Event: Robin Gates Memorial Quail Classic & the "Big" Derby
Result: Bear Pond Field Trial Club

Location: Leslie, Georgia

Post Date: Jun 5, 2023

The Robin Gates Memorial Quail Classic, hosted by Bear Pond Field Trial Club began Thursday, November 17 at Round Pond Plantation in Leslie, Ga. Round Pond Plantation, one of the premier field trial grounds in the country, owned by the Walker family, our most gracious hosts, is kept in prime condition by Tracy and Christy Swearingen. Debbie Hoffer prepared meals daily, including her famous fried chicken and down-home mac and cheese.

The club also hosted a shrimp boil, followed by a surprise birthday party for Karen Norton by her daughter Kim Harrell. The open old age classic, named in honor of the late, legendary Robin Gates, who was inducted into the Field Trial Hall of Fame just a few months prior, drew 36 dogs and was judged by Chip Pendergrass of Dayton, Tenn., and Charles Morton of Thomasville, Ga.

Among the many impressive performances, particularly noteworthy were, Erin's High Note handled by Judd Carlton and scouted by Jamie Daniels had five impressive finds and an excellent forward all-age race.
Another strong contender was Dunn's Sneakin' In, handled by Tracy Swearingen with a strong forward race, three finds and a stout, notable back. Miller's Blindsider, who ran in the seventh brace and handled by Jamie Daniels had three finds and a divided find with a strong race was also a serious contender. Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock, the impressive setter handled by Tracy Swearingen in the sixteenth brace also caught the judges' eyes with two good finds and a steady race.

With so many potential contenders, a call back series was ordered. Touch's Breakaway Fred and Bonner's Excalibur ultimately claimed the glory. Touch's Breakaway Fred, handled by Mark Mclean and owned by Bruce and Karen Norton and Bill and Becky Futch locked in the win, qualifying Fred for a run at the National Championship in Grand Junction. Fred scored three finds in the first round, and one find in the call back and laid down stellar, unrelenting ground races. Indeed, a very happy birthday gift to Karen.
The number two title went to Bonner's Excalibur owned by Derek Bonner handled by Luke Eisenhart had five impressive finds in the first round and good, forward races. Touch's Malcom Story, owned by Alex Rickert and handled by Mark McLean took third.

Many of those who knew and loved Robin Gates knew him as "Big". Not only a wizard with the canine derby, he also mentored more than one generation of field trial upstarts. Hence, The "Big" Derby. Pendergrass and Morton also presided over the derby field, and among the many impressive young contenders, only three could be named. Tracy Swearingen took third with Tee's Crazy Train, owned by him and his amazing wife Christy. Hunt's Rollin' the Dice owned by Nick Cummins and handled by McLean was named number two, with Erin's Iron Man, owned by Sue Graunke and handled by Judd Carlton, claiming the top spot.
The performance in these young dogs is a promising peek into the seasons to come. We love you Big, and we miss you. We hope we make you proud.
Leslie, Ga., November 17
Judges: Charles Morton and Chip Pendergrass
ROBIN GATES MEMORIAL QUAIL CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 34 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-TOUCH'S BREAKAWAY FRED, 1680750, pointer male, by Touch's Mega Mike-Touch's American Baby. Bruce & Karen Norton & Gary & Becky Futch, owners; Mark McLean, handler.
2d-BONNER'S EXCALIBUR, 1680103, pointer male, by Ransom-Miller's Martha White. Derek Bonner, owner; Luke Eisenhart, handler.
3d-TOUCH'S MALCOLM STORY, 1675103, pointer male, by Touch's Knight Rider-Blackhawk's Sunflower. Alex Rickert, owner; Mark McLean, handler.
THE BIG DERBY - 15 Pointers
1st-ERIN'S IRON MAN, 1699569, male, by Dominator's Bull Market Bud-Erin's Wild Callie. Sue Graunke, owner; Judd Carlton, handler.
2d-HUNT'S ROLLIN THE DICE, 1701416, male, by Touch's Mega Mike-Gone With The Wind. Nick Cummins, owner; Mark McLean, handler.
3d-TEE'S CRAZY TRAIN, 1699147, male, by Touch's Red Rider-Tee's Funseekin Belle. Tracy & Christy Swearingen, owners; Tracy Swearingen, handler.

Robin Gates Memorial Quail Classic. Front Judd Carlton with Touch's Breakaway Fred. Rear, from left: Charles Morton, Mark Mclean, Mr. & Mrs. Norton, Kim Harrell, Chip Pendergrass.