The Grand Legacy, under jockey Noe Villatoro, dominating the $24,684 Grade 3 AQHA Distance Challenge Stakes on Friday at Lone Star Park.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–SEPTEMBER 29, 2023–The Grand Legend earned "home field" advantage tonight after posting a 6-1/2 length victory in the $24,684 Grade 3 AQHA Distance Challenge Friday evening in Lone Star Park.

Tonight's win guarantees the son of multiple stakes sire Fdd Going Grand a starting spot in the $100,000 Grade 1 Cox Distance Challenge Championship to be contested Saturday, October 21st at Lone Star Park.

Ridden out easily by jockey Noe Villatoro, The Grand Legend completed the 870 yard course in :44.953 seconds, equaling a 105 speed index into an 11 mph headwind. The 7-year-old gelding clocked his ninth career win in 19 starts.

Trainer Adan Guzman saddled the winner for owner James C. Whitener, LLC . Bred in Texas by Mercy Hinklins Horse Farm LLC, The Grand Legacy is out of the Tres Seis mare Legendary Seis. He won the Heritage Place Juvenile at 2 and has earned $166,718.

Chief Racing Officer Janet Vanbebber presents the AQHA Lone Star Park Distance Challenge Stakes trophy to the winning connections of The Grand Legacy.
© Dustin Orona photography

Jess Rite chased throughout under jockey Bryan Candanosa to earn $5,677 for second. Trainer Toby Keeton conditions the One Sweet Jess 3-year-old for owner-breeder Rose Mary Chandler. A Texas-bred, from the Oak Tree Special mare Twig, Jess Rite has earned $36,260 in 12 career starts..

California-bred Hi High Hopes finished 5-1/2 lengths back to earn $3,209 for third. Bradley Bolen trains the Favorite Cartel 5-year-old for owner Cole Clinger. Champion Quarter Horse trainer Paul C. Jones bred the horse from the Stel Corona mare Brighterthanthesun. The multiple stakes-placed runner has earned $101,602 in 30 starts.

Dr Shan The Man finished fourth.