Cutting show is strong as ever

The meeting at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce previewed the upcoming show. With 29 years in the rear-view mirror, the Augusta Futurity is preparing for its milestone year.

"I can't believe we've been doing this for 30 years," Morris said. "The show is sound financially. We're sound in terms of acceptability by the people who come here from a long way to ride their horses and from the people who watch. We're sound because of Augusta's acceptance with this show.

"We rest on three firm foundations: this Champions Club, our corporate sponsors and more than 100 local visitors who make this show happen."

Morris also looked ahead to the future, quipping that show manager Pete May is committed to the long term.

"He has agreed to serve as show chairman," Morris said, "for show No. 60."

The Augusta Futurity returns Jan. 23-31 at James Brown Arena. The show is as strong as ever, with eight official events and a new non-official event that's stirring up interest.

The inaugural Champions Challenge, to be held Jan. 30, will feature 48 past champions -- 24 in the Open and 24 in the Non-Pro. The show has invited every past champion, May said.

"We think that may be our best event," May said.

With help from the Champions Club, the Augusta Futurity patrons group, the show will feature almost $800,000 in prize money, up from $727,000 last year. The futurity will have $300,000 of added money, with an additional $50,000 thrown into the mix because of the 30th anniversary.

Morris said the show expects about 600 entries. That's quite an uptick compared to the first show when there were 140.

Morris recalled that initial February 1980 show. As futurity officials prepared for it, they first had to set up James Brown Arena.

"(Former arena manager) Richard Cobb said, 'You're not going to put dirt on my new floor, are you?' " Morris said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The Georgia dirt has become as much a staple of the show as the city's Southern hospitality. Morris praised Augusta for making even the unsuccessful riders feel good.

"You only have one happy person at a horse show," he said.

The Augusta Futurity continues to be well rounded with its popular companion events. The Area 18 youth cutting will be held the first night. The following day, the Wrangler Family Fun Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Seventh Street side of the arena. The event will feature a petting zoo and cloggers in addition to Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band.

That evening, the USC Aiken Benefit Bull Riding Championship, a Professional Bull Riders event will be held. The bull riding is now a PBR Challenger Tour event, an upgrade from last year's PBR Enterprise Tour show.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.

From the Wednesday, January 7, 2009 edition of the Augusta Chronicle