Ames Plantation

02/23/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 National Championship at the Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, TN.
What an incredible championship it has been — outstanding performances, great sportsmanship, and the kind of fellowship that makes this tradition so special year after year. From Brace 1 through Brace 21, this year’s running showcased the very best of our sport.
Congratulations to this year’s Champion (pictured below). A true testament to the dedication, preparation, and partnership between dog and handler.
Thank you to the owners, handlers, scouts, judges, volunteers, and fans who make the National Championship what it is.
📸 You can view all of this year’s photos — along with galleries from past championships — here:
https://amesplantation.zenfolio.com/
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

02/22/2026

Game Surge in prime form for photos following the announcement of the 2026 National Champion.
Owned and handled by Dr. Fred Corder
Scout Nick Thompson

02/22/2026

Following the crowning of National Champion, Game Surge on the historic Ames Manor front steps, fire crews from Tall Timbers, a Research Station & Land Conservancy and Ames Plantation began prescribed burning on the afternoon course. Burning operations will continue there and expand to the morning course over the course of the coming weeks.

Ames remains committed to continual habitat improvement, stewardship, and investment in the grounds to ensure the National Championship is conducted on the finest field trial venue in the country.

02/21/2026

We would like to share a few photos taken at the announcement of Game Surge as the 2026 National Champion. These photos include Game Surge, his owner/handler, scout, reporter, and judges of the 2026 Championship.

02/20/2026

02/20/2026

Running a little late. Stand by for the announcement.

02/20/2026

Brace 21 (2/20/2026) has been completed.

Erin's Code of Honor suffered an unproductive at :20 in the wood line south of the Morgan Basin. Relocation was unsuccessful. At :30 he had another unproductive west of the LB Avent House Place near the Turner Road crossing. His handler opted to pick him up at :32, ending the brace.

The 127th running is concluded.
The Announcement of the 2026 National Champion is scheduled for 10:00 am (central time) at the Manor House on the Ames Plantation.

02/20/2026

If you enjoy following the action from the Ames Plantation, be sure to head over and give the Ames Plantation page a follow! It's the best place to stay up to date on National Championship news, field trial highlights, and everything happening on the grounds. Don't miss a moment -- like and follow today!

02/20/2026

The dogs are down and Brace 21 is underway at the 2026 National Championship. Breakaway was at 8:00 this morning under sunny skies and a crisp 48 degrees here at the Ames Plantation. This marks the final brace of the competition- best of luck to all, as we close out another great championship.

02/19/2026

Brace 20 (2/19/2026) of the 2026 National Championship has come to a close this afternoon, under mostly cloudy skies and a warm 77 degrees. With just one brace left in the competition, anticipation is building for the final run. Stay tuned as we prepare to wrap up the championship.
Here are the results from Brace 20.

Nickajack Pale Rider suffered an unproductive at :06 at Lost Dog Hill. Relocation was unsuccessful. He had another unproductive at :53 west of Govan Hill and again, relocation was unsuccessful. His handler opted to pick him up at :55.

World Class Instigator had a back at :06 at Lost Dog Hill, followed by a find at :34 in the Big Turner Ditch Field. At 1:22 his handler made the decision to pick up his dog ending the brace at the Turner/National road crossing.