Joseph A. Lordi Labor Day Memorial Classic Youth Stake Report
English Setter Club of America
Medford, New Jersey
August 30, 2025
All field trials have their special and memorable moments. Typically at our trials, those special moments come during the Youth Stake and so it was for the Joseph A Lordi Labor Day Memorial Classic. I know Joe would have been thrilled and smiling watching the kids ride, handle and love on the dogs. Eight young handlers took to saddle either solo or assisted and navigated the course, with the dogs finding birds and showing perfect manners at the shot! It’s impossible for even the most experienced judges to rank this fun stake; it was declared an all around draw with all the kids taking home blue ribbons.
Ages ranged from 4 to 13 with the youngest on horses led by Moms and Dads who assisted in flushing and the young handlers lifted back on their mounts by either Marcus or Matt.
We have a few future prospects in the pipeline. Melissa Basilone, showed her dog with independence, exhibited exceptional riding skills and a special connection to the dogs. No surprise! Both Melissa and Mia are third generation field trialers. I know PopPop Norm Basilone is smiling from ear to ear and Daddy Matt too!
Mia, another a young prodigy did a fine job! She rode beautifully, handled and flushed independently with Dad standing back in support.
Anneyel Buchanan, showed her talent flushing for her steady to shot dog with ease and confidence. Mom and Dad were proudly watching from the gallery!
Parker McCay got it done with Dad by his side. He took to his 16 plus hand mount and rode to his dog on point with little assistance from his trusty scout “Dad”, he flushed for his steady to wing and shot dog.
These young handlers along with even younger kids are making friendships through field trials and are the future of our sport. I can’t say enough about the good the Youth Field Trial Alliance is bringing to the sport for the enjoyment of these young participants but also for the benefit and health of the sport long term.
Thank you Megan McCay for your enthusiasm and efforts, to Matt Basilone and Marcus Ramseur for overseeing the stake, to all the support from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who came to cheer the kids on and fill the gallery. A special shout out to the Youth Field Trial Alliance’s, Chris Mathan and Claudia McNamee, to Eukanuba and SBHA for their support of our trial that enables these special stakes to take place. Next stop Jockey Hollow September 12-14.
Joe Cincotta
