Michelle Hall was in shock when it happened.
The former volleyball coach surprised everyone - even herself - when she won the 2005 Futurity Open finals. She and Play Stocks dominated the field with a score of 224.
"I never, ever thought it would happen; I'm still a complete rookie at this deal," Hall said after the event.
She continued a trend of first-year winners, taking home a piece of the Augusta Futurity. There were five new champions in eight official events last season.
Who will step up to the plate in the 27th annual edition of the Augusta Futurity, which continues today through Jan. 28 at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center?
Maybe it'll be another fresh face like Hall, who became the first female cutter to win the Futurity Open finals since Kathy Daughn on Playin Stylish in 1999. She also became the fourth first-time winner in a row to capture the crown jewel of the show.
Last year, the futurity attracted 671 entrants from 31 states, Canada and Italy. It was the second consecutive show featuring a $1 million purse.
Futurity organizers expect another $1 million purse this time around.
One reason for the large amount of money is the popular Western Horseman Cup Open and Non-Pro competition, which has a $250,000 purse itself. The prestigious one go-round event offers the largest winning check during the show's duration. Last year, the open champion took home $50,000, while the non-pro winner earned $30,001.
Another popular event is tonight's fourth annual Extra Inning World Championship bull riding competition. The event, which begins at 8 p.m., has sold out every year.
During the first weekend of the show, the futurity will hold the annual Wrangler Family Fun Fest. The free event will run from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday on the civic center's Seventh Street plaza.
There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, a western town, music, clogging and contests for the cutest cowboy and cowgirl between ages 2 and 8.
Later that night, families of any size can watch live competition inside the arena for only $10 per family.
Another fan-friendly event is the annual Futurity Dance. It will be held at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Julian Smith Casino.
The main cutting events will be held inside the civic center.
There are eight official events and three non-official competitions. More than 600 entrants are expected to attend this year's show, which has become more contestant-friendly.
The changes include:
- Contestants may enter three horses of each age, instead of two, in every contest
- The $100,000 Amateur 4-year-old and $100,000 Amateur for 5/6-year-olds contests replace the $50,000 versions
- All contests will take 20 percent plus ties to the finals
The Classic Open and Non-Pro finals will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday. The Western Horseman Cup finals begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27.
The show culminates with the Futurity Open and Non-Pro finals. Opening ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28.
Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.
