Challenge


Top 2018 Horsemen in the Bank of America Racing Challenge Program Recognized
AQHA recognizes top 2018 horsemen in the Bank of America Racing Challenge program.

Top 2018 Horsemen in the Bank of America Racing Challenge Program Recognized

AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION—NOVEMBER 13, 2018— At the Bank of America Challenge Championships every year, the year-end high-point winners are recognized in four categories: John Deere Champion Owner, Nutrena Champion Breeder, Wrangler Champion Trainer and Wrangler Champion Jockey.

These awards represent a true dedication to the Bank of America Racing Challenge program, requiring many top-quality efforts throughout the year’s regional races. The Bank of America Racing Challenge is unique in American Quarter Horse racing, offering horsemen greater racing opportunities for horses of all ages, especially older horses.

This year, the John Deere Champion Owner is Thomas J. Scheckel of Bellevue, Iowa, who saw his horses collect 60 points, about 30 percent more than his closest rival. He will receive a John Deere Gator utility vehicle and a custom buckle from Awards Recognition Concepts.

Tying for second in the owner division was Ontario-based Milena Kwiecien, and Idaho-based RTM Stables LLC. Both earned 39 points.

A semi-retired construction company owner who previously had a great deal of success in the halter horse industry, Scheckel became involved in racehorses after his home state’s racetrack, Prairie Meadows, hosted the 2014 Bank of America Challenge Championships.

Among his horses are Aqua Flash and Maghelene, both of whom qualified to race in the John Deere Juvenile Challenge; Painted Dynasty, who qualified to race in the Adequan® Derby Challenge Championship; as well as Corona Springs, who will be competing in the AQHA Distaff Challenge Championship. Repeating as the Nutrena Champion Breeder is American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member Bobby D. Cox of Fort Worth, Texas. One of the sport’s all-time leading breeders, Cox will receive $5,000 cash, 3 tons of Nutrena feed and a custom buckle from Awards Recognition Concepts.

Finishing second in the category was California breeder Dr. Steve Burns.

Another repeat winner came in the Wrangler Champion Trainer category, as Robert “Bob” Johnson collects his second consecutive title. For the accomplishment, he will get $5,000 cash and a custom buckle from Awards Recognition Concepts. Nakia Ramirez is the Wrangler Champion Jockey, and will receive $2,000 cash and a custom buckle from Awards Recognition Concepts.

She outpaced second-place jockey Christian Esqueda by only five points. Among her winners was Bank of America Canterbury Championship Challenge winner Kowboy Jim.

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