After enduring a year of Covid challenges and economic downfall, ten hounds emerged from a pool of outstanding contenders to place in the top five of the Puppy and One Day categories of the 2021 Chase-Pride “Test of the Best”. This competition has the unique ability to reveal the toughest hounds and hunters alike, who strive to place in the top tier. The “Test of the Best” really means something to the people who set a goal of attaining an elusive number one finish. Chris Meadows of Croaker Boyz Kennel said he made it his mission to win the 1-Day division of the “Test of the Best” and he did just that with his outstanding hound, Croaker’s Demon. A smooth and deliberate campaign of nine (9) top ten placements earned this hound his coveted title. An honorable mention goes out to Old School, Michael Whitley and Donald Newheart, positioning two hounds in the upper bracket of the One Day that include Old School Pungo, who has appeared an unprecedented three years in a row in the top five.

Ryan Beddingfield first won the Puppy division of the “Test of the Best” in 2015, making his mark with the incomparable Bedrock’s Spartacus. Fast forward to 2021 and this gentleman once more shows that good stewardship in breeding pays off by securing first place in the Puppy category with Bedrock’s Charger. This male proved himself several times over, never placing less than fifth in “Test of the Best” sanctioned field trials. I want to thank each and every hunter who entered hounds in this contest with a set goal in mind. A years’ worth of effort, translating to a lifetime of memories. I also want to thank a stalwart supporter, Mike Carr of Pride Dog Food, who has been our co-sponsor for a number of years. There will be special recognition of the top hounds in the 2021 “Test of the Best” April 1 during The Chase Spring Shootout in Liberty, KY. The individuals that follow are the top five hounds in the Puppy and One Day categories:

Puppy Division:

1) Bedrock’s Charger 387855 (430 Points)
(Jessica’s Revenge – Bedrock’s Athena)
Owned by Ryan Beddingfield, Bedrock Knl; Pink Hill, NC

2) Bradley’s Baby 388197 (420 Points with 6 placements)
(K&L’s Smokey Wendell – Bradley’s Ruby D.)
Owned by Dennis Salyers, Red Devil Knl; Waynesburg, KY

3) Full Stride Skunk N/R (420 Points with 5 placements)
(Sandridge Moonpie – Sandridge Bailey)
Owned by Full Stride Knl; Richlands, NC

4) Bedrock’s Mocha 387856 (360 Points)
(Jessica’s Revenge – Bedrock’s Athena)
Owned by Ryan Beddingfield, Bedrock Knl; Pink Hill, NC

5) TL’s Blossom N/R (320 Points)
(TL’s Rock – Pak’d Up Missy)
Owned by Too Loose Knl; Beulaville, NC

One Day Division:

1) Croaker’s Demon 386367 (630 Points)
(Swift Creek Ruby – Frasier Bros. Ivy)
Owned by Chris Meadows, Croaker Boyz Knl; Williamsburg, VA

2) Jenk’s Speck 388302 (580 Points)
(P&J Dallas – Hammer’s High Falutin)
Owned by Richie & Kristie Jenkins, Jenks’N You Knl; Warsaw, VA

3) Old School Pungo 380884 (570 Points)
(Cox’s Howard – Rose’s Lil Ann)
Owned by Old School Knl; Windsor, VA

4) Chase N Praise 383671 (540 Points)
(K&L Smokey Wendell – K&L Holly)
Owned by Marilyn Chase; Campbellsburg, KY

5) B&B’s Miley B. (500 Points)
(Whisenant’s Jimmy B. – B&B’s Mila)
Owned by Old School Knl; Windsor, VA