The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal, December 14, 2009 – Bank of America Racing Challenge enrollment numbers have remained strong in 2009, despite a downturn in the racing industry and the overall U.S. economy. With slightly more than two weeks remaining in 2009, owners have enrolled 2,476 horses, down only 240 from 2008.
“We are extremely pleased that the Challenge enrollments for 2009 are comparable to the final 2008 numbers,” said Darrell Hare, director of AQHA’s Racing Challenge. “In view of the current economy, the uncertainty of the future for racing at some tracks that have traditionally hosted Challenge races, plus the current discussions taking place about proposed changes for the Challenge program, Challenge supporters have demonstrated their continued belief in the program by enrolling their horses.”
Horse owners have until December 31 to lock in prices for weanlings and yearlings; fees are higher for 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds.
“The Bank of America Racing Challenge remains the most successful program for racing American Quarter Horses, and even in difficult economic times, horsemen support the Challenge and add value to their horses by enrolling them into the program,” said AQHA Executive Director of Racing Trey Buck.
During the past year, AQHA has researched ways to enhance the Bank of America Racing Challenge. Through task force meetings and the creation of working groups, many ideas have been presented, and a working proposal is available for public input.
“While the Challenge is the most successful racing program of its kind, we also want to ensure that it stays viable and sustainable for breeders of American Quarter Horses,” Buck said. “The purpose of expanding the Challenge program is to give more opportunities for racing owners and drive sales and value of Challenge-enrolled horses for breeders and stallion owners. We’re challenging the racing Quarter Horse industry to develop a program that meets those goals for the future of the business.”
Interested parties may read the current version of the plan and provide feedback by visiting www.aqha.com/aqharacing.com/challenge/challengeexpansionplan.html. That page is also directly accessible at www.aqharacing.com.
The following is a list of individuals who have generously donated their time and talents to improve the Challenge:
Stallion Working Group:
Dr. Glen Blodgett of Burnett Ranch, Guthrie, Texas
Dr. Larry Findley of Delta Equine Center, Vinton, Louisiana
Tyler Graham of Southwest Stallion Station, Elgin, Texas
Phil Stewart of Bob Moore Farms, Norman, Oklahoma
AQHA Racing Council member Jeff Tebow of Piedmont, Oklahoma
Scoop Vessels of Vessels Stallion Farm LLC, Bonsall, California
Jerry Windham of Windham Ranch, College Station, Texas
AQHA Racing Council member Matt Witman of Lazy E Ranch, Guthrie, Oklahoma
Foal Enrollment Working Group:
AQHA Racing Council member John Andreini of San Mateo, California
Dr. Steve Burns of Burns Ranch, Menifee, California
Sharon Brandsness of Las Vegas, Nevada
Kirk Goodfellow of Dreams Come True Ranch, Nacogdoches, Texas
Mac Murray of MJ Farms, Veguita, New Mexico
Rachuan SuarezCorda of Vera, Mexico
AQHA Racing Council member Walter Fletcher of Lakin, Kansas
Funding/Operational Issues Working Group:
AQHA Racing Council member Ross Brigden of Medicine Hat, Alberta
Bob Broadstock of Nestleton, Ontario
Frank Cavazos of Lyford, Texas
AQHA Racing Council member Kelvin Childers of Mound, Minnesota
K.C. Carden of Tennessee Colony, Texas
Bill Hoburg of Kennewick, Washington
AQHA Racing Council member Walt Knorpp of Clarendon, Texas
Wade Siegel of Los Angeles, California
AQHA began the Bank of America Racing Challenge in 1993 and since that time has distributed more than $52 million to breeders and owners of racing American Quarter Horses. 2010 marks the program’s 18th season with 71 regional, championship and undercard races. More than $5 million in total purses and awards were distributed in 2009, thanks to corporate partners, host tracks, horsemen and the Bank of America Racing Challenge purse fund.
The Bank of America Racing Challenge was created to increase racing opportunities for older American Quarter Horses, but the benefit of nominating is also seen in the sale ring where Challenge-enrolled horses have historically brought more money. The Bank of America Racing Challenge is the richest and most successful program in American Quarter Horse racing today – a championship series developed for the “World’s Fastest Horse.”
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.
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