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Scoops Dynasty Game Winner Over All-Time Earnings Leader In AQHA TUP Championship Challenge
Scoops Dynasty (#1) defeated Kj Desparado (#6) in the $53,014 AQHA Turf Paradise Championship Challenge on Tuesday afternoon.

© Coady Media

Scoops Dynasty Game Winner Over All-Time Earnings Leader In AQHA TUP Championship Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ—APRIL 15, 2025—The Championship Challenge returned to Turf Paradise this year with graded stakes winner Scoops Dynasty putting in a game effort to defeat all-time leading money earner Kj Desparado in the $53,014 AQHA Turf Paradise Championship Challenge today.

Jockey Jacob Enriquez used a quick start from the gate to take a half-length lead, then held off two-time champion Kj Desparado by a nose. Scoops Dynasty completed the 440 yards in 21.511 seconds, equaling a 98-speed index into a five mph headwind.

Trainer Diego Cervantes saddled the Idaho homebred to his ninth career win for owner-breeders Edward and Von Zae McNelis. The $25,507 AQHA Turf Paradise Championship winner's purse boosted Scoops Dynasty's earnings to $634,011.

The winning connections of Scoops Dynasty accept the AQHA Turf Paradise Championship Challenge stakes trophy at Turf Paradise. © Coady Media

The son of four-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty, from the Dashing Bye mare Bye Sweet Girl, also earned a starting spot in the $350,000-est. Bank of America Challenge Championship(G1) during the 2025 Racing Challenge Championships on October 18 at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Seven-time Grade 1 winner Kj Desparado boosted his all-time earnings record to $3,348,007 after finishing second. Wesley Giles conditions the Arizona homebred son of leading sire Apollitical Jess for owner-breeders John and Kathy Lee, and Ruben Mares.  The 6-year-old gelding is out of Tres Veses by Tres Seis. Ridden by Emilio Tapia, he has won 17 of 30 starts.

Shaundas Eagle finished half-a-length back under jockey Juan Rivas to earn $5,832 for third. Daren Jones conditions the son of One Fabulous Eagle for owners Kent Jones and Linda Jones. Weetona Stanley bred the bay gelding in Oklahoma from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare First Prize Shaunda.

Tell Jones, Seisponte, and Ocean Voyage completed the field. Hes My Sweatheart was scratched.

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