By Linda Scrivner

PULASKI, Tenn. - The weekend of shows which included Dickson, Lewisburg and Pulaski culminated with an extremely exciting show which hosted a large number of great horses. Huge numbers of spectators were thrilled with the 64th Annual Red Carpet Show of the South held Saturday night, July 24. With 348 entries, the show concluded shortly after midnight.

Judge Joel Weaver did a superb job of judging the 30 classes. It was a difficult job with the large number of talented entries in some of the classes. The Amateur Mare and Gelding Specialty class had 30 entries with at least eight world champions competing.

Weaver selected Sharp Cutlery and Buddy Dick from a field of six excellent horses to wear the red roses from the ring in the Walking Horse Grand Championship. This talented stallion impressed the crowd as he walked and shook his head from beginning to the end which followed a second running walk. Sharp Cutlery is owned by Moore Brothers and B.W. McDonald family. Making an impressive reserve tie was Brother Splash with Joe Cotten in the irons for Evergreen Walking Horse Farm. Knox Blackburn directed Push Me Bold to the third position for Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stephens.

Five of the 30 classes were MASCUP classes, which always brings out large numbers of entries. These classes were loaded once again at Pulaski. The red carpet was certainly rolled out again in 2004!

Knox Blackburn Stables led the blue-ribbon tally with three blues. Finish Line Stables and David Landrum Stables tied with two blues apiece. With the large number of great horses from many different stables, the following took home one blue each: Connie Waldo, Jacoby Farm, Nathan Mills, Wink Groover, Roger Richards, Mike McCormick, Nelms Training Facility, Bobby Fann, Winky Groover Stables, Barnes Training Stables, Robby Black, Clark Stables, Tommy Loid Stables, Ramsey Bullington Stables, Jamie Bradshaw, Bobo Farm, Southern Comfort, Webb Stables, Mickey McCormick Stables, Highland Stables, Dale Watts, Chris Messick and Steve Beam.

Thirteen top contenders entered the ring for the Show Pleasure Specialty class. Knox Blackburn won the first of his blues with mulit-world grand champion Coin Maker for Moore and Littell. Coin Maker has blues in 2003 to his credit at the National Trainers Show and Woodbury Lions Club Show, as well as dual blues at the Gulf Coast Charity Show. Kurt Kovalick directed 2003 world champion Storm Threat Too to reserve for Dr. and Mrs. R. Rigual.

Knox Blackburn Stables’ second blue of the evening was in the 18-entry Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class. The crowd really got into this talent-laden class. The amateur were riding hard and the crowd really got behind their favorites. Springloaded Santana and Julie Clayton rode hard and earned the right to make the victory pass. The Bill Clayton family proudly owns this horse. Eric Lackey directed San Juan to reserve for Mr. and Mrs. Eric Lackey from Landrum Stables.

Thom Meek claimed the third blue for Knox Blackburn Stables with 2003 world grand champion The Phantom Menace by winning the 18-entry Amateur 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class for Deerwood Manor. Last year this team claimed the Pulaski Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class. This team previously won the Amateur 15.2 and Under Stallions Specialty at the Gulf Coast Charity Show and the Spring Fun Show this season. The Phantom Menace also claimed the Aged Stallion Specialty at the Gulf Coast Charity Show. Taking the reserve position was another exciting team, Olympic Black Star and Doug Quire, for Doug and Tara Quire. Highland Stables prepares this team for competition.

Finish Line Farm’s first blue of the evening came with Rodney Dick directed world grand champion Gen’s Color Me In, owned by the G.R. Trumble family. Kim Trumble directed Gen’s Color Me In to the blue at the Kentucky Ladies Auxiliary Spring Horse Show, the Spring Fun Show, and the Columbia Spring Jubilee earlier this season and Rodney Dick claimed the Spring Fun Show Mare and Gelding class on this great gelding. . Their second blue came in the afore mentioned Grand Championship. Marvin North directed I’m Splashed to carry the red streamer from the ring for Hillview Promotions.

David Landrum Stables’ first blue came in the Trainers’ Wives and Children Specialty class with Pushin That Jazz and Laura Brandon. This team also claimed blues at the Mississippi State Charity, the Money Tree Classic, Eagleville Lions Club Show and dual blues at the Greater St. Louis Charity Show. Double Copper Coin and Freda Deam made a fine show to claim reserve for James and Marjorie Watson.

Landrum’s second blue was claimed by a very excited Trish Harrison and her Cheatin Danger in the 30-entry Amateur Mare and Gelding Specialty class. Weaver worked this class, lined them up and then had a 15-horse workout to determine the winner. This was the largest class of the weekend and possibly the largest this season. Joe Cotten and Cheatin Danger claimed the Mare and Gelding title previously this season at the Gulf Coast Charity Show. Reserve was awarded to Silverado Spirit and Erin Graf for David and Erin Graf from Knox Blackburn Stables.

Connie Waldo and Ruby Who, a new winning team this season, topped an outstanding 11-entry Country Pleasure class for R.D. and Connie Waldo. Waldo and Ruby Who previously won blues at Winchester Rotary Show, Liberty Lions Club, the Spring Fun Show and the Mount Pleasant Show. In addition B.J Richards made a blue ribbon ride at the Spring Fun Show as did Lindy Holt at the Woodbury Lions Club Show. Cindy Womack and her Pearl Jam claimed the reserve position.

Dynamite and Keely Smith claimed the Lead Line class for Zach and Keely Smith. The crowd was very vocal in this class in their support of the youthful contenders. Jacoby Farm trains this team. Ace with Tyler Bailey in the irons for Kyle and Tyler Bailey claimed reserve.

Look Who’s Taking Command and Nathan Mills won the 11-entry Weanling class for Hoyte Eakes. This team previously claimed the Dickson Weanling title on Thursday evening and the weanling class at Great Strides Show. Pusher’s Masqued Coin and Stan Thomas also made an excellent show to earn the reserve championship for Terry and Teresa Compton.

Thirteen MASCUP Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding teams answered the gate call. Wink Groover and Slow Dancing made the victory pass for Wink and Nancy Groover. Slow Dancing was recently purchased by the Groovers following her Magnolia Classic Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class victory last weekend. John Allan Callaway and Jose’s Senorita were selected by the judge to carry the red ribbon out for the Farrell and Poley families.

Chris Richards claimed a blue for Roger Richards with I’m Shania Twain by claiming the Yearling Filly title. Billy Thomas led Encore’s Midnight Lady to claim reserve for Nolan LaRue.

Amy McCormick and her current world champion Collector’s Mindy earned the victory pass in the Youth 11 and Under class. Dad Mike McCormick proudly prepares this team for the show ring. This team also had 2004 wins at the Money Tree Classic and the Tony Rice Horse Show. This was this team’s seventh consecutive blue with wins at Gallatin, WHOA Kiwanis Club, Spring Fun Show, Money Tree Classic, Tony Rice and Woodbury. Austin Kidd directed Total Control to claim reserve for Ron Kidd.

Nelms Training Facility also claimed a Pulaski blue. Robert Nelms led Don’t Touch Me I’m Armed to win the Yearling Colt blue for owners Curt Washburn and J.T. Nelms. Don’t Touch Me I’m Armed added this win to make it seven for the season. His other 2004 blues were won at Woodbury, Tony Rice, Moneytree Classic, Spring Fun Show, the WHOA Kiwanis and Gallatin. Alan Chumley led Hal’s Major Shooter to reserve for Floyd and Roberts.

The next class of the evening had 13 entries. Star’s Miss Cash & Carry and Bobby Fann earned the victory pass in the MASCUP Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class for Stewart’s Farm. The popular team of Catin Around and Ronald Young were second for Jimmy and Carol Lackey.

Fancee Spence and A High Dollar Charge claimed the 11-entry Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class. This team previously claimed the Two-Year-Old Amateur class at the Walking For Education Show. A High Dollar Charge previously won at the Spring Fun Show and the Tony Rice Show with trainer Winky Groover directing for Mr. and Mrs. Mark Taylor. Heidi McWilliams directed Joses Magical Lady to the reserve for McWilliams Realty.

Jose’s Vengeance and Jimmy Smith captured the 14-entry Three-Year-Old Amateur Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class for J.G. P., Inc. after an excellent performance. Robby Black trains this outstanding team that also claimed the Three-Year-Old Amateur class at the WHOA Kiwanis Club Show. Margaret Beech Weiss and Jackie O All Over claimed the reserve position for the Ray Beech family.

In the Juvenile Pony class, the new team of current world grand champion Silver Design and Barclay Woodward walked to the winner’s circle for Ronnie and Jennifer Woodward. Clark Farms prepared this team for their stunning debut at Pulaski. Silver Design’s earlier 2004 wins included the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary Horse Show, the Money Tree Classic and The Columbia Spring Jubilee. Josh Mosley claimed second with Senator’s Silver for Mr. and Mrs. George Delaney.

One of the most talked about teams of the show were Tommy Loid aboard Texas Joe Black. The 14-entry MASCUP Two-Year-Old Stallion class was very competitive. The judge chose this team to wear the blue for owner Bud Thomerson. Joe Cotten and Gold Poison picked up the red streamer for Graham Holt.

Ramsey Bullington was very proud of his Pulaski winner. Bullington and current world champion Genius Gold Spirit topped the Fine Harness class for the Robert Keenan family. This team has continued undefeated for three years. They have won the Fine Harness at Pulaski in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, as well as the 2004 Columbia Spring Jubilee blue. Reserve was awarded to Clutch’s Power Play and Scott Beaty for Double Springs Farm.

Jose’s Intimidator and Jamie Bradshaw are always crowd favorites. Their fans cheered for them in the 10-entry MASCUP Three-Year-Old Stallion class. Jose’s Intimidator is owned by Randall and Martha Ferguson. They previously won at the National Trainers’ Show and the Columbia Spring Jubilee this year. LeBlanc Enterprises’ Cash Mark and Bill Callaway claimed the red ribbon.

Seventeen Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion teams brought the crowd to the edge of their seats and the cheers were heard loudly and clearly. Gail Walling rode Peyton Manning to the victory pass for owner Judy McDonald and trainer Chris Bobo. This was this team’s fifth consecutive victory with blues at the National Trainers’ Show, the Winchester Rotary Show, the Spring Fun Show and the Tony Rice Show. Jazzed Up, with Brenda Bramlett in the irons, won the reserve for Bramlett and Wilson.

The 2004 Columbia Spring Jubilee Champions NYPD and Tim Gray won the Four-Year-Old Stallion class for Neal Holland Jr. and Gus King. This team was crowned the 2003 Three-Year-Old World Grand Champions. They also claimed a 2003 blue ribbon at Pulaski prior to their world grand championship victory. Tony Mercer directed Itza Nash to take the reserve spot for Bill and Sylvia Barger.

Kathryn Ramsbottom directed Pusher’s Special Design to the victory pass in the 14-entry Juvenile 12-17 class for Bob Ramsbottom. Webb Stables prepares this current world grand championship team for the show ring. Their 2004 previous wins were at Grinder’s Switch Classic, the Spring Fun Show and Tony Rice Show. Downtown Pusher and Andy Adkins claimed reserve for Autumn Crest Farm under the guidance of Bud Dunn and Son Stables.

JFK Again carried Jeanine Gullet to the blue in the 14-entry Amateur Stallion Specialty class. Ronnie Gullet proudly claim ownership of this outstanding horse trained by Mickey McCormick Stables. They also won this season at Summertown and both the 50 and Over Amateur Specialty class and the Amateur Specialty Stake at the East Tennessee Classic. Black Cash Delight and Gail Walling were selected second for Judy McDonald. Bobo Farm Inc. prepares this team for competition.

Dollar Overdrawn and Glen Spivey claimed the blue in the 16-entry Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for owners Glen Spivey and Gene Pace from Highland Stables. A Dollar General and Steve Hawkersmith claimed the red streamer for Steve and Linda Hawkersmith.

Multi-titled Summer Passion added the Mare and Gelding title to her resume for Brett Jones. She hails from Pioneer Stables and was shown by Dale Watts to win the blue. This mare recently won blues at the Neshoba County Classic and McMinnville. Pusher’s Last Citation carried John Allan Callaway to the reserve spot for Chad Adams.

Metro Grand and Chris Messick put on quite a show and were victorious in the Park Pleasure Specialty class for Wayne Hall. Metro Grand has a lengthy list of 2004 wins including Winchester Rotary Club, Smoky Mountain Classic, the Spring Fun Show, Money Tree Classic, Columbia Spring Jubilee and Tony Rice Center Show. Jackie Byrom made a spectacular show with Silver Dollar’s Fashion for Mr.and Mrs. Joel Johnson to earn second place.

Wired & Walkin and Jeff Bryant added the 13-entry Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion Specialty to their resume for the Jeff Bryant family. He hails from Steve Beam Stables. Wired & Walkin also claimed blues at Guntown, Miss., the Hershel Talley Memorial Show and Arab, Ala., this season. Claiming reserve were Pop A Top Papa and Rhea Ellen Webb for Franklin Beaty.