What becomes a legend most? That is a question that although an unusual one, would be in keeping with this past year’s winner of the 2017 Chase “Bench Challenge”. In some respects the “Bench Challenge” like the “Test of the Best,” almost always yields a remarkable finish when hounds vie for the top placements in the two competitions. This past year was a noteworthy one for bench champions with a total pool of ninety seven shows meeting the standards for consideration. As I reviewed the field of contenders and began adding points to determine the top three hounds, I soon realized the winning hound really had no competition. Never in the past five years since the inception of this contest has one individual been so dominate in victory and while this should be a joyful announcement, it comes with a sad undertone. It is my honor to say that McMillan’s Pharaoh, owned by Ronnie McMillan is the winner of the 2017 Chase “Bench Challenge”. If ever there was an all-around foxhound, this remarkable male was it. Pharaoh won twelve (12) Best in Shows during this past year and although that in and of itself is stunning, he also performed magnificently in the field as well. This hound won the All American bench show in February of last year and made the cut to go the last day in the field trial putting up some excellent hunting scores along the way. As if that was not remarkable enough, Pharaoh won BIS at the Fred Pevey Three Day this past September, plus he won Classy Hound, the All Age Combination, and the Dual Championship to top it off. Despite the accolades they pale in comparison to the joy that he brought to Ronnie and his family, and sadly Pharaoh passed away unexpectedly early this year in the prime of his career.

The two hounds that finished second and third had an outstanding year in their own right with Mary-Beth Bass of Dunn, NC walking away with the number two hound. This gorgeous young lady is a fierce competitor, and has been seen showing two hounds simultaneously for Best in Show on more than one occasion. Congratulations to Mary-Beth and her hound Mary-Beth’s Hoss, on her inaugural top three finish in the “Bench Challenge”. Finally, the third place hound in this past years’ contest hails from Alabama and is owned by Scott Head. Time after time I would see Killam Hills Sadie listed in bench reports, as she won two bench shows and several Best Opposite Sex placements throughout the year racking up points with a vengeance. This is another hound that did it all, winning on the bench and achieving multiple dual championships in the field. Congratulations to the owners of these three fine hounds, and please look for a comprehensive list of the winners in the May issue of The Chase. Follows are the top three finishers of the 2017 Chase “Bench Challenge”:

1) Ch. McMillan’s Pharaoh 366355 (Hound finished with *1,320 points) *All-time record
(Ch. McMillan’s Little D – AA Duchess of Dark)
Owned by Ronnie McMillan; Crystal Springs, MS

2) Ch. Mary-Beth’s Hoss 372712 (Hound finished with 620 points)
(Meg Leg’s Rufas – Taylor’s Golden Dawn)
Owned by Mary-Beth Bass; Dunn, NC

3) Ch. Killam Hills Sadie 368896 (Hound finished with 460 points)
(Ch. Killam Hills Bingo – Morris’ Popcorn)
Owned by Scott Head, Killam Hills Knl; Wing, AL