Jesstafiably Jess won the $54,708 AQHA Emerald Downs Championship Challenge Sunday.

© Ginny Harding

AUBURN, WA–AUGUST 18, 2024–Multiple stakes winner Jesstafiably Jess (11-1) held off a late charge from Apolinaria Prize to win the $54,708 AQHA Emerald Downs Championship Challenge Sunday.

Under jockey Jaime Lopez, Jesstafiably Jess raced over the 440 yards in 21.840 seconds, earning a 99-speed index with a two mph tailwind.  The neck victory was the 10th career win for the son of multiple stakes sire One Sweet Jess.

Benito Curiel trains the 8-year-old gelding for owner-breeder Malon Cowgill. Jesstafiably Jess was bred in Washington from the Strawfly Special mare Fly Thru Time. He picked up $25,160 for today's effort, which increased his earnings to $107,663.

In addition to the winner's purse, Jesstafiably Jess earned a starting spot in the October 26 Grade 1 $265,000-est. AQHA Challenge Championship(G1) to be contested at the 2024 AQHA Challenge Championship at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Runner-up Apolinaria Prize, winner of last year's AQHA Emerald Downs Championship Challenge, earned $10,393 for second. Jockey Cordarelton Benn had the riding call for trainer Lorenzo Marquez-Campo. Juan Manuel Marquez owns the California-bred daughter of Fast Prize Cartel from the Finding Nemo mare Ss Calendar Girl. EG High Desert Farms LLC bred the graded stakes winner of $163,019.

Marcelino, a 6-year-old son of Sixthirteen (TB), finished one length back to earn $6,469 for third. Trainer Mario Portillo conditions the gelding for owners Mauricio Hernandez and Nester Hernandez. Jockey Javier Matias had the riding call. Bred by Rogelio Gonzalez from the Fastnfierce mare La Dvana, Marcelino had earned nearly $40,000.

Jesstafiably, Jess returned $23.76 to win, $7.38 to place, and $5.90 to show.

Bee A Freight Train, Whiskey Diva, Dr Tool, Dash To The Flash T, Corona Wagon Train, and GC Harrys Game completed the field.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted when it becomes available from the track's photographer.