Result: Kentucky Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Berea, Kentucky

Post Date: Dec 5, 2025

Submitted By: Terry Boatright

Kentucky Open Shooting Dog Championship: Mike Jackson (judge), Matt Basilone with Fort River's Lucky Charm, Donna Boatright, William Smith (judge), Ed McKay with Smoke'N'Mirrors, and Terry Boatright.

First, I would like to thank everyone who attended the trial, who watched, and assisted us in putting on another event.

Special thanks to our sponsors Purina Dog Food, Donna Boatright, Kris Hammons, and Tim Hammons, who worked diligently to make this trial a success. It would not have been nearly as successful without them. Thank you so much for your assistance.
Also, another special thanks to this year's judges, Mike Jackson of Battle Ground, Indiana, and William Smith of Moscow, Tennessee.

This year's running of the Kentucky Open Shooting Dog Championship drew 30 shooting dogs. We commenced running each morning with cool temperatures. Halloween morning saw the start of the competition. This year's winner, a setter male named Fort River's Lucky Charm, was handled by Matt Basilone of Pittsgrove, New Jersey. Fort River's Lucky Charm set the standard in the very first brace of competition, scoring on two well-placed finds and a very nice shooting dog performance, handling nicely for his handler.

Thick vegetation made scenting conditions difficult for everyone and often led to lost dogs as there were hard to scout, few birds were being pointed by the competitors, with many dogs going birdless. Prevailing from the 11th brace was a pointer female named Smoke'N'Mirrors, also handled by Matt Basilone. Smoke'N'Mirrors ran a consistent forward race coupled with a mannerly find. Smoke'n'Mirrors did an excellent job of covering the ground, working with Matt, showing that she is an integral part of his team to grasp the runner-up position.

The judges were impressed with four other dogs as well: River City Free Agent (Zack Erne), Boatright's Maverick (James Kleve), Little More Shine (Tim Hammons), and Mohawk Mill Maverick (Matt Basilone).

These dogs all garnered honorable mentions. Named closest to the winners, all four of these dogs were able to finish their hours strong forward and with bird work. However, these four dogs likely had too much run and range for the judges as they each reached our further than the winners in their determination to find birds.
Brian Sanchez, owner of last year's winner, Great River Stallion, hosted the cocktail party on Friday night, which provided a relaxed environment for handlers, owners, and guests to socialize. Thank you, Brian.

Berea, Ky., October 31
Judges: Mike Jackson and William Smith
KENTUCKY OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 17 Pointers, 10 Setters, and 3 Irish Setters
Winner-FORT RIVER'S LUCKY CHARM, F1681132, setter male, by Mohawk Mill Lucky Charm-Fort River Jackie. Gary Tavares, owner; Matt Basilone, handler.
Runner-Up-SMOKE'N'MIRRORS, F1679185, pointer female, by Just Irresistible-A Whiskey Lullaby. Richard Gillis & Stacy Goodie, owners; Matt Basilone, handler.

First brace: Andy Erne with Chippewa's Dog of War, Matt Basilone mounting his horse, and Fort River's Lucky Charm with Ed McKay (scout).