Challenge


Kateillac Captures Merial Arapahoe Distaff Challenge
Kateillac, under jockey Ramiro Garcia, winning the Merial Arapahoe Distaff Challenge on Saturday.

© Coady Photography
Kateillac Captures Merial Arapahoe Distaff Challenge

AURORA, CO—JULY 4, 2015—As states came together to celebrate America’s independence on the Fourth of July, Arapahoe Park joined other tracks in the country to host races in national series on Saturday. Kateillac captured the Merial Arapahoe Distaff Challenge to earn a berth to the American Quarter Horse Association Challenge Championships at Lone Star Park in Texas in November.

Kateillac and jockey Ramiro Garcia scored by one length in 20.04 seconds in the 400-yard, $25,920 race that is one of 11 regional finals for the Merial Distaff Challenge Championship taking place in seven different states as well as Canada and Mexico.

In 2014, Stoli Angel won the Merial Arapahoe Distaff Challenge and then flew the flag for Colorado and took the national championship for fillies and mares held at Prairie Meadows in Iowa. Kateillac, who is owned and trained by Jose Aguilera, was second in the 2014 national finals.

Mike Vaughn bred the Furyofthewind 4-year-old in Oklahoma from the Royal Quick Dash mare Wildkate. She picked up $12,182 to boost her career total to $98,094.

“I remember she broke hard that time, but the other one was tough,” Garcia said about Kateillac’s runner-up performance in 2014. “I think we have a nice representative [this year]. She’s getting more mature.”

Graded stakes winner Midori N Smoke races for owner/breeder Margo Schares. John Hammes trains the Special Leader 4-year-old out of Smokin Corona, by Corona Cartel. Vince Guerra had the riding call and earned $5,184.

Silver Inlay is a daughter of Hiclass La Jolla out of the Dash For Cash mare Princess Of Dash. Zachary Quezada conditions the gray 6-year-old for owners Randall and Kasey Hund. W.R. "Ross" Brigden bred Silver Inlay in Texas. She picked up $2,592 for the effort. Fernando Soto had the riding call.

One Famous Swinger, Iza Doll Face, Racy Playgirl, Zoomin Daphne, Rock Princess and Madresita completed the field.