Q-RACING JOURNAL—OCTOBER 19, 2016—This year’s John Deere Champion Owner in the Bank of America Challenge program has an international flavor – the winners are Barry and Janice Sather of Beaverlodge, Alberta. This is the first time in more than 15 years that the champion owners were from outside the United States.

The 20-year breeders won in a tie-breaker with Bullard Farms, both earning 40 points. For the victory, they earn a John Deere Gator utility vehicle and a custom belt buckle from Montana Silversmiths.

Barry and Janice race Superior Race Horse Cruisinfourabruisin, a First TImber homebred who won the August 28 Bank of America Evergreen Park Championship Challenge, and Challenge participant Splashy Mamacita.

The Nutrena Champion Breeder is Californian Dr. Steve D. Burns of Menifee. Dr. Burns runs Burns Ranch and stands leading stallions Walk Thru Fire, Foose and Favorite Cartel, among others. Dr. Burns is also one of the leading breeders in the nation, currently standing at No. 3 on the list of breeders by races won and No. 6 by money earned. He earned 83 points in the Challenge program this year.

As the champion breeder, Dr. Burns earns $5,000 cash, 3 tons of Nutrena feed and a custom buckle from Montana Silversmiths.

Lucas Racing Inc. was second in the division with 76 points.

Judd Kearl is the Farnam Champion Trainer, in addition to currently leading the nation by money earned. As the champion trainer, he earns $5,000 cash, a custom Montana Silversmiths buckle and product from Farnam.

Kearl’s horses helped him earn 123 points to distance second-place finisher Hector Magallanes, who earned 95 points.

Among his Challenge horses are Adequan Sam Houston Derby Challenge winner BM Casina Royale, John Deere Retama Juvenile Challenge winner One Sweet Merlot and Lone Star Distance Challenge winner EC Cartel. Jockey Jose Flavio Rocha is the Wrangler Champion Jockey. He earned 68 points to Luis Vivanco’s 67 points, to take the win. He earns $2,000 cash, plus a custom buckle from Montana Silversmiths.

Rocha partnered with the Sathers to win with Cruisinfourabruisin, and also rode Cowboy 109 to win the John Deere Evergreen Juvenile Challenge.

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