The National Championship was first organized and run near West Point, Mississippi in 1896. Later, the competition was conducted on field trial grounds south of Grand Junction, Tennessee. Ames became the permanent home of the “National” in 1915 and each running since has been on the “hallowed” field trial grounds set in place by Hobart Ames, long time President and Judge of the National Championship.
Running is now conducted each year on 6,000 acres of Ames property beginning on the second Monday in February. Normally between 35 and 40 English Pointers and /or English Setters, winners or placers in 80 qualifying trials throughout the U.S. and Canada, are entered into competition. To be ideally executed, this event requires a good population of bobwhite quail in an all-age field trial habitat. Extensive measures are implemented throughout the year to ensure these necessary conditions are available for a successful competition. Several thousand field trial enthusiasts from all over the world attend the event each year continuing a century old tradition at Ames.
A competitor anxiously awaits the beginning of his three-hour brace. Two dogs run as brace mates on either the morning or afternoon course. Each dog is brought to the starting block and released by a scout which assists the handler during the brace. 
Each dog is judged by a panel of three judges who ride in advance of the mounted gallery in order to observe the performance. The gallery maintains an appropriate distance from the action, yet is close enough to enjoy the performance. 
Each competitor is controlled by his “handler” who rides in the lead position from which he instructs the dog’s movement and behavior on the course. The judges base their decision on how a dog “works the course” in addition to the number of game contacts. 
Once a dog is on point the handler, under the watchful eyes of the judges, manages the “find” by flushing the quail and returning his dog to the course. No birds are harmed during the event. The dogs must cover the entire distance in three hours while maintaining proper form and discipline, and of course, he must find quail along the way. 
The National is as much an endurance stake as a hunting event. Competitors can travel up to 25 miles in three hours as they work their way around and through the winding 11-mile course, often in adverse weather. A lift back to the road is always appreciated. 
Following the completion of the National Championship the winner is announced on the steps of the Ames Manor, followed by much congratulations and fanfare. Pictured are the owner, handler and scout along with the judges, and of course, the Winning Dog.
