KJ Desparado became the first Quarter Horse to earn over $3,000,000 in earnings with a win in the Grade 1, $100,000 Refrigerator Championship.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–NOVEMBER 18, 2023–History was made at Lone Star Park as KJ Desparado became the first Quarter Horse to earn over $3,000,000 in earnings with a win in the Grade 1, $100,000 Refrigerator Championship.

The homebred 4-year-old son of world champion Apollitical Jess has now won eight of his 11 starts at the classic quarter-mile trip, and five wins in as many starts at Lone Star Park.

In the Refrigerator Championship KJ Desparado broke sharply from post position 10 and led the field throughout the 440 yard race, crossing the finish line 1 1/4 lengths ahead of his closest rival. The brown gelding covered the quarter-mile in :21.345 as the wagering favorite with Adrian Ramos in the irons.

Wes Giles trains the son of leading sire Apollitical Jess for owners John Lee, Kathy Lee and Ruben Mares.

Last year's AQHA Champion 3-year-old also achieved AQHA Supreme Race Horse status in the same year. In 2023, the stellar athlete added to his resume by becoming AQHA's all-time leading money earner having earned $2,976,599 entering the Refrigerator Championship. The previous mark had been set by Ochoa in 2013.

KJ Desparado is also one of only four horses in history to pull off the Texas Classic Futurity and Derby Double.

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There were 5,419 fans on hand to witness the historic win. On-track handle for the 12 race card was $325,281, the highest for a Quarter Horse card at Lone Star Park since 2006. Total handle for the night was $1,011,137.

Two race nights remain in the 2023 Fall Meeting of Champions, Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25.

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Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie; A major league sports entertainment attraction that features two exciting racing seasons annually. Over 700,000 guests visit our beautiful facility each year, which features a seven-level glass-enclosed Grandstand, highlighted by our 1,200-seat Silks Dining Room and our 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites, all overlooking the newest race track in Texas. Situated next to our Grandstand is the 36,000 square foot world-class Las Vegas-style Racebook and simulcast facility, Bar & Book, which features wagering on horse racing from around the world 7-days a week year-round.

Lone Star Park is located on Beltline Road, just ½ mile north of I-30 in Grand Prairie, Texas. Visit LoneStarPark.com for more information.