The 40th running of the Gumbo Flats Gold Cups Stake occurred at Wheatfield Cottage, Weldon Springs, Missouri, Sunday morning, March 15, 2015. Unlike recent years, delightful weather greeted the members and guests who walked the farm and watched the basset hounds and beagle packs search for the elusive rabbits. Unfortunately, this year the temperature ended up a little warmer than preferred, which curtailed the hunt. Suffice it to say, the rabbits remained safely covert.
A panel of two judges reviewed the packs’ performances, which are hunted by an impartial huntsman. The hunt began at 10:00 AM with Laura Carpenter Balding and Lei Ruckle serving as the Masters of the Field. Mark Smith,M.F.H., Shawnee Foxhounds, was the Huntsman, and Thomas H. Jackson M.F.H. and Jon Martinson, JT.-M.B. Leawood Beagles, critiqued the packs. Ted Atwood served as Field Master and led the spectators.
While St. Patrick shined with a balmy day, he could not assist with the rabbits, which once again prevailed and avoided the scent of the hounds. The hounds returned from an early rendezvous to enjoy some kibble, but alas, no rabbits. Regardless, all spectators relished a day in the country and a the beautiful spring day for the 40th Annual Gumbo Flats Gold Cup Stake.
Basseting involves the sport of following a pack of Basset Hounds (or beagles) in pursuit of hares or rabbits. The structure closely resembles a traditional foxhunt except the pursuit happens on foot. A centuries-old event, it continues to draw young and old who love the outdoors, good sport, and hunting with hounds.
The Three Creek Bassets represents a private pack supported by a subscription membership. The kennels are located in Weldon Springs, St. Charles County, Missouri. The pack consists of 8-10 couples of hunting Basset Hounds. The hunt territory corresponds to the Bridlespur Fox Hunt and also includes land-use invitations from several gracious landowners in St. Charles, St. Louis, Lincoln and Jefferson Counties, Missouri and Calhoun County, Illinois.
The hunting season commences every September and runs through April. Meetings occur Sunday afternoons with some additional bye days and holidays. The Three Creek Bassets, one of the registered national basset packs, hunts rabbits and hares on a regular basis.
