AQHA Racing Conference Set for October 14-17 in Albuquerque

Quarter Horse racing industry professionals will gather in Albuquerque next month for the AQHA Racing Conference, scheduled for October 14-17 in conjunction with AQHA Challenge Championship activities.

The conference will bring together industry leaders, researchers, horsemen and racing professionals for discussions on subjects ranging from advances in drug testing to attracting the next generation of participants and new initiatives designed to grow Quarter Horse racing.

One of the featured panels, "New Science in Analytical Testing," will examine improvements expected in racing's testing programs. Dr. Mary Robinson of the University of Pennsylvania will discuss research and implementation of artificial intelligence for broader-spectrum analysis. Ismael Trejo of the New Mexico Racing Commission will address collaboration in identifying emerging threats and research supporting anti-doping efforts, while Dr. Christine Bartly will introduce metabolomics as a new testing tool in horse racing.

Another panel, "The Next Generation in Today's Industry," will focus on why young professionals have chosen careers in the horse industry, how they would shape its future and ways the industry can better engage members of their generation.

Panelists include Josh Anzaldua of Texano Oaks Ranch; second-generation owner, breeder and AQHA Council Member Jorge Haddad Mestre; and horse trainer Zack Stinebaugh.

The conference will also feature a "Tell Us Something Good!" session highlighting new initiatives supporting growth in Quarter Horse racing.

Presentations will include Fuego Racing and its new racing incentive for horsemen; Tyler Peeples of MyRacehorse.com discussing new fan-engagement opportunities available for Quarter Horses; and Bryan Pettigrew outlining how Sam Houston Race Park and Retama Park are building Quarter Horse racing support through Bet Central and Racing 101.

Attendees are encouraged to register by October 9 to receive the advance registration rate. A mail-in registration form is also available.

A block of rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, located at 1000 Woodward Place NE. The deadline to receive the discounted AQHA room rate is today, September 22.

Meeting materials will be emailed to registered attendees by October 9, with hard copies also available at the conference.

The conference runs through October 17, allowing attendees to stay in Albuquerque for the AQHA Challenge Championship Night at the Downs.

The 2026 Racing Challenge Championships  at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Five divisions of the Racing Challenge program cover a wide spectrum of competition:

• The $275,000-est. AQHA Championship Challenge division is a 440-yard race for 3-year-olds and up. It showcases some of the industry's finest horses.
• The $150,000-est. Adequan Derby Challenge division is a 400-yard race for 3-year-olds.
• The $150,000-est. John Deere Juvenile Challenge division is a 350-yard race for 2-year-olds.
• The $125,000-est. Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge division is reserved for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up and ran at 400 yards.
• The $125,000-est. Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge division spotlights the distance specialists, running at 870 yards, and is open to all 3-year-olds and up.

In addition to recognizing the winners of each Challenge Championship race, AQHA and its generous sponsors will announce the leading Challenge jockey, trainer, owner and breeder. These individuals will be recognized at the Owner Recognition Brunch Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. (CDT).

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