Challenge


Chula Kid Tops Eight Rivals in the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge
Chula Kid, under jockey Luis Ruiz, returned Saturday night to win the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography
Chula Kid Tops Eight Rivals in the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge

HOUSTON, TX—MAY 13, 2017—Trials were run on April 22 for the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge (not black type) at Sam Houston Race Park. Chula Kid a neck behind fastest qualifier Borger Boy and earned the second-fastest clocking, but turned the tables this evening, and won the first stakes of her career.

The 4-year-old daughter of The Louisiana Cartel out of the Strawfly Special mare Shoulda Bet Her is owned by Greta and Pete Guerra. Malinche Cattle Co is the breeder.

Rider Luis Ruiz piloted the Texas-bred mare from post position five, breaking strongly and holding off a late charge from Borger Boy. She prevailed by a neck, covering 350-yards in :17.721 over a fast track.

The winning connections of Chula Kid accept the Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge stakes trophy Saturday night at Sam Houston Race Park afternoon.
© Coady Photography
"We love The Louisiana Cartel and bred four or five mares to him," said Pete Guerra. "This mare spent all last year in the pasture as she had some problems and we just wanted her to rest. We decided to bring her back and Jorge Muniz began working with her. He did a good job."

The Guerra’s reside in San Diego, Texas and have been involved in racing and breeding for four years.

"What we are really enjoying is breeding our own horses," he added. "It really feels good to see one of your own horses win."

This was the sixth start for Chula Kid, who added $19,208 to her bankroll and improved her career record to two wins and three runners-up finishes. She will make her next start at Retama Park, according to her owners.

Almada Racing’s Borger Boy was ridden by Luciano Duenez. The son of Bigtime Favorite is trained by Josue Ponce. Bred in Texas by Bullard Farms, he sorrel gelding is out of Streakin Pea by Streakin La Jolla. He earned $8,351 for the effort.

Sent off at 7-1, Chula Kid paid $16.00 for the win.

Zoomorphous Tree closed for third under jockey Juan Vazquez. Bobby Martinez saddled the Furrtreeous gelding for owner/breeder Darrel Taylor. Out of the Zoomin For Bux mare Zoomorphosis, he earned $4,176.

Boogie Tothe Top, Jc Stormy Monday, Tellem Honeys Here, License to Cartel, Barreras Bravo and Por Amor. One Lonesome Dude was an early scratch.

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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.