Grade 1 winner Dance The Dust Off won the $34,595 AQHA Distance Challenge at Wyoming Downs today.

© Gene WIlson & Associates

EVANSTON, WY–JUNE 29, 2024–Grade 1 winner Dance The Dust Off will get another shot at his second win in the $100,000-est. Grade 1 Cox Ranch Distance Challenge Championship after posting a 1-1/2 length win in the $34,595 AQHA Distance Challenge at Wyoming Downs today.

Under jockey Nakia Teeter, Dance The Dust off flew late as he clocked 45.033 seconds, a 103-speed index, into a 5 mph headwind for the 870 yards. 

Trainer Tory Hadley saddles the 8-year-old son of Coronas Blackdiamond to his 13th career win for owner Jewell Ramirez. Bred in New Mexico by Sarah Donaldson Rioux, Dance The Dust Off has won picked up $16,951 to boost his bankroll to $208,553

Today's win includes an invite to the $100,000-est. Grade 1 Cox Ranch Distance Challenge Championship during the Challenge Championship Night this fall at Albuquerque Downs.

Katies Boy Joe picked up $7,265 for finishing second. Mike Scudder trains the Heir, Joe (TB), a 5-year-old, for owner-breeder Jeannie Anderson. Jose Figueroa rode the Wyoming bred out of Authentic Kate by Coronas Fast Dash.

The Kings Horse was 4-1/2 lengths back to earn $3,632 for third. Trainer Josh Taylor named jockey Oscar Cervantes to ride the Class King 8-year-old for owner Jerry Chapman. Bullard Farms bred the bay gelding in Texas from the Hadif (TB) mare Fletta Dif (TB).

Up The Score, Coronas With One S, Ocean Voyage, and Impressive Brook completed the field.