By Steve Blanchard, Finish Line® President
As the Seventh Annual Finish Line® Bass Tournament approached, the weather once again threatened to derail this highly anticipated event.
Days of steady rain and a gloomy forecast had participants bracing for the worst. For many trainers, this tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a rare chance to step away from the relentless demands of a 24/7/365 profession and enjoy camaraderie on the water. Luckily, the rain stopped just in time, and the skies cleared enough for a dozen bass boats and two dozen anglers to launch.
Steve Blanchard, Finish Line President, and Shug McGaughey:
Big Bass Winner, Hall of Fame Thoroughbred Trainer & Finish Line Endorser
The sun broke through, temperatures rose, and the bass were biting. Spirits were high as they sped off toward promising waters, each hoping to hook the day’s biggest catch. For six hours, anglers traded wild shiners for the thrill of battling powerful bass. In keeping with tradition, all fish were released. After a successful day on the water, participants gathered at the Tiki Bar and Restaurant to enjoy lunch, refreshments, and the results announcement by Steve Blanchard.
Steve Blanchard with Total Weight Winner, Roger Attfield,
Canadian Hall of Fame Thoroughbred Trainer
The smallest bass of the day—just 0.55 pounds—was caught by Robin Smullen. While not a trophy-winning size, Robin is no stranger to success, having won Total Weight in 2020.
In the Total Weight category, Allison McGaughey earned Show honors with an impressive 13.38 pounds. Ron Potts secured Place with 16.97 pounds. Dominating the field with a remarkable 24.94 pounds was Roger Attfield, who claimed the win. This marks Roger’s second time being honored on the permanent trophy, having previously won Big Bass in the inaugural 2020 tournament.
Total Weight Show for Allison McGaughey at 13.38lbs
In the Big Bass Category, Rusty Arnold took the show with a strong 5.5-pound catch. Rusty, already a two-time trophy honoree (Big Bass 2022 and Total Weight 2024), continues to be a consistent competitor.
Dave Van Winkle earned a place with a slightly heavier 5.71-pound bass.
The standout moment of the day came from Shug McGaughey, who landed an impressive 7.64-pound bass to claim the Big Bass title. His name will now be permanently etched on the Finish Line trophy.
Shug joked that the award would sit alongside his Kentucky Derby and Travers trophies—a fitting addition. With Allison also earning top honors, the McGaugheys truly stood out as this year’s tournament power couple.
Steve and Big Bass Show, Keeneland’s own, G.R. “Rusty” Arnold II
Total Weight Category
Big Bass Category
Notable Mentions
We look forward to another great tournament next year!
Steve Blanchard
President
Finish Line® Horse Products
