SHELBYVILLE, IN—SEPTEMBER 15, 2021—It was another stellar performance by Mr Michel as he rallied home for the win in the ninth running of the $108,800 Leader Of The Class Sale Futurity Wednesday.

Ridden by Erik Esqueda, the sorrel freshman is now three for five in his brief career.

Mr Michel is not known for his great starts, having encountered trouble in the past. But he had no trouble in the Leader Of The Class Sale Futurity. Esqueda got him rolling in the first few strides. Once he gets rolling, he’s hard to stop.

Delreys Wagon Train and L.D. Martinez were in good position early on along with Keens Blood Legacy and Jose Ruiz in the center of the track. Midway through the 350-yard dash, Mr Michel came powering up and went right on by for the lead and the eventual win by one and one-quarter lengths.

Leaving With Fire and Berkley Packer closed quickly on the outside for second, just a nose ahead of Knockout Swing and Rolando Pina for third. The time of the sprint was :17.872, a new stakes record.

Mr Michel is owned by Alberto Valadez and trained by Claudio Barraza. Mark Michel bred the gelding by leading third-crop sire Kiss My Hocks, who was a $17,500 purchase from last year’s QHRAI Speed Sale in Indiana.

Erik Esqueda is the youngest of three brothers currently riding in Indiana, joining Cristian and Cesar. Still in his teens, the youngest Esqueda is now two for two aboard Mr Michel.

It was the first career Futurity win for the top 10 Quarter Horse jockey as he guided the gelding to the fastest time in the trials leading up to the final. Mr Michel now has nearly $100,000 in purse earnings for his connections. Esqueda was excited for the win aboard the standout two-year-old.

"He broke super well," said Erik. "He gained the lead pretty early and finished really strong. I want to thank his connections. A huge thank you for getting the opportunity to ride such a great horse."

Runner-up Leaving With Fire earned $21,760 for owner SJC Investments. Randy Smith saddled the Coronas Leaving You gelding out of Firebawl, by Jess Zoomin. Randy Haffner bred the $29,760 earner. Leading With Fire was a $7,000 repurchase in the QHRAI Speed Sale.

Rusty Hawkins' Knockout Swing picked up $10,880 for third. Trainer Anthony Cunningham sent out My Royal Wagon filly who has banked $17,340 this year. Brian and Lane Gunder bred Knockout Swing from the Swingin Jess mare Game Swinger. Hawkins paid $10,000 for Knockout Swing at the 2021 QHRAI Speed Sale.

Keens Blood, Delreys Wagon Train, My Royal Casino, Encores Bright Image, Feature Miss Wagon and Princess Beach completed the field.

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The stakes race is a precursor to the first-ever qualifiers for the AQHA Bank of America Challenge Championships set for Monday, Sept. 20 at Indiana Grand. Two regional qualifiers are set on the card with the John Deere Juvenile Challenge as Race 9 and the Q Racing Videos Distaff Challenge set as Race 10. Points for the finals will be awarded in the events. The 2022 Bank of America Challenge Championships will be hosted by Indiana Grand.

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The 19th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing is now in progress and continues through Monday, Nov. 8. Live racing is conducted at 2:25 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, with first post on Thursday set at 3:25 p.m. A special Indiana Champions Day highlighting the state’s top Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, beginning at noon. More information about the 2021 racing season is available at www.IndianaGrand.com.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, dining, and diversity. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features more than 2,100 of the latest slots and table games in addition to a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course providing live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast and sports wagering is also offered year-round at Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located on the casino floor as well as a Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.

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