The 2024 AQHA Racing Challenge Championships will offer $1 million in purses.

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AQHA RACING—MARCH 20, 2024–The AQHA Racing Challenge continues to reward its participants, and this year will offer $1 million in purses at its AQHA Racing Challenge Championships, set to be held at The Downs at Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 26.

The massive payday will be delivered to horsemen on a card that includes five graded stakes races and five additional stakes races, headlined by the $265,000-est. AQHA Racing Challenge Championships (G1).

“We are excited for this program to deliver to the horsemen who continue to support it,” said AQHA Director of Racing Janet VanBebber. “This development is thanks to our great corporate sponsors, our host racetrack, our AQHA staff and the loyal horsemen who support their horses’ careers by nominating and racing in the Challenge.”

In addition to the headline race, other races offered are the Adequan® Derby Challenge, the John Deere Juvenile Challenge, the Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge and the Lip Chip LLC Distance Challenge. This variety of races offer a spot for every horse to shine.

Horses can earn black type while qualifying for the Challenge Championship at regional stakes races being held across North America. Nominations can be made by phone or online.

A horse enrolled in the AQHA Racing Challenge is eligible for a lifetime of racing. For only $300 as a weanling, a horse can compete for rich purses throughout its life.

This year will be the fourth time the AQHA Challenge Championships will be held at The Downs at Albuquerque, which is located at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. The racetrack is rich in history, as racing at the New Mexico State Fair began in 1938. The vibrant city offers culture, dining, entertainment, great weather – and outstanding horse racing.

For more information, visit www.aqha.com/racing-challenge.

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AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA Racing on Twitter and on Instagram, "like" Q-Racing on Facebook, and visit www.aqha.com/racing.