Result: South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Cheraw, South Carolina

Post Date: Jan 14, 2026

Submitted By: The Association of South Carolina Field

South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r): Lane Hodges, Mike Tracy, Katie Courtney, Darcy Hodges, Bo Brewer with Miller's Special Cinderella, George Tracy, Mark Janiec, Jammie Miller, Tom Brigman Jr. with Harbor City Express, Paul Kelly, Kyle Boone, Mac Stidham, Scott Miller, and Drew Bastian.

The South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship was conducted at the H. Cooper Black Memorial Field Trial Grounds in Cheraw, South Carolina, beginning on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Championship drew a competitive field of 46 dogs, showcasing many strong performances. Despite persistent rain, cold temperatures, and challenging ground conditions, the South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship was a success and a true testament to the quality of dogs, owners, handlers, and the dedication of everyone involved.

Several dogs demonstrated noteworthy efforts during this trial. From the second brace, Smoke Rise Hanna (Tony Bingham) showed bird work at 21 and 53 while finishing the hour with a nice race. In the third brace, Oliver's Fast Cash (Scott Miller) recorded a find at 28 and completed the hour after being out of sight early. The fourth brace saw Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk (Tony Bingham) post a find with successful relocation and later back its bracemate, finishing the hour. Miller's Lock and Loaded (Mike Tracy) had four stylish finds at 4, 18, 33, and 45. From the fifth brace, Erin's Envy (Mike Tracy) recorded two nice finds late in the hour and finished strong.

As running progressed, bird work remained plentiful despite the wet conditions. Trackers were seldom requested, and as the stake advanced, the judges had many dogs under consideration. From the sixth brace, Zero Tolerance (Scott Miller) produced multiple finds early with a good race. In the 10th brace, Trumped (Mike Tracy) handled the rain well, finishing the hour with three nice finds.

Saturday's running began with the 13th brace, which proved exciting to watch! B K Bonafide Stallion (Tony Bingham) delivered a solid hour with three finds and a back, while his bracemate Waybetter Rebel (Mike Tracy) showed consistency, backing bracemates and finishing strong to the front.

The 15th brace featured Erin's Demolition Man (Scott Miller) and Faithful (Mike Tracy), both logging multiple stylish finds and demonstrating determination and reach, giving the judges more to compare in the race for champion and runner-up honors.

Later, braces continued to produce strong efforts. Smoke Rise Jake (Tony Bingham) and Bittersweet War Cry (Mike Tracy) both finished their hours with multiple finds and strong finishes at the top of the hill. Backcountry Jacob (Mike Tracy) and Hirollins Talkin Smack (Scott Miller) recorded extensive bird work and completed the hour.

Sunday morning was delayed due to heavy fog, but once running resumed, the action quickly returned. In the 21st brace, Cool Hand Luke (Mike Tracy) produced two finds and finished with a strong hilltop effort. His bracemate, Harbor City Express, owned and handled by amateur Tom Brigman Jr., put together a powerful ground race with wide casts that repeatedly caught the judges' attention. He showed stylish finds at 19 and 32, a non-productive at 11, and sealed his runner-up position with a strong finish, maximizing the course to its fullest potential with a stylish find at 58.

One performance rose clearly to the top. From Friday's running, Miller's Special Cinderella, handled by George Tracy and owned by the Primm family, consistently displayed outstanding style, manners, and forward race throughout the course. She produced stylish finds at 33, 45, and 57, ran hard despite the rainy conditions, and finished strongly up the hill. Her overall performance left no doubt, and she was named champion.

Cheraw, S. C., December 4
Judges: Darcy Hodges and Lane Hodges
SOUTH CAROLINA OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 42 Pointers and 4 Setters
Winner-MILLER'S SPECIAL CINDERELLA, F1696287, pointer female, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Miller's Special Edition. William & Muriel Primm, owners; George Tracy, handler.
Runner-Up-HARBOR CITY EXPRESS, F1695399, pointer male, by Stoney Run's Buddy-Mohawk Mill Zena. Tom Brigman Jr., owner and handler.

Open Derby
Following the conclusion of the Championship on Sunday evening, Derby stakes were run on Monday. A total of 16 Derby entries competed, and these young dogs showed promise and maturity under challenging conditions.

OPEN DERBY - 15 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-SUNSET CREEK UPTOWN GIRL, F1713966, pointer female, by Double Deuce Zeke-Braggabull. Mark Janiec, owner; George Tracy, handler.
2d-HIGHTAILING PEACH, F1714950, pointer female, by Cheyenne Jack-Hightailing Maggie. Kevin Joyce, owner; Mike Tracy, handler.
3d-BULLY BUDD, F1712603, pointer male, by Bully Rock-Sandspur Belle. Ernie & Karen Saniga, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.

The Association of South Carolina Field Trial Clubs extends sincere thanks to judges Lane Hodges and Darcy Hodges, who rode with outstanding attitudes throughout the trial. Their constant laughter and positive spirits never wavered despite the miserable weather and were greatly appreciated by all involved.

We also gratefully acknowledge the support of sponsors, whose contributions were instrumental in the success of this Championship. Purina Pro Plan provided a generous amount of dog food for all who placed. Their Event Sponsorship Program through the AFTCA contributed financial support that allowed the club to purchase quality trophies and judges' gifts. Kalmbach Feeds (Tribute Equine Nutrition) continued its commitment to field trialing in South Carolina for the second consecutive year by providing financial support for this event. Southern Pines Land & Timber generously sponsored meals throughout the Championship, ensuring that participants, judges, and volunteers were well cared for despite the challenging weather conditions.

Many thanks are also due to the ASCFTC committee for their hard work in planning and executing the event: Mac Stidham, President; Drew Bastian, Vice President; Gray Watson, Vice President; Paul Kelly, Treasurer; and Katie Courtney, Secretary. Honorable mention goes to Jadie Rayfield, whose assistance with many tasks was invaluable!

Open Derby (l-r): Lane Hodges, Mark Janiec's friend, George Tracy, Mark Janiec with Sunset Creek Uptown Girl, Darcy Hodges, Katie Courtney, Bo Brewer with Hightailing Peach, Paul Kelly, Mike Tracy with Bully Budd, Scott Miller, and Mac Stidham.