The AQHA Racing Challenge Schedule is Online, including race dates and nomination deadlines.

© AQHA

AMARILLO, TX–JANUARY 1, 2026–The American Quarter Horse Association the 2026 AQHA Racing Challenge Races Schedule with nomination, trials and finals dates included.

AQHA encourages participants to always verify entry procedures directly with the host track, and to remember that each region’s race schedule is subject to change without advance notice.

For the 2026 Challenge season, AQHA lists a $400 nomination fee and an $800 sustaining fee. The nominations dates vary from race to race.

If the nomination deadline is missed, a $2,500 late penalty fee is due on the same date as the sustaining fee. If the nomination, sustaining, or late payment is not received, a $5,000 time-of-entry fee will be taken at the track.

CLICK HERE to view the online schedule

If you haven’t enrolled your foal in the AQHA Racing Challenge program, it’s smart to handle it now—especially with AQHA’s strict deadline policy and escalating penalties. American Quarter Horses that are registered with AQHA, or eligible to be registered, may be enrolled as long as the enroller is the recorded owner or lessee at the time of enrollment, with enrollment awards paid based on AQHA records as they appear at that time.

Any owner participating in the Racing Challenge program must also be a current AQHA member in good standing in order to enroll horses and compete in Challenge races. Enrollment fees are based on the horse’s age at the time of enrollment and must be submitted on or before December 31 each year to avoid late fee penalties.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the AQHA Challenge Races.