Challenge


Albuquerque Downs To Host 2019 Bank Of America Challenge Championships On October 26
The Bank of America Challenge Championships October 26th at Albuquerque Downs will draw the top racing Quarter Horses from throughout the world.

Albuquerque Downs To Host 2019 Bank Of America Challenge Championships On October 26

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—OCTOBER 16, 2019—The top racing Quarter Horses from throughout the world will compete at Albuquerque Downs on Saturday, October 26, as the track hosts the American Quarter Horse Association Bank of America Challenge Championships.

The Challenge program was conceived by the AQHA in the early 1990s to give top-flight Quarter Horses additional racing opportunities. Regional races held around the world, including South America and Canada, during the year give horses qualifying berths to the Challenge Championships, which annually brings together those top horses on a single night of racing.

Last year’s Challenge Championships were run at Los Alamitos Racecourse near Los Angeles. This will mark the first time Albuquerque Downs will host the Challenge Championships, and it will mark the first time since 1993 that the event will be held in New Mexico. That year’s inaugural Challenge Championships were held at Sunland Park Racetrack. .

Ten Quarter Horse stakes will be contested at Albuquerque Downs on Challenge Championships night. First post time is set for 6:05 p.m. (MDT). The five graded stakes run that night will be topped by the 440-yard, $250,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship (G1), which offers its winner a starting berth in the December 14, $600,000 Champion of Champions (G1) at Los Alamitos Racecourse, Quarter Horse racing’s richest and most prestigious race for older horses. .

However, the activities surrounding the Challenge Championship will actually start on Wednesday, October 23, with a Post Position Draw luncheon from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The First Turn Lounge at The Downs. On Thursday, October 24, there will be the Downs Challenge Golf Tournament, starting at 11 a.m. at the Albuquerque Country Club, as well as a Ladies Fashion Show Extravaganza in the First Turn Lounge.

On Friday, October 25, there will be a concert at Tingley Coliseum featuring Little Texas, with special guest Rick Trevino. Tickets for the concert can be purchased at my505tickets.com.

"I am very pleased with the enthusiasm for this year’s running of the Challenge Championships, as well as the other activities that surround the event," said AQHA chief racing officer Janet VanBebber. "In addition to our regular Racing Conference activities that include the Racing Workshop, the AQHA Race Committee meeting, the Racing Council meeting, and Owner’s Recognition brunch, Albuquerque Downs is hosting fun activities as well.

For bios on the 48 horses pre-entered for the Challenge Championship night at Albuquerque Downs and additional information on the week's activities, tickets, travel and more CLICK HERE.

"Our friends in Albuquerque are committed to making this a great event," she added. "It will be a fantastic night of racing."

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Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino is located in the heart of Albuquerque at Expo New Mexico, the home of the New Mexico State Fair, and general admission and parking are always free (via the casino entrance on Louisiana and Central). For more information, visit abqdowns.com and click on the "Racing" link at the top of the homepage.