logo

THE NEW ERA IS HERE →HOW-TO VIDEOS

carousel image 1 of 8
carousel image 2 of 8
carousel image 3 of 8
carousel image 4 of 8
carousel image 5 of 8
carousel image 6 of 8
carousel image 7 of 8
carousel image 8 of 8
AQHA Challenge Championship(G1) Recap (VIDEO)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — October 18, 2026

StallioneSearch.com begins its webcast coverage of the 2026 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship weekend with a feature on the $290,375 AQHA Challenge Championship (G1) at The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday night.

StallioneSearch was on hand to capture the 2026 edition of the 440-yard AQHA Challenge Championship (G1), with a berth in the 2026 Champion of Champions (G1) awaiting the winner of the 34th running of the championship event. The field was headlined by multiple Grade 1 winners, including the sport's all-time leading money-earning equine athlete, Kj Desparado.

The seven-year-old gelding, sent off as the 6-5 favorite, completed the 440 yards in :21.063, 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 of the purse.

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.

Coverage of the 2026 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship weekend is co-sponsored by the stallion roster at Cox Stallion Station in Kaplan, Louisiana, and Electrifying Cowboy — a multiple graded stakes-winning son of Flying Cowboy 123 — who will stand at Rancho El Dorado in Anthony, New Mexico for the 2027 season.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stay Ahead of the Pack! Get the latest Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, breeding updates, and industry headlines delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the FREE StallioneSearch.com Newsletter.

Read more >
CLAREMORE, OK — October 18, 2026

Miss Relentless continued her winning ways Sunday afternoon at Will Rogers Downs, taking command early and cruising to a 1½-length victory in the $31,250 Miss Ellen Stakes (G3) for fillies and mares, 3-years-old and upward.

Ridden by Bryan Candanosa for trainer Joe M. Davis, the 3-year-old daughter of Hes Relentless broke sharply from post four, established an early advantage, and never relinquished the lead in the 350-yard contest.

Miss Relentless stopped the clock in 17.462 seconds, earning a 97 speed index over a fast racing surface with a 10-mph crosswind. The victory was worth $19,250 to owner Buckway Ranch, LLC.

Bred in Oklahoma by Flag Ranch LLC, the bay filly is out of Miss Perrys Tres, by Tres Seis. She was a $130,000 purchase at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

Sunday's victory improved Miss Relentless' career record to six wins from seven starts, with earnings of $148,963. Her previous stakes victories include the 307 Horse Racing Open Derby and Raysha's Run–Racing For The Cure Stakes. She was also a finalist in the Black Gold Fillies Futurity (RG3).

Chew Bac Cah rallied from eighth early to finish second, 1½ lengths behind the winner, earning $6,000 for owner-breeder Lunderborg LLC. The 3-year-old daughter of Apollitical Jess is out of Paint Or More, by Pyc Paint Your Wagon.

Trained by Jason L. Olmstead and ridden by Ramiro Haro Garcia, Chew Bac Cah improved her career record to eight wins, one second, and one third from 15 starts. Her previous stakes victories include the Heritage Place Oaks (G2), Hawkeye Futurity, and Cy-Hawk Stakes. She was also a finalist in the Black Gold Fillies Futurity (RG3).

Longshot Cd Favorite Aj finished another half-length back in third, edging Alliekat Dynasty by a nose for the show position. The 3-year-old daughter of Favorite Cartel earned $3,300 for owners Daniel J. and Carol L. Lee.

Bred by George L. Seward, Cd Favorite Aj is out of Ms Jess Knockout, by Apollitical Jess. She was ridden by Aram S. Martinez for trainer Joe M. Davis, who saddled both the winner and third-place finisher.

The third-place finish improved Cd Favorite Aj's career record to three wins, no seconds, and three thirds from 17 starts, with earnings of $49,078. She previously qualified for the finals of the AQRA Turf Paradise Juvenile Stakes, 307 Horse Racing Open Derby, and Sweetwater Downs Derby Invitational.

Completing the order of finish were Alliekat Dynasty in fourth, followed by Flyin Reba 123, Rr Sweet Memories, Palm Springs, Suspicious Eyes, Kvn Design, and Duanes Gold Wagon. Alliekat Dynasty, the 3-2 betting favorite, was crowded at the start before flattening out late.

Miss Relentless returned $6.00 to win as the 2-1 second choice in the wagering.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stay ahead of the field with StallioneSearch.com, your source for Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, breeding information, and industry updates. CLICK HERE to sign up for the FREE StallioneSearch newsletter.

Read more >
ANTHONY, NM — October 16, 2026

Rancho El Dorado announces that two-time graded stakes winner Electrifying Cowboy is now enrolled in the Fuego Stallion Incentive Program’s Azul Flight. He will return for his second season at stud in Anthony, New Mexico, in 2027 at a fee of $4,000.

According to the farm’s announcement, his 2026 foals and foals resulting from 2027 breedings will be eligible for the Azul Flight.

Bred in Texas by Paragon Farms, Electrifying Cowboy is owned by Tungsten Racing LLC and Ron Sugamosto. He is the only multiple graded stakes-winner and highest money-earning son of Flying Cowboy 123 standing at stud.

A MULTIPLE GRADED STAKES WINNER

Electrifying Cowboy won six of his 10 career starts, beginning with a debut victory in the 2024 West Texas Futurity (G2) trials that secured his place in the final. He later won his Ruidoso Futurity (G1) trial to qualify for the $1 million final.

In the fall of 2024, he began a four-race winning streak that included setting the fastest qualifying time for the La Fiesta Futurity (G3) and returning to win the final. He followed with a victory in the Southwest Juvenile Invitational Stakes (G2) at Zia Park.

His final victory came in a Ruidoso Derby trial. Following one additional start in the Rainbow Derby trials, his connections retired him to begin his stallion career.

A RECORD-SETTING SIRE LINE

Flying Cowboy 123 has established a series of sire records since his first runners reached the track. In 2023, he set the all-time first-crop sire earnings record with more than $4.3 million, represented by 50 winners and 17 stakes victories, including nine graded wins.

He followed in 2024 with an all-time second-year sire earnings record of nearly $5.4 million. His runners accounted for 97 winners and 17 stakes victories, including five graded wins.

Flying Cowboy 123 led third-year sires in 2025 with more than $7.2 million in progeny earnings. In 2026, with his fourth crop racing, he surpassed Apollitical Jess to establish the all-time single-season sire earnings record with more than $10.8 million.

From four crops to race, Flying Cowboy 123 has sired 351 winners and 128 black type performers from 575 starters. His progeny have earned $28 million, averaging approximately $48,500 per starter.

His runners include two All American Futurity (G1) winners: Cowboys Flying SI 111, with earnings of $2,062,793, and two-time champion Cowboys Gun Z SI 101, with $1,678,945. He also sires Lethal Cowboy 123 SI 98, an earner of $1,550,372.

A FAMILY WITH GENERATIONS OF STAKES SUCCESS

Electrifying Cowboy is a full brother to stakes-placed Cowboy 123, an earner of $169,289, and Flyn Electric Cowboy, who earned $56,137. He is also a half brother to Grade 3 winner Famous Carmilita, an earner of $56,244.

His dam, Corona Carmelita, earned $49,318 and was a finalist in the Ruidoso Derby (G1). She is a full sister to All American Futurity (G1) finalist Love Samba, an earner of $184,182. Love Samba produced stakes winner Rockin Red Rhythm, who earned $56,233, and is the grandam of stakes winner Lovely Josie James, an earner of $167,187.

Corona Carmelita is also a full sister to Darling Corona, dam of stakes winner El Tartanero Jess, an earner of $121,768, and a half sister to stakes winner Gallant Mystic, who earned $90,965.

Electrifying Cowboy’s second dam is a half sister to two-time AQHA champion Dashin Is Easy, an earner of $775,123, and stakes winner Dashin Prince Henry, who earned $178,046. His third dam is a winning half sister to Grade 3 winner Jody O Toole and to the dam of AQHA champion Eyesa Special, an earner of $1,394,911.

2027 BREEDING INFORMATION

With six career victories, two graded stakes wins and a family rich in stakes performers, Electrifying Cowboy brings established racing credentials to Rancho El Dorado’s breeding program. His enrollment in Fuego’s Azul Flight adds another opportunity for breeders considering him for 2027.

For more information or to request a breeding contract, contact farm manager Yeritza Carrasco at (575) 502-0598 or (575) 386-2912, or email ranchoeldorado290@yahoo.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
carousel image 1 of 7
Hoosier Racing Community Invites Fans to 2026 ITOBA & QHRAI Sale Preview

Potential owners, breeders, and fans of horse racing are invited to gather at the Hoosier Horse Park in Edinburgh on Friday, October 16, for the 2026 ITOBA & QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale Preview Night.

From 5 to 8 pm EDT, guests can enjoy complimentary food provided by Latitude 39, meet members of Indiana's racing community, network with owners and breeders, and get an up-close look at horses being offered in the sale ahead of Saturday's auction. The auction will go live on Saturday, October 17, at 1 pm EDT in Dunn Arena at the Hoosier Horse Park (7105 South Kern Street, Edinburgh, Indiana).

For a sport with such a storied history, horse racing is built on the people—owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, fans and newcomers who share a passion for the horse. And Hoosiers know a thing or two about hard work, horsepower and speed. Preview Night offers an opportunity to bring that spirit together while introducing attendees to the people and horses that make Indiana's racing industry special.

The Preview Night is sponsored by the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance, Breakway Farm, Burger Racing Stables, LLC, Ledgerwood Farm, Wolfe Veterinary Services and Springcliff Farm. The Friday evening event is designed to welcome everyone, whether you're considering becoming a racehorse owner, looking to learn more about breeding and the sale process, a longtime racing fan or simply someone who loves horses and wants to experience the sport from a different perspective.

You don't have to be a current horse owner—or an expert in racing—to attend. Preview Night is open to anyone interested in learning more about Indiana horse racing, meeting the people behind the industry and getting a closer look at the horses that could soon be competing on the track.

For inquiries about the 2026 ITOBA/QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale, contact Nicks Auction Service, LLC (502-648-0538). Online bidding is available for the sale. Register online: https://bid.horseauctionsusa.com/ui/auctions/170639.

To review the 2026 ITOBA/QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale Catalog, you can view it online: https://www.itoba.com/yearling-sale.

Looking for a place to stay after the Preview Night? Hotels local to the Hoosier Horse Park include the Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn. Group rates are available at both hotels.

To learn more about the Indiana Horse Racing industry, visit the Indiana Horse Racing Commission: http://hrc.in.gov.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Never miss a story! CLICK HERE to sign up for StallioneSearch.com's free email newsletter.

Read more >

Sales Highlights


FASTRACK OCTOBER MIXED SALE

DateOctober 25, 2026CodeFTOMSLocation
Gainesville, TXCatalog

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stay ahead of the latest Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, breeding updates, and industry developments. Sign up for the FREE StallioneSearch.com Newsletter and get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

Read more >
CLAREMORE, OK — October 18, 2026

A new chapter in Quarter Horse racing will be written Monday afternoon, October 19, when Will Rogers Downs hosts the inaugural $166,100 Will Rogers Oaks. Ten talented three-year-old fillies have earned their places in the starting gate, each seeking to become the first winner of the newly established stakes event.

The historic first running will be contested at 440 yards in the seventh race of the eight-race program, with an approximate post time of 2:48 p.m. First post for the afternoon is set for noon.

The inaugural Oaks has drawn an accomplished field of graded stakes winners, proven finalists, and rising contenders. With $66,440 on the line for the winner, the competition promises to be an exciting addition to the Will Rogers Downs stakes schedule.

Ruse Ticle Knockout leads the field as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. The three-year-old filly enters after an impressive victory in her October 5 trial, where she battled for the lead before pulling away to win by half a length in 21.569 seconds.

The daughter of Apollitical Jess has built an impressive career, with seven wins, two seconds, and four thirds in 15 starts, earning $224,850. She has won three of seven starts this season, including a qualifying trial for the Grade 1 All American Oaks at Albuquerque Downs, where she finished sixth in the $694,000 final on September 6.

Earlier this year, Ruse Ticle Knockout finished third in the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Oaks and second in the La Pacifica Handicap, demonstrating her ability to compete with some of the nation's leading sophomore fillies.

Bred in Texas by Five Puig Racing, LLC, the bay filly is by the Tres Seis mare Adolph Tres Knockout. She was purchased for $210,000 at the TQHA Yearling Sale and races for Mi Serenity. Trainer Marc E. Jungers will saddle the filly at the inside post, with jockey Edwin G. Escobedo aboard.

Emerald Bay enters as another leading contender after posting the fastest qualifying time in the October 5 trials. The three-year-old filly dominated her heat, drawing away to win by 2 1/4 lengths in 21.576 seconds.

Her commanding trial victory adds to an already successful season that includes a runner-up finish in the Restricted Grade 3 Remington Park Oklahoma Oaks and a third-place finish in the Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby.

The daughter of Favorite Cartel has demonstrated her ability against stakes competition and will look to carry that momentum into the inaugural final.

Amarillis, listed at 4-1 on the morning line, brings one of the strongest stakes resumes into Monday's championship. The three-year-old filly has earned $311,597 in 12 career starts, with five wins, one second, and three thirds.

She enters after a third-place finish behind Ruse Ticle Knockout in the October 5 trials, where she overcame a slow start and gained ground late to finish three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

Amarillis captured the Restricted Grade 3 $183,000 Remington Park Oklahoma Oaks on April 18, defeating Emerald Bay by half a length. She also won the Restricted Grade 3 $512,000 Black Gold Fillies Futurity at Will Rogers Downs last November, further adding to her impressive record at the Claremore oval.

The daughter of Favorite Cartel is out of the Dominyun mare Astranomical. Bred in Oklahoma by M.C. Stucks, she races for Dusty Rose Ranch, LLC, with Stacey L. Capps as her trainer. Jockey Cody R. Smith will guide the filly from post nine.

Emerald Bay, the 3-1 second choice on the morning line, has six wins, four seconds, and four thirds in 16 career starts, earning $198,180.

Bred in Oklahoma by Mike Vaughan, the daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 is out of the Corona Cartel mare Aqua Girl. She races for Wishbone Partnership and is trained by Michael Moss. Jockey Roman Cruz will ride from post five.

Flying Policy 123, listed at 8-1, brings additional graded stakes experience to the final. The daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 finished third in the Grade 2 $374,000 Heritage Place Oaks at Remington Park earlier this season and was runner-up to Amarillis in last year's Restricted Grade 3 Black Gold Fillies Futurity.

The filly has earned $236,635 in 12 career starts, with three wins, two seconds, and three thirds. She finished third behind Emerald Bay in her October 5 trial.

Bred in Oklahoma by Bill Price, Flying Policy 123 is out of the Tres Seis mare Bp Tres Seis Policy. She races for owner Clay Seal and is trained by Justin W. Joiner. Jockey Mario Delgado will ride from post eight.

Rowdi, a 12-1 morning-line favorite, enters after a commanding one-length victory in her October 5 trial. The daughter of You Drive I Fly also finished second by a nose in the $164,000 Prairie Meadows Gold Derby in July.

Bred and owned by Michele and Craig Snider, Rowdi has earned $72,247 in 11 starts, with two victories, four seconds, and one third. Trainer Tyler Stein will saddle the filly from post six, with jockey Angel O. Ramirez aboard.

With an accomplished field of finalists and several fillies already proven in graded-stakes competition, the inaugural Will Rogers Oaks offers an opportunity to establish a new tradition at the Claremore racetrack.

Only one filly will leave Monday afternoon as the first Will Rogers Oaks champion, adding her name to the history of the newly established event.

The $166,100 Will Rogers Oaks is scheduled as race seven at Will Rogers Downs, with an approximate post time of 2:48 p.m.

The races at Will Rogers Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
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