Greg Coalson, on Quejanaisalena, won the Classic Non-Pro division of the Augusta Futurity with a score of 222 on Thursday. Special

Greg Coalson grew tired of collecting checks instead of championships. Making the finals was nice, but not when he knew he could do better.

"Six months ago, I decided I had a horse I can go win cuttings on," Coalson said. "It's his last year in aged events. I told my wife, Shelly, that I'm going to go enjoy this year and if I get to the finals I'm really going to show him strong."

Coalson and Quejanaisalena marked a strong 222 on Thursday night and cruised to a five-point victory in the Classic Non-Pro finals at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center.

Coalson, of Weatherford, Texas, took home the top prize of $20,070. Mary Ann Rapp of Weatherford, Texas, and Blissful posted 217, matching Elizabeth Queen of Lipan, Texas, and Squeakys Playboy. Rapp and Queen each earned $12,486 for their co-reserve championships.

Coalson and his 6-year-old stud, by Smart Little Lena out of Quejanamia, finally broke through after a string of near-misses in the Augusta Futurity. The two placed second in the 2003 Futurity Non-Pro and tied for third in the Classic Non-Pro last year.

Riding first in the 20-horse finals, Coalson decided he needed a dynamic opening run. He and his mount cut three cows and originally received 221 before the score was adjusted.

"I just wanted to make sure I drove up real aggressive, real strong," Coalson said. "The cattle aren't used to going back into the herd at that point because they haven't been cut."

After his run, Coalson watched the other nine horses in the first set and then walked his horse at the event's intermission.

"I've done all I can do, and I don't want to wish bad luck on anybody else," Coalson said.

Coalson raised the horse since birth. He said Quejanaisalena was gawky at first, but soon grew into his body.

"As a colt, he was kind of like a big ol' teenager," Coalson said. "At 3 and 4, he really filled out. It was like he turned into a man."

Coalson, who manages his family ranch in Texas, has two children: daughter Lauren, 14, and son, Ian, 11. Coalson said it's sometimes difficult to leave home to compete around the country.

"This whole sport is hard," Coalson said. "It's tough to come out here and spend some time and know that your kids are wanting you home. But when you have success like this, it makes the drive home a little better."