Challenge


Third Time Is The Charm For Jessies First Down In Bank Of America Texas Challenge (G2)
2016 AQHA World Champion Jessies First Down set a new 440 yard track record in Saturday's Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship (G2) win at Sam Houston Race Park Saturday.

© Coady Photography
Third Time Is The Charm For Jessies First Down In Bank Of America Texas Challenge (G2)

HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 22, 2017—Perhaps the confidence of being AQHA world champion or not having the pressure of being the fastest qualifier in trials for the $103,320 Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship (G2) had an impact on Jessies First Down.

Tonight at Sam Houston Race Park, Ted G. Abrams, Sr.’s homebred, trained by Judd Kearl not only won the grade 2 stakes, but set a new 440-yard track record. Breaking from post position three under regular rider Rodrigo Vallejo, the bay FDD Dynasty gelding powered to the wire in :21.214, besting the record set in 2015 of :21.275 set by Daytona B. Running over a fast track, with a 16 mph tailwind, he earned a speed index of 109.

"I told Ted that by not going into the final as the fastest qualifier that maybe we could turn the tables," said an emotional Kearl in the winner’s circle. "Words can’t describe what this horse means to all of us. He’s done everything we have asked of him and tonight he breaks a track record. He’s everybody’s dream!".

The winning connections of World Champion Jesse First Down accept the Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship stakes trophy at Sam Houston Race Park.
© Coady Photography
Abrams was joined by his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Heather. He took a moment to reflect on the AQHA Award Ceremony on January 21 when Jessies First Down was announced as world champion.

"When they announced that he was world champion, it was a special moment," acknowledged Abrams. "Not many horses have been able to accomplish that. Credit goes to Judd, assistant Jimmy Padgett and Rodrigo, who all did an amazing job. His groom, Javier Gonzalez goes everywhere he goes."

The $47,527 winner's purse boosted Jesses First Down's earnings mark to $632,034. Out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess A Classy Lassy, the 6-year-old has won 12 of 29 starts.

Rogelio Garza Guajardo’s homebred TLC Dale, a son of The Louisiana Cartel, ran second, by a neck under Manuel Gutierrez, followed by fastest qualifier, Dutcher and longshot, My Moment of Fame.

Jessies First Down was sent off as the betting favorite and returned $3.80 for the win. This was his 12th career victory, and fifth win in a row. He earned $65,000 this evening, vaulting his career mark to $649,507. With the win, he will advance to the $330,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship (G1) at Prairie Meadows on Saturday, October 14. A victory in that stakes assures a starting gate position in the $750,000 Champion of Champions (G1) at Los Alamitos in December.

Abrams indicated that Jessies First Down would likely make his next start in the Remington Park Invitational and then head to Ruidoso Downs and the Downs at Albuquerque.

"Judd has done an excellent job of directing the horse; he will be the one to decide where he goes," stated Abrams.

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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.