Challenge


Challenge Championships Return to Los Alamitos
Los Alamitos will host the championship event for 11th time.

Challenge Championships Return to Los Alamitos

Q-RACING JOURNAL—OCTOBER 7, 2016—Los Alamitos Race Course welcomes back the Bank of America Challenge Championships on October 29.

The Bank of America Challenge Championships is the year-end culmination of the Challenge program. The Racing Challenge program gives increased racing opportunities to American Quarter Horses. Horses qualify to the event through win-and-you’re-in regional races held in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The championship races offer more than $1.1 million in purses and prizes on Championship night, and frequently feature eventual year-end championship winners.

Nominations indicate the championship races and the undercard races will have strong entries.

This year, the $350,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship (G1) headlines the night’s races. Among the horses expected to contest this race are past AQHA Racing World Champion JRC Callas First, as well as three-time Challenge Championship participants AJs High, Rockin Disco and Eyesa Famous Eagle, as well as recent Grade 1 winner Jessies First Down.

"We are excited that the nominations for this year's Challenge Championships promise a good turn out from the different regions,” said Chief Racing Officer Janet VanBebber. “Contrary to some concerns, the implementation of hair testing has instilled confidence in horsemen, knowing they can compete on an even playing field. We've received positive feedback about the program and are excited to return to historic Los Alamitos."

This is the 11th time the Orange County racetrack has held the prestigious event, a record in the Challenge’s 23-year history. Only two other racetracks have ever hosted the Challenge Championships multiple times.

Los Alamitos most recently hosted the Challenge Championships in 2013. The track holds the record for most-frequent host during the Challenge’s 23-year history.

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