Payments for the 2026 AQHA Racing Challenge program begin January 15, 2026.

© AQHA

By StallioneSearch

AMARILLO, TX–JANUARY 12, 2026– Payments for the 2026 AQHA Racing Challenge program begin January 15, and the American Quarter Horse Association is reminding owners and trainers to closely track upcoming nomination and sustaining deadlines as the Challenge season approaches.

For the 2026 Challenge season, AQHA has set a $400 nomination fee and an $800 sustaining fee for each eligible Challenge race. Nomination deadlines vary by event and region, making it critical for participants to review individual race requirements and submit payments on time.

AQHA’s Challenge program follows a strict deadline structure. If a nomination deadline is missed, a $2,500 late nomination fee will be due on the same date as the sustaining payment. If the nomination, sustaining, or late payment is not received, a $5,000 time-of-entry fee will be assessed at the track.

Owners are also reminded that horses must be properly enrolled in the AQHA Racing Challenge program to compete. American Quarter Horses that are registered with AQHA, or eligible to be registered, may be enrolled as long as the enroller is the recorded owner or lessee at the time of enrollment. Enrollment awards are paid based on AQHA records as they appear at the time of enrollment.

In addition, all owners participating in the Racing Challenge program must be current AQHA members in good standing in order to enroll horses and compete in Challenge races. Enrollment fees are based on the horse’s age at the time of enrollment and must be submitted on or before December 31 each year to avoid late penalties.

AQHA encourages participants to verify entry procedures directly with host racetracks and to remember that Challenge race schedules and deadlines are subject to change without advance notice.

CLICK HERE to view the online schedule
CLICK HERE to find out more about the AQHA Challenge Races.

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