Randall Bass deserved to win an award just for making the trip to Augusta.

He and his wife, Sheila, trekked across country from Ellensburg, Wash., by way of Weatherford, Texas, to the Augusta Futurity. The trip is no shorter than 2,733 miles.

Randall Bass captured the $50,000 Amateur 5/6 year-old with a score of 219.0 on Missys Boonanza. Special

"I wanted to show here in Augusta," Bass said. "This is one of the most prestigious cuttings in the country. I know it's a long way from Washington, but it's worth it."

Bass and Missys Boonanza marked 219 to capture the $50,000 Amateur For 5/6-Year-Olds by three points Saturday at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center. Bass collected $5,044.

Donna Goett of Weatherford, Texas, and Miss Pocket Pistol came in second at 216 for $3,971. Clayton Younggreen of LaPorte, Ind., and Oh Cay Mist Lynx placed third (215.5, $3,177).

Bass arrived in Augusta early Friday morning and got two hours of sleep before winning the go-round. There was no time to celebrate. He had an appointment with his pillow.

"I slept like a baby," said Bass, who dozed for 10 hours. "That probably helped me."

Having reigning National Cutting Horse Association Futurity Open World Champion Craig Morris as his trainer didn't hurt either. Morris rode Missys Boonanza, a 6-year-old mare by Peptoboonsmal out of Miss Quixote Sails, to the Classic Open finals last year. Morris will compete with her again in the Classic Open.

"The mare has a unique style," Morris said. "She has a real creepy way of working the cows. It's real creepy-crawly. She draws cows to her a lot."

Bass drew up first in the finals class of 12 horses. His draw position was the polar opposite of his go-round position, when he rode 44th in the 48-horse class.

"Being first was a welcome change," he said. "Usually, I'm running last or next-to-last."

Bass, who's involved in commercial real estate, was confident his score would hold. And after two years of close finishes, Bass and his mare finally broke their winless streak.

"It just warms my heart," Bass said. "I don't need the money. She's a good horse. She needs to do this."

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 868-1222, ext. 114. or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.