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November 15 Payment Deadline Approaching for 2027 Texas Breeders Futurity
ELGIN, TX — October 26, 2026

The Texas Quarter Horse Association (TQHA) is reminding owners and nominators that the next $500 sustaining payment for the 2027 Texas Breeders Futurity is due Sunday, November 15, 2026. Owners may also late-nominate at this time for $1,500.

A total of 439 Texas-bred juveniles have been paid up through the early bird and regular nomination periods for the $75,000-added event, which will be contested at Sam Houston Race Park next spring.

The 330-yard futurity is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2027, with qualifying trials set for April 17. The 2026 edition carried a purse of $541,000, and an additional $20,000 in nominators' awards will be distributed in connection with the 2027 running.

The race is open to all 2025 Accredited Texas-Bred foals, which must be accredited at the time of nomination.

TQHA Executive Director and Director of Racing Scott Sherwood said the association has updated ownership information for horses sold through the TQHA Yearling Sale when complete transfer information was available.

However, some horses sold through other auctions may still be listed under their original nominators or owners. Sherwood encourages owners to review the current nomination list and notify TQHA of any ownership changes to ensure the proper parties receive information concerning the upcoming payment deadline.

Owners planning to use funds from their Texas Horsemen's Partnership (THP) Horsemen's accounts must contact the THP office no later than November 15 to arrange for a check to be issued. The THP office can be reached at (512) 467-9799.

TQHA is also offering a recurring credit card payment option for owners who prefer to have future sustaining payments processed automatically.

Sherwood emphasized that paying the original nomination by credit card does not automatically authorize future payments. Owners wishing to enroll in automatic payments must complete and return a separate credit card authorization form.

Completed authorization forms may be emailed to Jaclyn Ricketson at jricketson@tqha.com or Sherwood at ssherwood@tqha.com.

Owners who prefer to make individual credit card payments may do so by calling the TQHA office at (512) 458-5202.

Horsemen can access the following documents for the 2027 Texas Breeders Futurity:

  • 2027 Texas Breeders Futurity Nomination Form
  • 2027 Texas Breeders Futurity Early Bird/Regular Nominations List
  • 2027 Texas Breeders Futurity Ownership Change Form

For additional information regarding nominations, payments or ownership transfers, contact Scott Sherwood at (512) 458-5202, extension 107, or email ssherwood@tqha.com.

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CYPRESS, CA — October 25, 2026

From posting the fastest qualifying time from post number one at 13-1 odds to scoring a neck victory from post number 10 as the 2-1 favorite in the Grade 1, $1,164,150 Golden State Million Futurity, La Feliz Montana Ranch LLC’s Lightning Vaquera has been a thundering force in her two starts since arriving at Los Alamitos.

Ridden by Gerardo Vera for trainer Manuel Rodolfo Rodriguez, the filly by Flying Cowboy 123 was fifth at the start of the Golden State Million final, but just like her name says, she was a flash of speed once she hit top gear. Taking the lead before the midway point, she held off Demler Quarter Horses’ Revenantly to win the second-richest Quarter Horse race contested so far in 2026.

Lightning Vaquera, who arrived after finishing out of the money in her starts at The Downs at Albuquerque, delivered two stellar performances under the lights at Los Alamitos. Her Golden State trial win was similar in style to her victory in the final, as she left the gate with the pack before accelerating quickly to take the lead and never looking back.

Then, in the Golden State Million final, track announcer Michael Wrona proclaimed in his race call that “Lightning strikes twice” just as the Sam Green-bred filly from New Mexico hit the wire first to win the 400-yard race. Covering the distance in :19.768, Lightning Vaquera earned $488,943 for the win. Revenantly, who was ridden by Christian Cardenas for trainer James J. Gonzales II, earned $197,905 for running second. The A Revenant colt, who was bred by Flag Ranch LLC, was the second-fastest qualifier from the trials, his time trailing only Lightning Vaquera’s clocking.

Owned by La Feliz Montana and Tabasco Racing LLC, Luxury Sin Tacha broke evenly with Lightning Vaquera as they both trailed Revenantly during the early going, and the Rodriguez trainee continued gamely through the lane to finish third. The Oklahoma-bred gelding by second-crop sire Dulce Sin Tacha earned $139,698 for his effort.

Lightning Vaquera, meanwhile, improved her record to two victories from four starts while giving her jockey, Gerardo Vera, the richest victory of his riding career. Vera credited Lightning Vaquera’s patient demeanor before the start as a key to victory, as there was a delay in the loading process.

“She was a little hesitant out of the gate since (Faultless acted up),” Vera said. “She didn’t know, but she was real quick out of there and she dominated them. I could see (Revenantly) right next to me, but she just kept grabbing that bit and getting stronger. It’s a blessing.”

The big change in post position from the trials to the final for the lightly raced fastest qualifier was among the storylines leading into this race, but Lightning Vaquera made it a non-factor.

“There’s always nerves, but thankfully everything went great and she won the race,” said owner Javier Rodriguez of La Feliz Montana. “When you have a final like this, of this magnitude, there’s always going to be great horses, good horses. I’m thankful to the team, my brother (Manuel Rodriguez), everyone, and thankfully things turned out well.”

Rodriguez was thrilled to have Gerardo Vera be a part of this victory.

“Gerardo is a hard worker. He helped me in Albuquerque, and I had to beg him to come and help us over here in California. He’s here every day galloping the horses. His girlfriend is Meagan Byers, who is Manny’s assistant. She’s a hard-working girl as well. (2025 AQHA champion jockey) Luis Martinez picked Luxury Sin Tacha, who ran third and is also a tremendous horse. Things turned out good.

“We have Happy Flying Bird and Blueyy on the backside here as well. They worked this morning and they worked amazingly. They ran third and fourth in the All American and we’re looking forward to seeing them race here.”

Trainer Manuel Rodriguez added that Lightning Vaquera “has been improving and she’s kept on improving. This was a very tough race with some great competitors. It was a bit close, but we won it. She always showed a lot of talent, from the beginning. We always had a lot of confidence in her. She had a little problem that we’d been addressing. I think we’ve got it and we’ve solved the problem and there she is, first at the finish line.

“Meagan is a great worker. She’s at the barn at 4 a.m. every day. The whole team has been great. It’s an awesome team and that’s what it takes to accomplish what we got tonight. I think we have it so dialed in that every piece of the puzzle is there and it shows the results with every single horse that we’ve got. We’ve been lucky and we like the environment.”

In addition to saddling Lightning Vaquera and Luxury Sin Tacha, Rodriguez also trains Jess Loaded and Jess B Boujee, who ran seventh and eighth in this race. He also trains Happy Flying Bird and Blueyy, who are expected to make their local debuts in the trials to the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity on Sunday, November 22.

Johnny Trotter’s homebred filly Cartel Cowgirl 123, who previously competed in the Grade 1 Rainbow Futurity, earned $81,490 for running fourth. She broke just behind Revenantly and was among the leaders the entire way before settling for fourth place.

The complete order of finish is as follows: Lightning Vaquera, Revenantly, Luxury Sin Tacha, Cartel Cowgirl 123, Fearless Family, Nuclear Arsenal, Jess Loaded, Jess B Boujee, Zero Down, and Faultless.

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GUTHRIE, OK — October 26, 2026

Nearly seven years after his death, Corona Cartel SI 97 continues to shape the future of American Quarter Horse racing. The legendary son of Holland Ease, who died December 18, 2019, at age 25, established a breeding dynasty that extends well beyond his own $73.8 million in progeny earnings, producing successful stallion sons, influential broodmares, and a growing collection of descendants competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Currently ranked as the No. 3 All-Time Leading Quarter Horse Sire of Money Earners, Corona Cartel has sired 1,281 winners from 1,906 starters, including 205 stakes winners, with total progeny earnings of $73,883,957 through October 26, 2026.

Only legendary First Down Dash ($90,944,787) and Apollitical Jess ($89,859,911) rank ahead of him on the all-time earnings list.

But those numbers tell only part of Corona Cartel's story.

Much like First Down Dash, whose influence extends through multiple generations of successful breeding stallions, Corona Cartel established himself as one of the industry's most important sires of sires, with five direct sons among the 50 all-time leading sires of money earners.

His influence also extends into a third generation through Freighttrain B, a son of PYC Paint Your Wagon who ranks among the industry's most successful breeding stallions.

Five Sons Among the All-Time Top 50

Corona Cartel's ability to transmit racing ability through successive generations is perhaps his most significant contribution to the breed.

Five of his sons have earned positions among the 50 all-time leading Quarter Horse sires, collectively accounting for more than $140 million in progeny earnings.

Leading that group is PYC Paint Your Wagon, ranked sixth all-time with $44,774,756 in progeny earnings. The 2003 stallion has sired 893 winners from 1,371 starters, including 132 stakes winners.

A Grade 1 winner of the Texas Classic Futurity, Texas Classic Derby and Heritage Place Derby during his racing career, PYC Paint Your Wagon has become one of the breed's most influential stallions in his own right.

His son Freighttrain B, currently ranked 16th all-time with $32,060,928 in progeny earnings, provides a compelling example of the Corona Cartel dynasty extending into a third generation.

Freighttrain B has sired 585 winners and 57 stakes winners, including Grade 1 All American Futurity winner Whistle Stop Cafe ($2,335,831).

Another prominent Corona Cartel son, Big Daddy Cartel, ranks 14th all-time with $32,809,308 in progeny earnings.

Standing at MJ Farms in New Mexico, Big Daddy Cartel has become a cornerstone of the state's breeding industry, producing 495 winners and 54 stakes winners from 842 starters. His leading earner is Bigg Daddy ($753,768).

Ivory James, a full brother to PYC Paint Your Wagon, ranks 22nd all-time with $27,378,045 in progeny earnings, 685 winners, and 64 stakes winners. His leading earner is Instygator ($1,608,801).

Two additional sons, Carters Cartel and Coronas Leaving You, occupy the 40th and 41st positions on the all-time list.

Carters Cartel has sired 472 winners and 49 stakes winners, with progeny earnings of $17,764,888. His leading earner is San Lorenzeaux ($617,360).

Coronas Leaving You has produced 386 winners and 33 stakes winners, with earnings of $17,591,954. His leading earner is San Lorenzo ($1,010,662).

Together, these five sons have sired 332 stakes winners and accumulated more than $140.3 million in progeny earnings.

Those earnings represent nearly twice Corona Cartel's own lifetime progeny earnings, illustrating the remarkable expansion of his bloodline through succeeding generations.

Including Freighttrain B, the six stallions account for more than $172.3 million in progeny earnings. These figures are separate sire records and should not be interpreted as unduplicated family totals.

Another Generation of Stallions Is Emerging

Corona Cartel's legacy is not limited to sons already established among the all-time leaders.

Several younger stallions and other successful sons are extending his influence through breeding programs across the country.

Among the most recognizable are Uncle D SI 96 and KVN Corona SI 95, both multiple AQHA Racing Champions whose breeding careers offer additional opportunities for the Corona Cartel line to expand.

Uncle D, a son of Corona Cartel out of Little Surfer by First Down Dash, earned $689,165 during his racing career.

The champion two-year-old and champion two-year-old colt won the Grade 1 Rainbow Futurity and finished second in the Grade 1 Heritage Place Futurity.

KVN Corona, out of Executive Looks by Executive Menace, earned $868,077 while winning 10 races.

Named AQHA Racing Champion Two-year-old Colt and Champion Three-year-old Colt, KVN Corona captured the Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity, Grade 2 PCQHRA Breeders' Futurity and Grade 3 El Primero Del Ano Derby.

Other sons contributing to the family's breeding influence include Teller Cartel, Five Bar Cartel, Coronado Cartel and Docs Best Card.

Teller Cartel SI 108 earned $1,212,471 and was named AQHA Racing Champion Two-year-old Colt after winning the Grade 1 All American Futurity.

Five Bar Cartel SI 91, an AQHA Racing Champion Two-year-old Colt, earned $1,068,825 and captured the Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity.

Docs Best Card SI 91 earned $784,318 while finishing second in three major Grade 1 futurities: the Los Alamitos Two Million, Golden State Million and Ed Burke Million.

These stallions illustrate the depth of Corona Cartel's male line beyond the five sons already established among the all-time leading sires.

Their continued contributions could ultimately add to an already remarkable breeding dynasty.

An Equally Important Legacy as a Broodmare Sire

While Corona Cartel's success as a sire of sires has attracted considerable attention, his influence through his daughters may prove equally significant. In fact, his daughter Remember Me Rose is the No. 1 All-Time Leading Quarter Horse Dam of Money Earners, further demonstrating the remarkable reach of his breeding dynasty.

Corona Cartel currently ranks as the No. 3 All-Time Leading Quarter Horse Broodmare Sire of Money Earners, with his daughters producing 2,461 winners from 3,933 starters and accumulating $119,968,557 in earnings.

Even more impressive, he is the No. 1 Leading Broodmare Sire of Money Earners in 2026. Through October 26, his daughters have produced 175 winners from 457 starters this year, earning $6,385,812.

Leading his remarkable collection of producing daughters is Remember Me Rose SI 110, the 2004 daughter of Corona Cartel out of Im Moonlighting by Zevi.

According to AQHA's All-Time Leading Dams of Money Earners rankings updated October 26, Remember Me Rose occupies the No. 1 position with $7,282,676 in progeny earnings, more than $2.4 million ahead of second-ranked Crazy Down Corona ($4,833,466).

Remember Me Rose has produced 31 winners from 41 starters, including 10 stakes winners. Her leading money earner is Cyber Attack ($1,721,346).

A successful race mare herself, Remember Me Rose earned $820,895 while winning nine races, including the Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby, Grade 2 AQHA Juvenile Challenge Championship and Grade 2 Sunland Park Winter Futurity. She was subsequently recognized as an AQHA Dam of Distinction.

Another Corona Cartel daughter, Attack The Cartel, ranks 27th among the all-time leading money-producing dams with $2,606,535 in progeny earnings.

Foaled in 2009, Attack The Cartel has produced 15 winners from 22 starters, including four stakes winners. Her leading money earner is Trane Station V ($1,754,152).

Together, Remember Me Rose and Attack The Cartel have produced 46 winners and 14 stakes winners, with combined progeny earnings of $9,889,211.

Having two daughters among the 50 all-time leading money-producing dams, including the No. 1 mare in the rankings, adds another dimension to Corona Cartel's standing as one of the breed's most influential foundation sires.

His daughters continue to contribute racing ability, speed and class to subsequent generations through a wide variety of stallion crosses.

The combination of five sons among the 50 all-time leading sires, two daughters among the 50 all-time leading money-producing dams, and his current position atop the 2026 broodmare sire standings illustrates the extraordinary breadth of Corona Cartel's genetic influence.

Few stallions have established such a powerful legacy through both their sons and daughters, ensuring that Corona Cartel's influence will continue to shape Quarter Horse racing for generations to come.

A Champion-Producing Stallion

Corona Cartel's accomplishments as a direct sire remain extraordinary.

Through 26 crops to race, his offspring include 10 AQHA Racing Champions and 205 stakes winners, according to the supplied lifetime statistics.

His leading money earner, Blues Girl Too SI 105, earned $2,032,328 while establishing herself as one of the outstanding racing mares of her generation.

The daughter of Run the Dash by Sixarun was named AQHA Racing World Champion, Champion Two-year-old, Champion Three-year-old, Champion Two-year-old Filly and Champion Three-year-old Filly.

Her major victories included the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity, Champion of Champions, Golden State Derby and Mildred N. Vessels Memorial Handicap.

Other notable Corona Cartel runners include Teller Cartel ($1,212,471), Eye For Corona ($1,100,121), Five Bar Cartel ($1,068,825), Chazaq ($963,664), I Like The Odds ($911,606), PYC Paint Your Wagon ($889,581), KVN Corona ($868,077), and Remember Me Rose ($820,895).

His lifetime statistical summary also credits him with 1,636 Registers of Merit, 69 Superior Race Awards, and 31 Grade 1 stakes winners.

His ability to sire elite performers across numerous racing seasons provided the foundation for his subsequent success as a breeding influence.

The First Down Dash Connection

Corona Cartel's pedigree places him squarely within one of Quarter Horse racing's most influential sire lines.

Foaled in 1994, he was a son of Holland Ease SI 109, a Grade 1-winning son of First Down Dash.

That makes Corona Cartel a paternal grandson of First Down Dash, the breed's all-time leading sire of money earners.

Holland Ease earned $361,227 during his racing career, winning the Grade 1 Golden State Derby. He subsequently sired 43 stakes winners and progeny earners of more than $12.2 million.

Although Holland Ease established a successful breeding record of his own, Corona Cartel ultimately carried the family to another level.

Through Corona Cartel's sons and grandsons, the First Down Dash male line continues to influence major racing and breeding programs throughout North America.

The Extraordinary Corona Chick Female Family

Corona Cartel also inherited an exceptional maternal pedigree.

His dam, Corona Chick SI 113, by Chicks Beduino, was one of the outstanding racing fillies of her generation.

She won 15 of 18 starts and earned $591,326 while capturing AQHA Racing Champion Two-year-old, Champion Two-year-old Filly and Champion Three-year-old Filly honors.

Her major victories included the Grade 1 Ed Burke Memorial Futurity, Dash For Cash Futurity, Kindergarten Futurity and Governor's Cup Derby.

Corona Chick was subsequently recognized as an AQHA Broodmare of the Year and Dam of Distinction.

In addition to Corona Cartel, she produced several important runners and breeding prospects.

Among them was Corona Cash SI 101, a daughter of First Down Dash who earned $1,542,880 and won the Grade 1 All American Futurity.

Corona Cartel's maternal half-brother Valiant Hero SI 105, also by First Down Dash, became another highly successful breeding stallion.

Valiant Hero ranks 13th on the all-time leading sires list, with $33,306,443 in progeny earnings, including 68 stakes winners.

Other maternal half-brothers who entered stud include Captain Courage, Corona Czech and Mighty Corona.

The combination of First Down Dash's paternal influence and Corona Chick's exceptional female family helped establish the genetic foundation for Corona Cartel's remarkable breeding career.

His Breeding Influence Continues Beyond His Lifetime

Although Corona Cartel died December 18, 2019, his influence on the Quarter Horse breeding industry continues through frozen semen and advances in reproductive technology.

The legendary stallion was humanely euthanized at age 25 because of age-related infirmities and was laid to rest at Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where he had stood throughout his breeding career.

At the time of his death, Corona Cartel's offspring had earned approximately $62.8 million. By October 26, 2026, that figure had climbed to $73,883,957, an increase of approximately $11.1 million since his death.

Today, breeders can still access Corona Cartel's genetics through frozen semen and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a reproductive procedure that allows fertilization using a single sperm cell.

For the 2027 breeding season, Corona Cartel's advertised fee is $20,000, with frozen and ICSI semen available through Lazy E Ranch and participating reproductive facilities.

He is advertised with the Oklahoma-Bred, Fuego Stallion Incentive, Black Gold and Speedhorse programs.

Breeding inquiries may be directed to Lazy E Ranch, 9601 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044, at (405) 282-3437, or by email at ranchinfo@lazye.com.

The continued availability of his genetics nearly seven years after his death provides breeders with an opportunity to produce additional offspring by one of the most influential sires in Quarter Horse racing history.

It also helps explain why Corona Cartel remains an active presence in annual sire rankings and the commercial yearling market despite having died in 2019.

Still Commanding Attention in the Sales Ring

Despite having died nearly seven years ago, Corona Cartel continues to demonstrate remarkable commercial appeal.

According to 2026 yearling sales statistics updated October 20, 24 Corona Cartel yearlings have sold for a combined $1,222,500.

They averaged $50,938, with a median price of $33,500.

Those figures underscore the continuing demand for his offspring among buyers seeking access to a bloodline with an established record of producing major stakes performers.

His 2026 racing statistics also reflect continued activity. Through October 26, Corona Cartel ranks 29th among the year's leading sires of money earners, with 33 winners and $996,469 in progeny earnings.

Few stallions have maintained such extraordinary influence years after their deaths, continuing to contribute as direct sires, sires of sires, broodmare sires and commercial breeding influences.

From Racing Champion to Foundation Sire

Before beginning his breeding career, Corona Cartel established himself as one of the outstanding juveniles of his generation.

Racing primarily at two, he won five of 10 starts during his freshman season and earned $544,435.

His victories included the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Million Futurity, Grade 2 Kindergarten Futurity and Tiny's Gay Handicap.

He completed his racing career with six wins, three seconds and earnings of $557,142 from 14 starts.

What followed, however, would ultimately overshadow his accomplishments on the racetrack.

Over 26 crops to race, Corona Cartel evolved from a Grade 1-winning juvenile into one of the most influential breeding stallions in Quarter Horse racing history.

A Dynasty That Continues to Grow

The measure of a truly influential stallion extends beyond the number of winners he produces or the earnings accumulated by his immediate offspring.

It is also reflected in whether his descendants can reproduce that success in subsequent generations.

Corona Cartel has demonstrated that ability through five sons among the 50 all-time leading sires, a successful grandson in Freighttrain B, additional younger sons developing their own breeding records and daughters responsible for nearly $120 million in earnings.

His standing as the third all-time leading sire and third all-time leading broodmare sire, combined with his No. 1 broodmare sire ranking for 2026, places him among the breed's most versatile and enduring genetic influences.

First Down Dash established one of the greatest sire lines in Quarter Horse racing history. Through his grandson Corona Cartel, that legacy developed into a distinct and increasingly powerful dynasty of its own.

And with younger generations still emerging and his frozen genetics available to breeders, Corona Cartel's ultimate influence on the breed may be far from fully measured.

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Racing Quarter Horse Sales Market Nears $85 Million in 2026 as Prices Remain Historically Strong

The North American Racing Quarter Horse auction market continues to demonstrate remarkable strength in 2026, with gross sales exceeding $84.5 million through October 19, according to the latest cumulative sales statistics compiled by StallioneSearch.com.

Although total receipts remain below the record-setting levels of the past three years, average and median prices continue to reflect a market that has experienced substantial growth over the past decade.

Through October 19, 2026, a total of 3,520 Quarter Horses have been offered at North American auctions, with 2,751 selling for a combined $84,551,050. The average sale price stands at $30,735, while the median is $17,500.

The figures represent a 78.2% clearance rate, with 767 horses reported as not sold (RNA).

By comparison, the 2025 market finished with 4,162 horses offered, 3,330 sold, and gross receipts of $104,942,400. The average price was $31,514, with a median of $17,000.

While the 2026 average is approximately 2.5% below last year's final figure, the median has increased 2.9%, suggesting that prices across the middle of the market remain resilient.

With additional sales results potentially still to be reported, the final 2026 figures should narrow the gap with previous years. The upcoming Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale, November 5-7, 2026, will feature 842 head consigned.

Three Consecutive Years Above $100 Million

The Racing Quarter Horse auction industry reached a significant milestone in 2023 when cumulative gross sales surpassed $100 million for the first time in the reporting period.

That year, 3,384 horses sold for $104,785,700, producing an average of $30,965 and a median of $17,000.

The momentum continued in 2024, when gross receipts reached $104,044,200, and again in 2025, when sales climbed to $104,942,400, the highest annual total recorded since the statistics began in 2008.

Combined, the three years generated more than $313.7 million in Quarter Horse auction sales.

The consistency of those figures is particularly noteworthy, considering the number of horses sold annually has remained relatively stable.

In 2023, 3,384 horses were sold, compared with 3,221 in 2024 and 3,330 in 2025.

The results indicate that higher prices, rather than a dramatic increase in the number of horses changing hands, have been a major factor behind the industry's growth.

Racing Quarter Horse Values Have More Than Doubled Since 2008

Perhaps the most striking trend in the historical statistics is the substantial appreciation in Racing Quarter Horse auction prices.

In 2008, the first year included in the report, 3,309 horses sold for $44,033,854. The average price was $13,307, while the median stood at just $6,000.

By 2025, the average had climbed to $31,514, representing an increase of approximately 137%.

During the same period, the median rose from $6,000 to $17,000, an increase of more than 183%.

The improvement becomes even more dramatic when compared with 2010, when the industry recorded an average of $11,108 and a median of $5,000.

The 2025 average was nearly three times the 2010 figure, while the median had increased 240%.

These figures illustrate the substantial appreciation in Quarter Horse auction values over the past 16 years.

Fewer Horses, Higher Prices

Another significant development is the reduction in the number of horses being offered at public auction compared with earlier years.

In 2010, 4,866 horses were offered, with 3,889 selling for $43,199,900.

Fifteen years later, in 2025, just 4,162 horses were offered, and 3,330 sold. Despite selling 559 fewer horses, the industry generated more than $104.9 million in gross receipts.

That represents an increase of approximately 143% in total sales revenue while the number of horses sold declined 14.4%.

The figures suggest that stronger demand for higher-priced offerings, changes in the composition of auction catalogs, and increased competition for desirable horses have contributed to higher overall market values.

The trend also highlights the importance of quality in today's Quarter Horse sales market, where buyers have demonstrated a willingness to pay premium prices for horses with desirable pedigrees and commercial appeal.

Clearance Rates Remain Relatively Stable

Unlike the dramatic fluctuations in gross receipts and average prices, overall clearance rates have remained within a comparatively narrow range during recent years.

In 2022, approximately 84.8% of horses offered were sold, followed by 83.4% in 2023 and 81.6% in 2024.

The clearance rate declined to 80.0% in 2025 and currently stands at 78.2% for 2026.

While the gradual decline bears watching, the latest figures still indicate that nearly eight of every 10 horses offered at auction are finding buyers.

The number of horses reported as not sold has also increased from 600 in 2022 to 831 in 2025, with 767 recorded through October 19 this year.

The figures may reflect more selective purchasing decisions, higher seller reserve expectations, or changes in the types of horses being offered.

Median Prices Signal a Stronger Middle Market

The median sale price represents the midpoint of all horses sold at auction, meaning half of the horses sold for more than that amount, and half sold for less. Unlike the average price, which can be significantly influenced by a small number of exceptionally high-priced horses, the median provides a clearer picture of what buyers are paying across the overall market. This makes the median an important indicator of the strength of the broader Quarter Horse sales market.

While high-priced horses can significantly influence average sale prices, median figures provide an additional measure of overall market strength.

The median Racing Quarter Horse auction price has remained at $17,000 for four consecutive completed years, from 2022 through 2025.

Through October 19, the 2026 median has increased to $17,500, the highest recorded in the 19-year reporting period.

That compares with a median of $9,000 in 2017 and just $5,000 in 2010.

The sustained improvement suggests that price appreciation has extended beyond the most expensive horses in the marketplace.

For commercial breeders, the higher median represents an encouraging indicator of the prices buyers are willing to pay across a broader segment of the market.

2026 Market Outlook

With $84.55 million in reported sales through October 19, the Racing Quarter Horse auction industry has already surpassed the annual gross totals recorded in every year from 2008 through 2021.

Only the four completed years from 2022 through 2025 have produced higher annual receipts.

The 2026 average of $30,735 is also the third-highest annual figure in the reporting period, trailing only 2024 and 2025.

Although total sales volume remains below recent annual levels, the strength of both average and median prices suggests that the market continues to operate near historically high valuations.

The most important questions moving forward will be whether buyers maintain their willingness to pay premium prices, whether clearance rates stabilize, and whether the industry can sustain annual gross receipts near or above the $100 million mark.

However, once the Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale numbers are reported, 2026 could meet or exceed the $100 million mark for the fifth consecutive year.

For now, the historical figures paint a clear picture: The North American Racing Quarter Horse auction market has evolved into a substantially higher-value industry, generating significantly more revenue from fewer horses than it did less than two decades ago.

For additional information or data used for this article, visit stallionesearch.com/stateofthemarket.

Editor's Note: Statistics include cumulative Quarter Horse sales results from North American auctions, including weanlings, yearlings, broodmares, embryos, and other reported offerings. Figures are current through October 19, 2026, and may be revised as additional results are received from individual sale companies. The 2026 figures represent year-to-date activity and should not be interpreted as final annual totals.

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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

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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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GRAND PRAIRIE, TX — October 26, 2026

Lone Star Park will host one of the biggest weekends of the 2026 Quarter Horse racing season Friday and Saturday, October 30–31, with 217 horses entered in 23 trials for three major stakes events offering a combined $1,577,000 in final purses.

The weekend features 15 trials for the $1 million Texas Classic Futurity(G1) on Friday, followed Saturday by five trials for the $334,000 Texas Classic Derby(G1) and three trials for the $243,000 Purina Feeds Texas Classic Oaks(G2).

The three finals will be contested during Texas Classic Night on Saturday, November 21.

$1 Million Texas Classic Futurity(G1) — Friday, October 30

A field of 144 two-year-olds has been entered in 15 trials at 400 yards for the $1 million Texas Classic Futurity(G1), one of the richest Quarter Horse races in the country.

The opening trial is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. (CDT), with the final heat set for 11:09 p.m. The 10 fastest qualifiers will earn berths in the November 21 championship.

Among the notable entrants is Cowboys Flying, an undefeated 3-time futurity winning son of leading sire Flying Cowboy 123 out of Cartels Lady, by Carters Cartel, who has been installed as the 2-5 morning-line favorite in the sixth trial. Owned by Double J Racing, the Texas-bred All American Futurity(G1) winner is trained by M.A. Chavez-Gutierrez and will be ridden by Nestor Duran. Also winner of the TQHA Sale Futurity(RG1) and the Texas Breeders' Futurity, Cowboys Flying has earned $2,062,793.

The 13th trial features Grade 1 Rainbow Futurity winner El Huracano V, a son of leading first-crop sire Golden Boi out of Bellissima Chocolata, by Valiant Hero. The Oklahoma-bred gelding is the even-money morning-line favorite for Valeriano Racing Stables LLC, with Francisco Calderon riding for trainer J. Nunez. Runner-up in the Grade Heritage Place Futurity, the 3-time winner has earned $632,670.

In the 14th trial, 6-time Dash For Cash Futurity(G2) winner Jt Midlife Crisis, a son of third-crop sire Tell Cartel out of Wranglers Vision, by Real Visions, is the even-money morning-line favorite. He will face recent TQHA Sires' Cup Futurity(RG2) winner Ruse Man Crystal, a daughter of leading third-crop sire Kj Mucho Macho Man, who is the 6-5 second choice.

The final trial includes Grade 1 finalist and All American Juvenile runner-up Tell A Scout, also a son of Tell Cartel out of Apollitical Scout, by Apollitical Jess, who has been established as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. He is owned by Mark and Fay Annette McCloy, trained by S.T. Wood, and will be ridden by Rodrigo Ramirez.

The Futurity trials also feature offspring of several of the industry's leading young stallions, including Flying Cowboy 123, Cyber Monday, Golden Boi, Dulce Sin Tacha, Chilitos, Tell Cartel, and Kj Mucho Macho Man.

With 15 heats scheduled, the competition for the 10 available starting positions promises to be intense, as runners must post one of the fastest times of the evening to advance.

$334,000 Texas Classic Derby(G1) — Saturday, October 31

Saturday's program features 44 three-year-olds entered in five trials at 440 yards for the $334,000 Texas Classic Derby(G1).

The Derby trials begin with the eighth race at 9:07 p.m. (CDT) and conclude with the 12th race at 10:51 p.m. The 10 fastest qualifiers will return for the November 21 final.

The opening Derby trial features a competitive matchup between QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby winner Heza Hawkeye, the 8-5 morning-line favorite, and 4-time winner Holms, the 9-5 second choice.

Heza Hawkeye, a Texas-bred son of Hawkeye out of Sheza Bugsy, by Azoom, races for R Chavez Racing LLC. He is trained by S. Gonzales and will be ridden by J. Olivas.

Holms, a son of Apollitical Jess out of Fast Prize Tracy, by Shazoom, represents Ruse Ranch LLC. The Oklahoma-bred colt is trained by J.A. Garcia, with Francisco Calderon named to ride.

The ninth race features Sam Houston Derby(G3) winner Eagle On A June Bug, a son of multple stakes sire Eagles Fly Higher out of Sandy June Bug, by Blushing Bug. Installed as the 8-5 morning-line favorite, the Texas-bred gelding is owned by Sergio Jimenez and Enrique Santollo and trained by S. Gonzales.

In the 10th race, Royalist, a son of Corona Cartel out of Zigfield Follies, by One Famous Eagle, heads the field as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. Owned by Hector Reina and trained by B. Olaveson, the California-bred colt will be ridden by Luis Vivanco. He won the Dash For Cash Derby(G2) in his last start and the Retma Derby three races back.

The 11th race includes Jc Speeding, a multiple stakes-winning Grade 1-placed son of leading third-crop sire Chilitos out of High Speed Kitty, by High Rate of Return, who has been installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. The Oklahoma-bred colt races for Planefun LLC and is trained by D. Keener.

The final Derby trial features Holy Guacamolee, another son of Chilitos, as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. The Texas-bred gelding is out of So Into You, by Oak Tree Special, and races for Madison Dunn. K. Reed trains the gelding, with Juan Pulido scheduled to ride. Last year's Texas Classic Futurity(G1) winner will be making only his second start this year.

With five trials and 44 starters entered, the Derby offers another competitive qualifying program for the November 21 championship.

$243,000 Purina Feeds Texas Classic Oaks(G2) — Saturday, October 31

The $243,000 Purina Feeds Texas Classic Oaks(G2) will bring together 29 three-year-old fillies in three trials at 400 yards Saturday evening.

The Oaks trials are scheduled as races four, five and six, beginning at 7:23 p.m. (CDT). The 10 fastest qualifiers will advance to the November 21 final.

The opening trial features Full Moon Desire, a daughter of Chilitos out of Mystical Desire, by Desirio, as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. The Texas-bred filly races for Leviram Racing LLC and is trained by S. Mendoza, with Ricardo Castro scheduled to ride. The EVD Futurity(G2) winner enters the racee off a fourth-place effort in the Grade 1 All American Oaks Labor Day weekend.

Also entered in the opening heat is Wera C, a daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 out of Pillow Talk, by One Dashing Eagle. The Ruse Ranch LLC-owned filly is the 3-1 second choice and will be ridden by R. Vega for trainer M.A. Chavez-Gutierrez. Winner of the Speedhorse Derby, Wera C was third in the Grade 1 All American Oaks.

The second Oaks trial features TQHA Sires' Cup Derby (RG3) winner Shes Ec To Tempt, a daughter of Tempting Dash out of Kas Shes Ec, by Ec Jet One. Owned by K K Horse Racing, the Texas-bred filly is the 2-1 morning-line favorite and will be ridden by Francisco Calderon for trainer J.A. Garcia.

Among her challengers is Di Kvn Waven, a daughter of Kvn Corona out of Waven Bye Piloto, by Mr Piloto. The Texas-bred filly who won the TQHA Sires' Cup Futurity (RG2) last year is the 5-2 second choice for owner Refugio Alvarado and trainer O. Nunez.

The final Oaks trial features last year's Grade 1 Heritage Place Futurity winner Apollirevenge, a daughter of champion A Revenant out of Apollititaka, by Apollitical Jess, as the 3-1 morning-line favorite. Owned by Weetona Stanley and trained by K. Reed, the California-bred filly will be ridden by Francisco Calderon.

She will face All American Oaks(G1) runner-up Lookatme Z, a daughter of Apollitical Jess out of Shezgothelook, by FDD Dynasty, who is the 7-2 second choice for Triple One Ranch LLC.

The Oaks provides a significant opportunity for three-year-old fillies to compete for a Grade 2 championship and a share of the $243,000 final purse.

Texas Classic Night Set for November 21

The two-day qualifying program will determine the fields for three of the most anticipated late-season Quarter Horse stakes at Lone Star Park.

The $1 million Texas Classic Futurity(G1) headlines the November 21 championship card, joined by the $334,000 Texas Classic Derby(G1) and $243,000 Purina Feeds Texas Classic Oaks(G2).

Combined, the three finals will distribute $1,577,000 in purses, bringing together leading two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and three-year-old fillies from across the country.

All trial post times are Central Daylight Time (CDT).

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Type
Name
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
Earnings
Cowboys Flying
6
6
0
0
$2,062,793
Gf Shes Sinful
7
4
2
1
$708,275
Big Ted
8
6
1
1
$665,792
El Huracano V
5
3
1
1
$632,670
Ask Her To Fly
8
3
2
1
$610,175
By North American Race LeadersView Top 50 HORSES