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AQHA Seeks Nominations for Fan Favorite Breeder Contest; Winner to Receive John Deere Gator
AMARILLO, TX — November 3, 2026

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is inviting nominations for its Fan Favorite Breeder Voting Contest, recognizing longtime breeders who have dedicated decades to producing American Quarter Horses. The breeder receiving the most votes will win a John Deere Gator.

Nominations are open through December 15, 2026, and individuals may nominate themselves or another deserving breeder. To qualify, nominees must have a minimum of 30 years of breeding experience.

The contest is designed to recognize the commitment, dedication, and contributions of breeders who have helped shape the American Quarter Horse industry through their breeding programs.

From developing successful bloodlines to producing generations of outstanding horses, breeders play an essential role in the continued success of the breed. AQHA's Fan Favorite Breeder Contest gives the public an opportunity to recognize those individuals and programs.

Following the nomination period, eligible breeders will be featured on AQHA's Fan Favorite voting platform, where fans will have an opportunity to select their favorite breeder.

The breeder receiving the highest number of votes when voting closes will be awarded a John Deere Gator. AQHA notes that the prize pictured in promotional materials is for illustrative purposes and the actual model awarded may vary.

Breeders with at least three decades of experience are encouraged to participate, while horse owners, trainers, and industry supporters are invited to nominate deserving individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the American Quarter Horse.

The deadline to submit nominations is December 15, 2026.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A BREEDER through AQHA's official nomination platform.

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CLAREMORE, OK — November 2, 2026

Miss American delivered the fastest performance of the afternoon Monday at Will Rogers Downs, racing 400 yards in 19.708 seconds to lead 80 starters competing in 10 trials for the $596,419 Black Gold Fillies Futurity Championship (RG2).

The 10 fastest qualifiers from Monday's trials will return Tuesday, November 17, for the restricted Grade 2 championship, open to 2-year-old fillies sired by participating stallions.

Miss American, a daughter of leading sire Hes Relentless, turned in a commanding two-length victory in the third race, defeating fellow qualifier Chin Up Buttercup while earning a 98 speed index over a fast racing surface.

Ridden by Ramiro Haro Garcia for trainer Jason L. Olmstead, Miss American broke sharply from post nine, established an early advantage and drew clear in the final 110 yards to secure the fastest qualifying time.

The Oklahoma-bred sorrel filly races for Tom Maher and Amber Olmstead and was bred by Maher. She is out of the Tres Seis mare Tritoon.

Monday's victory marked the second career win for Miss American, who has compiled a record of 2-3-2 from eight starts with earnings of $38,234. Earlier this season, she finished second in the Heritage Place Juvenile and was a finalist in the Mystery Futurity (RG2).

Kiss My Nine Eleven recorded the second-fastest qualifying time of 19.888 seconds with a three-quarter-length victory in the eighth race.

The daughter of Kiss My Hocks rallied from just off the early pace under jockey Jonathan Dominguez, overtaking A Painted Fling in the closing yards to win going away. A Painted Fling held second after setting the early pace.

Trained by Luis A. Dominguez for owner Fernando Renteria, Kiss My Nine Eleven was bred in Texas by Turner Farms/Tommie Turner. She is out of Higher Fling, a daughter of Mr Jess Perry.

The sorrel filly was a $20,000 purchase at the 2025 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. She has won twice in six career starts, with one second and one third, and has earned $61,998. Earlier this year, she qualified for the Grade 1 Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park.

Browneyegal continued her impressive winning streak with a neck victory in the seventh race, stopping the clock in 19.910 seconds for the third-fastest qualifying time.

The FDD Dynasty filly broke alertly under jockey Bryan Candanosa, took command early and held off a late challenge from Bp History Maker, who finished second in 19.935 seconds to secure the fourth-fastest qualifying position.

Browneyegal is trained by Samuel Mendoza for owner Marisol Alvarado. Bred in Oklahoma by L Hendrix Horses LLC, the brown filly is out of A Pollitical Gal, by Apollitical Jess.

A $19,000 graduate of the 2025 Heritage Place Yearling Sale, Browneyegal has now won four consecutive races after finishing out of the money in her career debut. She has compiled four wins from five starts with earnings of $77,202.

Bp History Maker completed the four fastest qualifiers despite finishing second in the same trial as Browneyegal.

The daughter of champion A Revenant was bumped at the start of the seventh race but recovered to challenge the leader, closing strongly in the final yards before falling a neck short in 19.935 seconds.

Francisco Calderon rode the Oklahoma-bred filly for trainer Jed H. Vane and owner Madison Dunn. Bred by Bill Price, Bp History Maker is out of Cc Policy, a daughter of Corona Cartel.

She was purchased for $42,000 at the 2025 Heritage Place Yearling Sale and has recorded one win, one second, and one third from three career starts, earning $15,465.

The remaining six qualifiers were Miss D Meanor (19.969), Cyber Spy (19.970), Jess Danica (19.972), Chin Up Buttercup (19.973), Aj Hard Player (19.985) and Striking Favorite (19.993).

The qualifying field included several closely matched performances. Miss D Meanor defeated Jess Danica by a nose in the ninth race, while Chin Up Buttercup and Striking Favorite both advanced from the third trial despite finishing second and third behind Miss American.

Olmstead qualified two fillies for the championship, including fastest qualifier Miss American and sixth-fastest qualifier Cyber Spy.

The $596,419 Black Gold Fillies Futurity Championship (RG2) will be contested at 400 yards on November 17 at Will Rogers Downs. All finalists must provide an additional negative hair test before entering the championship.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

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WYNNEWOOD, OK — November 3, 2026

Adolph Jess Knockout will stand again at C Hangin C Performance Horses in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, in 2027, with his first foals expected in the new season.

The 7-year-old sorrel stallion combines the influence of World Champion Apollitical Jess with a maternal family that continues to produce graded stakes winners and six-figure earners.

His full sister, Ruse Ticle Knockout, provided the latest update with her victory in the $166,100 Will Rogers Oaks on October 19 at Will Rogers Downs. The 3-year-old filly won the 440-yard final by 1¼ lengths in :21.598, under Edwin Escobedo, earning $66,440 for owner Mi Serenity and trainer Marc Jungers. She was a $210,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate.

Her record also includes a runner-up finish in the Southwest Juvenile Invitational Stakes (G2), a third-place finish in the Los Alamitos Oaks (G1), and appearances in the All American Oaks (G1) and Oklahoma Futurity (G2) finals.

Adolph Jess Knockout’s dam, Adolph Tres Knockout SI 95, won both of her career starts, including the Oklahoma Futurity (G3), and earned $136,184. The daughter of Tres Seis has since built a production record that includes an AQHA Racing Champion, multiple graded stakes winners and numerous six-figure earners.

From 34 Quarter Horse foals, she has produced 29 starters, 18 winners and 26 Register of Merit earners with over $1.5 million in total earnings.

Leading that group is As And Js SI 106, the AQHA Racing Champion Aged Mare who won seven races and earned $531,134. Her victories included the Junos Request Stakes (G2), Black Gold 350 Futurity, Easy Date Stakes and Oklahoma Horsemen’s Association Mystery Derby.

As And Js has extended the family’s success through her own offspring. Her runners include current-year runners and multiple graded stakes winners: Js Freighttrain SI 109, who won three graded stakes races in 2026 alone and has earned $297,843, Js On Fire SI 106, with earnings of $265,454, and As Moonflash SI 103, who has earned $135,859.

Other notable offspring out of Adolph Tres Knockout include Jaegar SI 98, who earned $203,730 and finished second in the Texas Classic Derby (G1) and Sam Houston Derby (G3), and Ms Jess Knockout SI 111, a five-time winner of $131,266.

Another stakes-producing daughter of Adolph Tres Knockout includes The Only Knockout SI 87, who earned $104,473, and produced Retama Park Derby winner Miracle B Knockout SI 96 ($116,346) and multiple graded stakes finalist The Knockout Power SI 97 ($147,856). The family also includes Shezasecretknockout SI 102, winner of the Adequan Sam Houston Derby Challenge, and No Secret Knockout SI 96, a stakes-placed earner of $56,475.

The maternal line’s depth extends another generation through Adolph Jess Knockout's second dam Oh Whatta Knockout, the dam of Adolph Tres Knockout. She is a half-sister to Falling In Loveagain SI 108, winner of the All American Futurity (G1) and earner of $1,210,375.

On the sire’s side, Adolph Jess Knockout is by Apollitical Jess SI 107, the AQHA Racing World Champion who earned $1,399,831 before becoming Quarter Horse racing’s leading sire.

Through 13 crops of racing age, Apollitical Jess has sired 178 stakes winners and 14 champions, with progeny earnings exceeding $90 million. His leading runners include two-time champion Kj Desparado ($3,473,777), World Champion Empressum ($2,701,248), three-time champion Apocalyptical Jess ($2,251,556) and two-time champion Political Twist ($1,666,759).

On the track, Adolph Jess Knockout’s racing career was cut short after he sustained a broken cannon bone as a two-year-old. He later returned sound, but his connections elected not to resume racing, instead focusing on his long-term value as a breeding prospect.

He enters the next chapter of his stud career backed by a proven pedigree and a female family whose accomplishments continue to grow.

Adolph Jess Knockout is double-registered AQHA/APHA, offering opportunities for his offspring in both Paint and Quarter Horse stakes programs. His 2027 fee is $1,000, and his foals are eligible for the Black Gold and Oklahoma Bred programs.

For breeding information, contact Craig or Lea Stodart at (307) 746-5261, email stodarthorses@gmail.com, or visit www.changincperformancehorses.com.

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Sales Highlights


HERITAGE PLACE FALL MIXED

DateNovember 5–7, 2026CodeHPFMLocation
Oklahoma City, OKCatalog

HERITAGE PLACE CHAMPIONS OF THE FUTURE ONLINE SALE

DateDecember 8–10, 2026CodeHPFIULocation
Oklahoma City, OK

FASTRACK DECEMBER MIXED SALE

DateDecember 13, 2026CodeFTDMSLocation
Gainesville, TX

FASTRACK NEW YEARS FOAL-IN-UTERO AND FROZEN EMBRYO SALE

DateDecember 31, 2026CodeFTFIUFESLocation
Gainesville, TX

HERITAGE PLACE WINTER MIXED SALE

DateJanuary 14–16, 2027CodeHPWMLocation
HPWM

HERITAGE PLACE SUMMER MIXED ONLINE SALE

DateJune 1–3, 2027CodeHPSMLocation
Oklahoma City, OK

Sales Search


ALBUQUERQUE, NM — October 17, 2026

All-time leading money-earning Quarter Horse Kj Desparado added another Grade 1 victory to his remarkable career Saturday night, holding off a determined Stetsonn by a neck in the $290,375 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

The 7-year-old gelding, sent off as the 6-5 favorite, completed the 440 yards in 21.063 seconds, earning a 98 speed index over a fast racing surface while facing a 4-mph headwind.

Ridden by Noe Garcia Jr. for trainer Wesley T. Giles, Kj Desparado broke sharply from post six, established an early advantage, and maintained a narrow lead through the stretch. Under a strong drive, the veteran champion turned back Stetsonn's challenge to secure the $133,573 winner's share.

The victory increased Kj Desparado's career earnings to $3,617,850, further extending his position as the richest racing American Quarter Horse in history.

Owned by John Lee, Kathy Lee, and Ruben Mares, Kj Desparado is a 7-year-old brown gelding by leading sire Apollitical Jess out of Tres Veses, by Tres Seis. He was bred in Arizona by L&L Land & Cattle.

Saturday's victory improved his career record to 19 wins, 11 seconds, and one third from 38 starts.

Kj Desparado's extraordinary racing career includes victories in the All American Futurity (G1), Texas Classic Futurity (G1), Ruidoso Derby (G1), All American Derby (G1), Texas Classic Derby (G1), All American Gold Cup (G1), and two editions of the Refrigerator Championship (G1), among other major stakes.

His latest championship triumph added another prestigious title to a career that has spanned five racing seasons and established him among the sport's all-time greats.

Stetsonn, a 4-year-old gelding by champion Jess Good Candy, turned in a determined runner-up performance, finishing a neck behind the winner and earning $58,075.

Breaking from post seven under champion jockey James A. Flores, Stetsonn raced prominently throughout, dueling with the winner before narrowly missing in the final strides.

Trained by Dean R. Frey for owners G. R. Carter Jr. and Shaena Carter, Stetsonn is a home bred for the Carters. He is out of Stella Lou, by One Famous Eagle.

Stetsonn was an $18,000 RNA at the 2023 Ruidoso Yearling Sale.

The gelding has compiled five wins and one second from 10 career starts, with earnings of $201,029. His accomplishments include a victory in the Remington Park Championship Challenge Stakes (G2), along with finalist appearances in the Ruidoso Derby (G1) and Remington Park Derby (RG1).

Scoops Dynasty completed the trifecta, finishing another half-length behind Stetsonn to earn $29,038 for owner Edward J. McNelis.

The 7-year-old gelding, ridden by Jacob Enriquez for trainer Diego Cervantes, raced in fourth early before advancing into third and holding that position by a neck.

Bred by Edward J. and Von Zae McNelis, Scoops Dynasty is by five-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty out of Bye Sweet Girl, by Dashin Bye.

An accomplished Grade 1 winner himself, Scoops Dynasty has earned $844,725 from 36 career starts, recording 11 wins, nine seconds, and four thirds.

His stakes victories include the AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1), two editions of the Go Man Go Handicap (G1), Los Alamitos Winter Derby (G1), and Golden State Derby (G2).

Hooked N Gone finished fourth, a neck behind Scoops Dynasty, followed by Mysterious Cartel in fifth, Bold N Beautiful in sixth, Eagles Up in seventh, Bee A Freight Train in eighth, Shaundas Eagle in ninth, and Shakers No Secret in tenth.

The championship highlighted Saturday night's AQHA Racing Challenge Championship program at The Downs at Albuquerque, bringing together some of the nation's most accomplished older Quarter Horses.

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CYPRESS, CA — November 2, 2026

For every stakes race featuring trials, racing observers typically gravitate toward the marquee names entered, while imagining a dream final. Of course, the exciting trials are run, and often new stars emerge or major upsets occur, often resulting in a final lineup few could have predicted.

Then there is the lineup set for the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Super Derby to be held this Sunday night.

This time, just about every big-name contender and stakes winner found a way to qualify from the 400-yard trials, making this year’s final very close to a complete roll call of who’s who in the sophomore division at Los Alamitos.

Just look at the elite field set to load into the gate (listed by fastest qualifying time):

  • POLITICAL TWIST – The AQHA Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding is already a two-time Grade 1 winner of $1,671,159. The son of Apollitical Jess ran in the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity final last season and now has the opportunity to capture his first local stakes victory following a dominant performance as the fastest qualifier. He’s also won 10 of 13 career starts.
  • DOODAH CARTEL – The Favorite Cartel colt was the story of the meet's first three months, sweeping the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Winter Derby and the Grade 2 El Primero Del Año Derby. The winner of $368,753 has consistently delivered top-tier performances and will look to secure the crown as the season’s top 3-year-old with a victory on Sunday.
  • ENFORCE – The Favorite Cartel colt hails from one of the premier families in Quarter Horse racing, counting three millionaires among his brothers: Cyber Attack, Bomb Cyclone, and Powerful Favorite. Enforce was named the AQHA Champion 2-Year-Old Colt last year after a super campaign capped by his victory in the Grade 1 Golden State Million Futurity.
  • SG JACOB JAY – Another standout Favorite Cartel colt and stakes winner this season, he displayed his trademark grit with a victory in his Super Derby trial. He enters the final seeking his first Grade 1 title to put an exclamation point on a strong campaign that has seen him take his season earnings to $40,175.
  • BEUTEEFUL – The KVN Corona filly has enjoyed a glorious sophomore campaign. She won the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Oaks before defeating older distaffers in the Grade 1 Mildred Vessels Memorial Handicap to secure a presumptive berth in the Grade 1 Champion of Champions. A winner of nine of 13 career starts; she’ll look to become the first filly since the great Flash N Roll in 2019 to win the Super Derby. A stakes winner during her freshman season, she is firmly established as one of the nation's premier fillies.
  • HI OCTANE – Sired by Apollitical Jess, this gelding captured the Grade 2 Golden State Derby by ¾ lengths and has delivered strong, consistent efforts at the Orange County oval, pushing his career bankroll to $340,480.
  • BROTHER RAY – The Favorite Cartel gelding won the Governor’s Cup Derby in hard-fought fashion over a stellar field that included Doodah Cartel, and he is no stranger to graded stakes finals after running second in the El Primero. His full brother is $160,000 earner Ray Yeigh, a former Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity finalist.
  • FEAR MY LEGACY – Sired by Walk Thru Fire, this gelding is out of the great broodmare Fredaville, making him a full brother to three-time champion and $708,000 earner Kiss Thru Fire. His elite family also feature champion Fredricksburg and top producer Dasha Freda.
  • FAMOUS TALK – Sired by One Famous Eagle, this gelding is out of Grade 1 Golden State Million Futurity winner Little Talks, a family that includes standout runners Rock You, Ali Babe Foose, and Devils Tower. Famous Talk kicked off the current meet in winning fashion by taking top honors in the Holiday Handicap.
  • SHINY NEW – The filly by Mpshinning finished third in last year’s Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity and has consistently qualified for major stakes finals. She is a half-sister to Go Man Go Handicap winner Mask Mandate and Governor’s Cup Futurity winner Contentious.

While a few notable names missed advancing from the trials, this Super Derby lineup is packed with absolute star power. Without a doubt, this will be one of the signature races of the 2026 season, with the winner earning a presumptive berth into the prestigious Grade 1 Champion of Champions on Saturday, December 12.

The post-position draw for the Super Derby will take place on Thursday. Sunday’s program will also feature the running of the Town Policy Handicap.

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Type
Name
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
Earnings
Cowboys Flying
7
7
0
0
$2,068,793
Gf Shes Sinful
7
4
2
1
$708,275
Big Ted
8
6
1
1
$665,792
El Huracano V
6
4
1
1
$638,670
Ask Her To Fly
9
3
2
1
$610,475
By North American Race LeadersView Top 50 HORSES