Q-RACING JOURNAL—NOVEMBER 11, 2014—On November 9, Jose Antonio Juarez Hernandez’s Shiney Six won the inaugural running of the $108,710 Mexico-Bred Juvenile Bonus Challenge at the Hipódromo de Las Américas in Mexico City.

The race was created this year to help increase Challenge participation in Mexico, with excellent participation and nearly double the purse of any other Challenge race offered in that country. Mexico’s sprint racing is ingrained in the very culture of the nation.

The Bank of America Racing Challenge provides more racing opportunities for American Quarter Horses, and distributes more than $5.5 million in purses and awards each year. A horse must be enrolled in the Racing Challenge to be able to compete in Challenge races, and the Mexico-Bred Juvenile Bonus Challenge is no exception.

The race is open to 2-year-old Mexico-breds who are nominated to the Racing Challenge, and as a result of the race’s creation, the Challenge saw 120 new enrollments.

Racing in the name of Hernandez’s Risky Racing, Shiney Six put forth a valiant effort to win by a neck under jockey A. Gomez. They went the 350 yards in :17.62, good for a 84 speed index. Shiney Six was trained by Jose Erick.

La Chemita was second, followed by Senior BN, Fashion Quick, Chateau Special, BR Heza Copy, AS Atomo, SF Gotta Be Simple, Traffic Horse and Cape Horse.

“We are very happy and proud of this success and what it means to future Challenge races inMexico,” said Darrell Hare, the director of the Racing Challenge.

Shiney Six is a sorrel filly by Xplorador out of the First To Shine mare First Shiney Native. The filly, who was bred by Everado Muzquiz Elquezabal, has now won four of 10 starts, and earned $62,143. She is a half sister to stakes-placed runner Shiney Perry (by Jesstified).

The horses enrolled in the Challenge program are eligible to compete in Challenge races for their lifetime. The Hipodromo offers regional races in five of the six Challenge divisions, in addition to bonus races.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHARacing on Twitter, watch the AQHA Racing Newscast and visit www.aqharacing.com.