A Look at Two National Champions ~ Safari & Red Water Rex

Breakaway of Championship Heat. Calibanner, on left, and Safari at the start of the three-hour race. Bob Lamb and John Rex Gates, the handlers, in the center, checking their watches.

1966 National Champion Safari (painting by Iwan Lotton). Excerpt describing Safari’s performance: NC1966_Safari.pdf

1969 National Champion Red Water Rex (painting by Iwan Lotton). Excerpt describing Red Water Rex’s performance: NC1969_RedWaterRex.pdf

Handlers of the 1966 and 1969 champions, D. Hoyle Eaton and John Rex Gates. Thanks to Vera Courtney for photographing these two great field trial men earlier this month. Hoyle Eaton also won the National Championship with Riggins White Knight in 1968, Miller’s White Cloud in 1976 and Rex’s Cherokee Jake in 1978. John Rex Gates also won it in 1972 with The Texas Squire and handled the winner, Miller’s Silver Ending, in 1997 when trainer David Grubb fell ill.

Photos courtesy the American Field and Vera Courtney.