Challenge


Stolis Pro Earns Invite to G1 AQHA Distance Challenge Championship With Easy Texas Victory
Stolis Pro, under jockey Francisco Calderon, cruises to an easy victory in Saturday's 18,900 AQHA Texas Distance Challenge Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography
Stolis Pro Earns Invite to G1 AQHA Distance Challenge Championship With Easy Texas Victory

HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 15, 2017—Stolis Pro rushed to the lead from the outside post under jockey Francisco Calderon, quickly opened daylight on the field down the backstretch, then cruised to a 2-¼ length victory in the $18,900 AQHA Texas Distance Challenge Stakes Saturday night a Sam Houston Race Park.

Multiple stakes winner Ec Cartel finished second, 3-½ lengths ahead of Bet I Make U Famous.

A Texas homebred for owner/breeder Jerry Windham, the brother to AQHA World Champion and former all-time leading money earner Stolis Winner, completed the 870-yard course on :45.447 seconds, 102 speed index into an 11-mph headwind.

Owner/breeder Jerry Windham, trainer Leon Bard and jockey Francisco Calderon accept the Texas Distance Challenge stakes trophy Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park. © Coady Photography
Leon Bard trains the 6-year-old son of champion sire Stoli out of Veve Jean by Runaway Winner. Stolis Pro pocketed $10,584 to boost his career mark to $71,696. The bay gelding has compiled a (26) 7-4-7 record.

Tonight's win also garners Stolis Pro a starting spot in the $105,000 Grade 1 AQHA Distance Challenge Championship on Bank of American Challenge Championship Night—October 14th at Prairie Meadows.

Multiple stakes winner Ec Cartel races for owner Alejandra Carrion and champion trainer Judd Kearl. Donell Blake was aboard the Tinys First Corona gelding out of Twayna Too by Zevi (TB). The eight-time winner picked up $4,347 to bring his bankroll total to $113,523.

Vernon Harman and Robert Moudy III own third place finisher Bet I Make U Famous, a 5-year-old son of leading sire One Famous Eagle from the First Down Dash mare Lone Bet. Trey Ellis conditions with Alfonso Lujan getting the riding call. Bred in Texas by James Markum and Robert Moudy, Bet I Make U Famous earned $2,457.

The Field Cricket completed the field after Brookstone Dash and Jess Twice Cash were both scratched.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level presented by Draft Kings, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.