Event: Conecuh Station Open Shooting Dog Classic
Result: Conecuh Field Trial Club

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: Dec 31, 2025

Submitted By: Lisa Littell

Conecuh Station Open Shooting Dog Classic (front, l-r): Robert Moorer, Steve Hutto, Matt Basilone, Squire Lee with The Gray Ghost, Hunter McDuffie with Late Hit, Casey Tracy, Amelia Stewart, Mike Tracy with Miller's Heat Seeker, Joe Hughes, Keith St. John, Cammi St. John, and Morgan Brewer holding baby Mary Tracy. (Back, l-r): Ban Stewart and Jeff Gibbons.

The 2025-2026 season for the Conecuh Station Field Trial Club came out of the gate in memorable fashion with the 2025 Conecuh Station Open Shooting Dog Classic, run on November 3, 2025. Sixty-seven shooting dogs from across the country answered the call, setting the stage for a classic worthy of the storied grounds at Conecuh Station.

Judging duties were in the accomplished hands of Keith St. John and Joe Hughes, whose long hours in the saddle and steady, thoughtful consideration of each entry are greatly appreciated. Their fair and knowledgeable eye ensured that this strong field was judged at the highest level.
When the dust settled, it was The Gray Ghost ("Leo"), a striking black-and-white setter male, who stood unmistakably above the rest. Expertly handled by Matt Basilone, owned by Smoot Carter of Winchester, Virginia, and scouted by Squire Lee, Leo delivered a performance that left little room for debate. He made his intentions clear from the first cast and never relinquished control of the course. From breakaway to "Pick 'em up!" Leo never faltered. He hunted with intelligence, confidence, and a presence that separated him from an outstanding field. When time expired, there was no doubt this was the race by which the rest of the stake would be measured.

Running a bold, stylish ten-and-two race, The Gray Ghost displayed the kind of reach, purpose, and composure that defines a true shooting dog champion. His bird work was equally impressive, producing three clean finds; the first at 20, the second at 35, and a decisive final find at 36, perched dramatically on the ridge overlooking the lake. Leo was all class, sealing a hands-down victory and announcing himself as a dog to beat.

With this dominant victory, The Gray Ghost continues to build a formidable r sum , carrying his momentum forward with a recent placement at Conway's Razorback Open Shooting Dog Classic and reaffirming his place among the elite shooting dogs in the country.
Second place went to the venerated champion Late Hit ("Jay"), owned by Christ Campbell of Shreveport, Louisiana, and handled by Tom Shenker. Jay delivered his signature all-star performance, running with authority and confidence. He was found stylishly on point by scout Hunter McDuffie on the ridge at 12, followed by a strong final find at the far end of the dove field at 45. Jay finished the morning with power and purpose. As the defending National Open Shooting Dog Champion, Jay proved once again that his title was no accident. His performance at Conecuh Station is a reminder that greatness is measured not just by wins but by consistency, class, and the ability to answer the call every time he hits the ground.
Multi-champion Miller's Heat Seeker ("Woody") and Mike Tracy took third after a well-run race, delivering two solid finds, executed with confidence and style, proving that true class does not fade with time. Woody turned in a gritty, determined performance in unseasonable heat.

Under conditions that test the resolve of even the toughest competitors, Woody made it look easy. His trademark orange ears, exceptional conformation, and particular demeanor make him nothing short of a legend who continues to show up and show out for George and Mike and his owners, Bill and Muriel Primm, Dennis Hood, and Jack and Fran Miller.

Following the Classic was the inaugural running of the Brian Sanderson Memorial Open Shooting Dog Derby. Keith St. John and Marty Robinson judged the Derby stake. We sincerely appreciate Marty Robinson for stepping in on short notice and for his and Keith's continued dedication.

Brian was a member of our club and a dearly loved friend. He embodied generosity, sportsmanship, and what true friendship really means. He never met a stranger, and he always had that signature smile on his face. He truly loved this sport and these grounds, and he was committed to this club and the sport of field trials in a way that does not come around every day. He lives on with us in spirit, but he is loved and missed by all of us every day.

The first dog to win in his honor was World Class Whiplash, owned by Mick Marrietta and handled by Squire Lee. This prodigy of multi-champion and winner of the 2023 National Championship, Miller's Blindsider, hit the ground running with vim and vigor. He delivered a powerful race and, after scoring a perfect find, finished strong. It was a performance that surely would have made Brian's smile even wider.
Second place went to Red Mesa's Second Line, handled by Brian Gingrich and owned by Bart Hicklin, after a strong forward race capped by a good find at the pond dam.
John Neely and Neely's Tophat put on the razzle dazzle with a spirited race and clean bird work to round out the placements in third.

We hope we made you proud, B!
There are truly no words sufficient to thank Becky and Tony Gibson for their unwavering generosity and devotion to these trials. They are genuine champions of our sport and tireless stewards of its future. We appreciate them more than they will ever know.

Thank you also to our sponsors: SBHA, Purina, Eukanuba, SportDOG, and Jinks Crow, PC, without whom our trials just wouldn't be the same.

Also, thanks to Ban and Allison Stewart and their 5 Strings catering for top-notch lunches and dinners.

Thank you also to George Cole and Steve Hutto for cooking a hearty breakfast for everyone every morning.
Another big thank you to Hutto for manning the dog wagon and overall keeping things moving smoothly. You do a lot that people don't see, and we appreciate you.
Allison and Tony both continue to improve, so please keep the prayers coming!

Union Springs, Ala., November 3
Judges: Joe Hughes and Keith St. John
CONECUH STATON OPEN SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 60 Pointers and 7 Setters
1st-THE GRAY GHOST, F1696927, setter male, by Caladen's Davinci-Woodmont Virginia Shelby. W. Smoot Carter, owner; Matt Basilone, handler.
2d-LATE HIT, F1687601, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-Abigail Lil. Christopher Campbell, owner; Tom Shenker, handler.
3d-MILLER'S HEAT SEEKER, F1674886, pointer male, by Just Irresistible-Miller's Bring The Heat. Bill & Muriel Primm, Dennis Hood & Fran & Jack Miller, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.

Judges: Marty Robinson and Keith St. John
BRIAN SANDERSON MEMORIAL OPEN SHOOTING DOG DERBY - 25 Pointers
1st-WORLD CLASS WHIPLASH, F1723500, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-World Class Dialing Out. Michael Marietta, owner; Squire Lee, handler.
2d-RED MESA'S SECOND LINE, F1720180, pointer male, by Boumeester's Evangelist-Upfront's Blinding Light. Brian Gingrich, owner and handler.
3d-NEELY'S TOPHAT, F1725536, pointer male, by Erin's Redrum-Neely's Razzle Dazzle. John Neely, owner and handler.

Brian Sanderson Memorial Open Shooting Dog Derby (front, l-r): Squire Lee, Matt Basilone with World Class Whiplash, Keith St. John, Kaley Anne with Red Mesa's Second Line, Brian Gingrich, Steve Hutto with Neely's Tophat, and Marty Robinson. (Back, l-r): Cade Sanderson, April Sanderson, Amelia Stewart, Allison Stewart, Ban Stewart, Martha Neely, John Neely, and Robert Moorer.

Tony and Becky Gibson.

Brian Sanderson.