blizzard in Maine 

What Song and Artist would you want to hear playing as you come to the line:

Jimmy Buffet

1st Series Test Dogs

Livin Tha Dream’s Truth, “Tru,” BLF
Owner: Glen Dudley
Handler: Don Fregelettte

First test dog up was Tru and handler Don Fregelette ... Tru came to the line at 7:58 am

Flyer (F) - Tru went out under the arc - made one pass right and then back to the fall area and her bird.

Right Rooster (RR) - Up the hill towards the bird - came in behind the guns, turned left and made a pass both left and right deep and then back to a large bush and located her bird.

Hockley Creek's Cyclone, “Cy,” BLM
Owner: Robby Bickley
Handler: Robby Bickley

Next test dog up was Cy with handler Robby Bickley .... Cy came to the line at 8:02 am

Flyer (F) - Came in just right of the bird - started a tight hunt and he got it.

Right Rooster (RR) - Out to the large bush - came in left and circled to the back and got it behind the bush after a few tight turns.

This test is taking approximately 3-4 minutes per dog to complete.

1st Series Test Description

1st Series Test Description

Welcome to the first test of the 2025 National Derby Championship!

55 dog/handler teams will start this morning, after having traveled from all over the US to compete here in Sedalia, Missouri.

It is currently 64 degrees and party cloudy skies and a slight breeze. Highs are expected to reach around 84 degrees this afternoon. We are at Grader Field where the grounds are perfectly manicured and the grass is just high enough to hide a bird!

The 1st Series is a Double with a Rooster Flyer and a Dead Rooster

Land Double

This 1st Series test is a Land Double that will use a Rooster Flyer and Dead Rooster.

The mat sits in the V of 2 intersecting roads looking WNW across a large field. The Right side is bordered by a road, the Left side has a heavy tree line. From the mat the field goes uphill over several terraces and ends with a fence at the top of the hill. There is a tree about 60 yards in front of the mat that seperates the fall area of each bird.

Bird # 1 (RR) is a Dead Rooster. The gunners are positioned about 250 yards up the field to the right of the tree. The gunners shoot and then throw the bird to the left. This appears to be a flat throw. We will refer to this bird as RR for Right Rooster.

Bird # 2 (F) is the Rooster Flyer. The gunners are on the left side of the field. They throw and then shoot the rooster to the left, landing down the hill at approximately 210 yards from the mat. We will refer to this bird as F for Flyer.

This test is taking approximately 3-4 minutes per dog to complete.

Good Morning – Day 1

Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to the 2025 National Derby Championship! 

This morning we are kicking off the event at the 1st series test location. We have heard the National Anthem (video below!), had a presentation from Retrieving Freedom and our test dogs are getting ready to run. We will begin with our first running dog at 8:00 am.

The morning has started out with party cloudy skies and temps currently at 64 degrees. There is an expected high around 88 this afternoon with sunny skies, and a light wind of around 7 mph. We will update you with changing conditions as the day goes on of course ...

But for now, stay tuned as we prepare to begin the 9th running of the National Derby!

58 Dogs Entered. (3 dogs have Scratched: 3, 23, 52)

55 Dogs will Start this 1st Series, starting with dog #27.

Congratulations to everyone that has qualified to be here, and Good Luck to all the teams this morning!

National Anthem Sung by Alexander Ross