There are several achievements in foxhunting considered milestone markers of a top hound, one that stands out from the rest of the field. Winning the National, All American, USO, or the Chase Futurity are defining, individual field trial achievements. Then there are measurements of a hound’s performance that tests the core of their ability time after time, such as the “Test of the Best” competition. 2018 was a very significant one as it marked the tenth anniversary that this contest has been in existence. Dozens of hounds and hunters worked tirelessly going to numerous one day and puppy hunts, in pursuit of a goal of winning or having a hound finish in the top five.

This past years' “Test of the Best” featured a newcomer and a perennial veteran in the winner’s circle. Congratulations to Mike Hearn who took his very special female, Hearn’s Runt, and made her the top hound in the one day division. Mike, a dedicated hunter who puts the punctuation mark on good sportsmanship, made a thrilling run beginning early in the year. Directly behind Mike was a kennel whose hounds finished second and fifth respectfully in the 1-Day, adding special meaning to the term “hard work”. Dewina and Norman Jordan of Out of Control Kennel were second with Norman’s Sambo, who on occasion, outran hurricanes and biblical type floods to finish in his position. Finally, when it comes to puppy hunts, Jeremy Mercer has been the man to beat. Rolling out a string of ‘Cakes’ the past few years, he once again came through with a gyp named Mercer’s Frosted Cake. The top five division winners this past year stood out in the field, and surpassed a pool of superior hounds directly below them to win. Here now are the winners of the 2018 Chase-Pride-Johnson’s Telemetry “Test of the Best”:

Puppy Division

1) Mercer’s Frosted Cake 379274 (1,130 Points)
(Mercer’s Duke – Mercer’s Midnite)
Owned by Jeremy Mercer, J&R Knl; Clinton, NC

2) Smokin Aces Maci 378991 (900 Points)
(Buckshot’s Hard Rock – Smokin Aces Hooker)
Owned by Jimmy Maines; Trenton, NC

3) Kennedy’s Eightball A 379465 (790 Points)
(MK’s Moe – Gaskins’ Ann Marie B)
Owned by Alex Kennedy; Rose Hill, NC

4) Smokin Aces Hideous 379471 (770 Points)
(Thompson’s Willie – Smokin Aces Drama Queen)
Owned by Jimmy Maines; Trenton, NC

5) Stewart’s Viper 379365 (540 Points)
(Thompson’s Willie – Big Time’s Abby)
Owned by Anthony Morales, Rollin Thunder Knl; Pink Hill, NC

1-Day Division

1) Hearn’s Runt 379187 (1,200 Points)
(PPK’s Night Train – Hearn’s Stripper)
Owned by Mike Hearn; Jarratt, VA

2) Norman’s Sambo 376623 (1,140 Points)
(Norman’s Barney – Blanton’s Blacky)
Owned by Out of Control Knl; Castle Hayne, NC

3) Bottom End Lil Ruby 373592 (950 Points)
(Powell’s Buck – Wallace’s Ruby)
Owned by FO Sixty Knl; Church Road, VA

4) Atkins’ King 370428 (790 Points)
(Crisco’s Newbern – Atkins’ Penny)
Owned by Old School Knl; Windsor, VA

5) Norman’s Shine J. 376621 (770 Points)
(Norman’s Barney – Blanton’s Blacky)
Owned by Out of Control Knl; Castle Hayne, NC

I want to thank every hunter who ran their hounds for this competition, as well as the pen owners who supported their efforts. Finally, a special word of appreciation goes to the co-sponsors of the “Test of the Best”, Mike Carr of Pride, and Debbie Johnson, of Johnson’s Telemetry. It is my hope that each owner will bring their hound(s) to Lexington on March 28 to receive their awards in person. Congratulations to all who placed.

Congrats to all that placed.