Challenge


Gone To Be Bright Wins First 870 and First Stakes Race in Evergreen Park Distance Challenge
Gone To Be Bright, under jockey Ricardo Moreno, winning the Evergreen Park Distance Challenge on Sunday's race program.

© Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association
Gone To Be Bright Wins First 870 and First Stakes Race in Evergreen Park Distance Challenge

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB—JULY 28, 2019—Though he had tried 660 yards several times, Gone To Be Bright had never attempted an 870-yard race until Sunday at Grande Prairie. The 4-year-old son of Gone to the Mountain appeared to relish the extra distance and won his first start at the distance in the $28,802 Evergreen Park Distance Challenge Stakes.

The regional Challenge qualifier was also the first career stakes win for Gone To Be Bright. The final time was 45.484 and the winner earned a 102 speed index.

Gone To Be Bright ($5.80) was ridden by Ricardo Moreno for trainer William Leech and the Gonetothebrightside ownership syndicate. He was bred in Alberta by Jack and Deborah Williams, out of Dj Bright Tarbaby, by Dj Bright Déjà vu.

The winning connections of Gone To Be Bright accept the AQHA Evergreen Distance Challenge stakes trophy.
© Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association

Prior to his Challenge win, Gone To Be Bright had qualified to multiple stakes and was second in the 2018 Alberta Bred Derby at Century Downs.

The gate-to-wire leader finished a half-length in front of Cr Crusin for Chics, who also tried 870 yards for the first time following a recent second place finish in a stake at 660 yards at Lethbridge.

D. Benitez had the call on Cd Crusin for Chics for trainer and owner Alison Clapton. The 6-year-old gelding was bred in Alberta by Roger Gauthier, by Zoomin For Bux and out of Thischicsadashing, by Dashing Val.

Cd Crusin for Chics is multiple stakes placed and was also second in his previous start, the Whoop Up Classic Stakes at Lethbridge.

Glittering Blue and Trevor Simpson led the rest of the field to complete the trifecta. Glittering Blue is an 11-year-old gelded son of Jess Louisiana Blue who was making his 61st lifetime start and seventh start at 870 yards.

Alvin Cross Child trains Glittering Blue for owner Cody Eagle Bear. He was bred Rigetti Farms Ltd, out of Glitter Galore, by On a High. He has 19 career wins and earnings of over $99,000.

Completing the field were Its Official and Blink and Shes Gone. Good Kiddy was scratched.