Challenge


Madewell Punches Championship Ticket With Win In Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge Sunday
Madewell, under jockey Jorge Bourdieu, winning the AQHA / The Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge on Sunday.

© Coady Photography
Madewell Punches Championship Ticket With Win In Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge Sunday

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—AUGUST 8, 2020—Madewell, under jockey Jorge Bourdieu, staked aerly then split horses down the stretch to win the Grade 2 $54,511 AQHA/ The Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge Sunday afternoon.

The 6-year-old son of multiple stakes sire Jess Jones insured his return to compete in the $100,000-est Grade 1 Cox Distance Challenge Championship on October 24th during the Bank of America Challenge Championship Night at The Downs at Albuquerque. Last year the sorrel gelding was third in the Let There Be Sound's championship win.

Conditioned by trainer Bernard Baca, Madewell posted the fastest qualifying time for the Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge from two trials contested August 8. Racing for owner-breeders Ray and Davy Madewell, Madewell is out of the Streak Of Cash mare Streakin Peacock.

The winning connections of Madewell accept The Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge stakes trophy on Sunday. © Coady Photography
The multiple graded stakes winner has compiled a (27) 6-8-2 record and today's $26,125 Distance winner's purse pushes his bankroll to $176,304. He also won the Grade Remington Park Distance Championship(G2) in 2019.

Nicos First Cartel finished 1-½ lengths off the winner to earn $11,175 for second. Miguel Perez had the riding call aboard the 4-year-odl First Prize Perry gelding for owner Erica Carreon and trainer Alvaro Hinojos. Out of the Royal Cartel mare Cartel Moon, Nicos First Cartel has earned $73,318. Fernando Canales is the breeder.

Debra Gotovac's Texas homebred Eyesa Superstitious finished another 1-½ lengths back in third. Trainer Bradley Bolen named Alejandro Medllin to ride the 5-year-old Agouti mare out of Eyesa Precious by Eyesa Special. The $5,451 purse increased the mares earnings to $27,213.

Mahoney N Tacklebery, Illtakeyouforaride, Loan Sharky, A Separate Secret and Bushwacker Dash completed the field.

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Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino is located in the heart of Albuquerque at Expo New Mexico, the home of the New Mexico State Fair, and general admission and parking are always free (via the casino entrance on Louisiana and Central). For more information, visit abqdowns.com and click on the "Racing" link at the top of the homepage.